The number of fires involving solar panels has soared after a boom in their use driven by energy bill rises, The Independent can reveal.
Data obtained under freedom of information rules show that there were six times the number of fires involving solar panels last year compared with 10 years ago.
The rate has increased sharply with 66 firesâ¯already recorded up until July this year compared with 63 for the whole of 2019, prompting concern from safety experts who are worried about a lack of regulation on who can install them.
NHS worker Tracey Adams and her 13-year-old son Leo were forced from their West London home last month when a fire sparked by solar panels on their roof tore through their council house.
They said the experience was “so traumatic” and the pair have been forced to live in three different budget bed and breakfasts since the blaze, which left the building declared too unstable for them to return to.
Read more: Fears over solar panel safety as number of fires rises six-fold
