Fire safety and solar

As another wildfire season approaches, you might be concerned about fire safety and how it relates to the solar panels on your roof. While we hope it’s something you never have to experience, we’re here to walk you through any concerns you might have to help you feel prepared in the event of a house fire. Here’s what you need to know.

Note: The good news is, you don’t need to shut off your system or do anything special to your panels during a house fire or evacuation. Always put you and your family’s safety first and let the fire department handle the rest.

Are solar panels fireproof?

Solar panels are designed to endure all kinds of extreme weather, from scorching heat to hurricanes to hailstorms, but no solar panels are actually fireproof. Unfortunately, if your home catches on fire, chances are your solar energy system might too.

How can I protect my solar assets?

If you purchased your solar energy system, check with your insurance agent to see if your homeowner’s insurance covers your solar assets. Residential solar energy installations are typically covered as part of a standard homeowner’s policy, but it’s always a good idea to double check. If your solar energy system is not insured, you can work with your insurance agent to make adjustments to your policy.¹

If you currently lease your solar or have entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), then your solar provider owns the solar energy system and is responsible for repairs and replacements. We recommend reporting any fire damage to your solar provider as soon as possible for a timely repair.

Tips to stay safe this summer

• Test your fire alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year.
• July is the peak month for grill fires. Only use propane and charcoal bbq grills outdoors, away from the home, deck railings, and away from eaves or branches.
• Keep children and pets away from fire pits, fireplaces, and grill areas.
• Use caution when handling fireworks and only light fireworks in approved zones defined by local governments. Remember, fireworks need space from trees, carports, power lines, and other obstacles. Always have a bucket of water in case of emergency and remember to soak used fireworks in water for at least 30 minutes before disposal.
• Keep portable fire extinguishers in your kitchen away from your stove and in other easy-to-reach areas of your home.
• Create a fire escape plan for your family and get each member familiar with it.²

Solar education with local fire departments

Today’s firefighters have the added challenge of working around modern technology. We take the safety of every homeowner very seriously, which is why we have been working with fire departments to help educate them on safe solar operations. If you would like us to reach out to your local fire department, please contact us at 877.404.4129.

Solar Panels are Safe

Having solar panels on your roof does not put you at any greater fire risk. In the rare occurrence that your solar panels are damaged in a home fire, you can work with your home insurance provider or solar provider to get matters resolved.

Miracles happen when communities come together to help those in need.

In December of 2017, the community of Ventura, California was devastated by monstrous wildfire that destroyed countless homes. With flames crawling over the nearby mountains at the speed of a football field per second, the community evacuated as quickly as they could. The Davidsons were there amidst the tragedy, and this is their story.

Sources:

1. https://www.allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/solar-panels.aspx
2. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets