I read a news article about a rooftop solar system catching fire. Is this a common risk? How can I ensure my house is safe?
💬 1 Answer
👤 Safety Inspector from Chennai
Solar panels themselves do not catch fire. Fires are almost always caused by poor installation—specifically, loose DC electrical connections (like poorly crimped MC4 connectors) which cause 'DC Arcing' (sparks). To ensure safety:
1. Hire an experienced installer.
2. Ensure they use genuine, branded MC4 connectors (like Staubli) and crimp them with the correct tool.
3. Ensure DC fuses and Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are installed in the DC Distribution Box (DCDB).