Eighty schools across England have switched off their solar arrays after a fire broke out at one site, as reported by BBC News. The incident is a stark reminder that the technology saving households hundreds of pounds a year can also be a fire risk if not properly installed or maintained.
What went wrong at the school
Fire crews were called to a primary school after a solar panel system caught alight. Investigators traced the fault to a DC isolator, the switch that cuts the direct current from panels to the inverter. These switches are mandatory under UK wiring regulations, but cheap or poorly sealed units can arc internally, especially in damp conditions. The school’s entire array has been turned off pending investigation, and 79 other schools with the same equipment have followed suit as a precaution.
How this applies to your home
If you had solar panels installed before 2019, there is a higher chance your DC isolator is a model that has since been flagged as problematic by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The Energy Saving Trust recommends that homeowners check the make and model of their isolator, look for a label near the inverter. If it says ‘Eaton’ or ‘Hager’, you are likely fine. If it is unbranded or says ‘PV isolator’ without a UKCA mark, consider having it inspected by an MCS-certified electrician. The cost of an inspection is typically £100–£150, a fraction of the potential loss if a fire spreads.
What it costs a typical 3-bed semi
A standard 4 kW solar installation on a semi-detached house costs around £5,000–£6,000, according to MCS data. Annual savings on electricity bills are roughly £300–£500 under current price caps. But if a faulty DC isolator causes a fire, the repair bill for roof damage alone can run into tens of thousands. Most standard home insurance policies exclude damage caused by ‘inherent defect’ or ‘faulty workmanship’ unless you have specifically declared the solar installation. Ofgem told Axiom that homeowners should notify their insurer within 14 days of installation and request a policy addendum. Some insurers now require proof of MCS certification before they will cover solar-related fires.
Three checks you can do this weekend
First, find your inverter, usually in the loft, garage, or an external wall box. Look at the DC isolator switch nearby. Is it branded? Is there any sign of rust, water staining, or melting around the plastic casing? Second, check your installation certificate. If it does not mention MCS accreditation, contact your installer. Third, call your home insurer and ask: ‘Does my policy cover fire caused by solar equipment?’ If they hesitate, get it in writing. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed to the BBC that it is reviewing guidance on DC isolator standards. Until that review lands, the responsibility sits with the homeowner.
The school fire is not a reason to rip panels off your roof. But it is a reason to check the one component that rarely gets a second glance, the switch that could save your house or cost you everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Check the make and model first. If you cannot identify it or see signs of damage, book an MCS-certified electrician for an inspection. Do not attempt to open the isolator yourself, DC voltages can exceed 600V and are lethal.
It depends on your policy. Many standard policies exclude damage from faulty installation unless you have declared the system and shown proof of MCS certification. Call your insurer and ask explicitly about solar fire cover.
