What fails in solar PV
278 solar PV incidents from public reporting, 2014 to 2026. The parts each entry's own reporting mentions, counted; and, for the records the register has classified, the component and the mode where one was established.
Where the reporting mentions a part, modules or strings is mentioned most often: in 215 of the 278 entries, then roof or mounting (150) and inverter (25). In 39 entries the reporting mentions none of these parts. A mention is not a finding of fault.
Parts mentioned in the reporting
| Part mentioned | Entries | |
|---|---|---|
| Modules or strings | 215 | |
| Roof or mounting | 150 | |
| Inverter | 25 | |
| DC cabling, connectors or isolator | 16 | |
| Transformer or switchgear | 8 | |
| Not stated | 39 |
Questions answered
What fails most often in solar PV?
Where the reporting mentions a part, modules or strings is mentioned most often: in 215 of the 278 entries, then roof or mounting (150) and inverter (25). In 39 entries the reporting mentions none of these parts. A mention is not a finding of fault. Component and mode: 18 solar PV records on the register have an approved record with a controlled component and mode, and 4 of those have no mode established in any public source. Each entry says what its sources established and nothing more.
What causes solar panel fires?
166 of the 278 solar PV entries are fires or thermal events. 166 thermal / fire, 67 electrical, 24 other, 17 mechanical, 4 near-miss across the whole set. Where a fire service, regulator or operator stated a cause, the entry carries it and says who said it; where none did, the entry says so.
How many solar PV incidents are on the register?
278 entries from 32 countries, 2014 to 2026, 11 of them classed as major. Every entry is written from published reporting with its sources and is free to read.
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More: every solar PV entry · by year, country and what failed · what fails in the other technologies · data centres.