Solar panel debris from fires on the rise, raising safety concerns
The frequency of solar panel debris scattering during fires has sharply increased in recent years, according to data obtained by NU.nl from the Dutch Institute for Public Safety (NIPV). In 2019, such incidents occurred once, but last year, the number had risen to 19.
Jeff Evertse from the Safety Region of Midden- and West-Brabant explained that the fragments themselves are not a direct health risk to the public. "The primary concern is the possibility of cuts," Evertse told Nu.nl, highlighting the potential injuries from sharp pieces of broken panels. Evertse’s region recently dealt with a factory fire in Dongen, where solar panel fragments were found as far as 18 kilometers away from the site.
The NIPV's investigation, covering the period from January 2018 to June 2023, found that in 33 out of 240 fires in buildings with solar panels, fragments of burned and unburned panels were found in the surrounding area. After June 2023, two additional incidents were reported. In 2024, the number of cases surged to 19, and as of this year, there have already been five. "More solar panels are being installed, which increases the chances of fragments landing in gardens, on roads, and in fields," a NIPV spokesperson wrote.
The location of the fire reportedly plays a crucial role in the spread of solar panel debris. Evertse noted that the fire in Dongen started in a tannery production hall containing chemicals and animal oils. These substances contribute to a more intense and rapid fire, propelling the fragments farther away. "The hotter the air, the higher the particles rise, which means they can travel farther from the incident," he added. The size of the roof and the number of solar panels it holds also affect how far the debris can spread.
The NIPV acknowledged that there are currently no established procedures for cleaning up solar panel debris in the aftermath of a fire. This also applies to other materials commonly spread during fires, such as insulation and roofing materials. The NIPV is working on a guideline, expected to be released in June, that will outline the responsibilities of involved parties in dealing with post-fire debris, including solar panel fragments.
