As we work towards a greener planet we are seeing a huge increase in the use of solar panel technology. According to Statista in 2022, China was the leading country based on solar energy consumption, followed by the United States1. In the UK, there are approximately 1.3 million solar panel installations and in 2023, a modest 2.3% of the total energy produced by the UK was solar power2.
So, how do solar panels work?
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV), have cells which generate electricity from sunlight even on cloudy days when there is no direct sunlight.
Huge investment in solar panels in the UK
According to Greenmatch (2024), the solar PV market is projected to grow over 20% by 20263 and we can see this being reflected in recent news stories. Mastercard has applied to install 779 solar panels at its offices in Harrogate4 and the National Children’s Museum in Halifax has had plans approved for 581 solar panels5. Perdiswell Leisure Centre in Worchester is investing £260,000 in a new energy efficient water recover system thanks to solar panels6 and Orbital Retail Park in Swinton has been given the green light to instal 5,000 solar panels7. We could go on…
The insurance market and solar panels
The insurance market has a number of concerns regarding PV systems, as there have been several reported fires involving PV solar panels.
Last month, two solar panel manufacturing companies, one in China and the other in Ohio, both experienced fires at their factories8. Even more recently, the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre had to evacuate over 2,500 people after its solar panels caught fire9.
Contrary to popular belief, its not just abroad that this happens. A Travelodge hotel on the south coast of England, in Poole, had to evacuate the building when a fire involving solar panels broke out on the roof in March.10
A number of things can cause these fires including poor PV panel installation, using incorrectly specified equipment, faulty equipment, panel faults, electrical system failures or even the weather.
Solar panels are a huge investment and with the proper maintenance can help climate change. To check your solar panels are protected, contact one of our friendly advisors on [number].
If you are looking to install solar panels, speak to our team today so if we can cover you.