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Fire safety danger from solar systems: Between fear and reality in Schildow!
On July 2, 2025, a major fire brigade operation broke out in Schildow due to a fire caused by a solar system. Experts explain why security measures are important.
Fire safety danger from solar systems: Between fear and reality in Schildow!
Last week, a fire at the “Spatzenhaus” daycare center in Schildow caused a stir when a fire caused by a solar system affected the roof structure. But fortunately the fire brigade, which led the large-scale operation, remained uninjured. The district fire chief of Oberhavel, Gerd Ritter, made it clear that solar systems generally do not pose a particular fire risk and that they do not burn more often than conventional electrical appliances such as refrigerators. Maz Online reports on the situation and the measures taken to fight the fire.
The fire department had to maintain a safety distance of at least one meter when extinguishing the PV system to avoid the risk of electric shock. Ritter emphasized that it still makes sense to require private solar system owners to have their systems inspected every four years, as common defects such as loose contact points and worn cable insulation can pose a fire risk. Commercial facilities are already subject to regular inspections.
Fire protection measures for solar systems
With the increasing use of photovoltaic systems, the responsibility for their safety also increases. Fire protection for PV systems includes structural, technical and organizational measures to prevent fires. Loud SW project development The risk of fire in properly installed systems is extremely low, with less than 0.01 percent of PV systems causing fires. Fire protection measures are therefore necessary to avoid assembly errors, inferior components and lack of maintenance. Arcs caused by loose contacts or material fatigue are particularly dangerous.
An important aspect is compliance with safety distances when installing solar systems, which are required in many federal states. TÜV Nord points out that companies and operators should pay attention to quality specifications in order to ensure a high level of protection and take preventive measures. A brochure on fire protection planning and maintenance of PV systems, supported by various associations, sets out the standards that should be adhered to. TÜV Nord provides additional information on installation and maintenance as well as operator responsibility.
Practical tips for avoiding fire risks
Regularly cleaning the solar modules from dust and dirt as well as using high-quality components with test seals are further essential measures to ensure the functionality and safety of PV systems. To better manage risks, clear lines of communication between planning, installation and maintenance are required. Clarifications regarding responsibility for maintenance improve organizational fire protection measures.
In the event of a fire, you need to act quickly. Firefighters must be able to quickly identify the PV system because the modules are live even in daylight. When using photovoltaic systems in combination with other technologies such as heat pumps, special fire protection measures must be observed. A distance of at least 0.5 to 1 meter between the solar modules and combustible materials should also be maintained. So if you own or want to install a solar system, be sure to keep these important safety precautions in mind so that the green energy concept does not become a safety risk.