Fire response services company Fire Ops SA reports a sharp increase in structural fires linked to solar-powered installations, with one-quarter of all structural fires it responds to linked to batteries, inverters and equipment tied to solar systems, says Fire Ops SA CEO and Deputy Fire Chief De Wet Engelbrecht.

According to Statistics South Africa’s 2025 General Household Survey, around 675 000 homes have solar systems, which is an 86% increase in three years.

Fires can start in different parts of a solar system, including owing to ageing or faulty batteries, inverter faults, loose or deteriorating wiring and electrical connections and poor installation, says Engelbrecht.

Additionally, lithium-ion battery fires require specific protocols for extinguishing, he notes.

“Lithium-ion battery fires behave differently from conventional household fires. Thermal runaway can cause intense heat, toxic gases and the potential for fire to reignite even after it appears to have been contained.

“Homeowners should not attempt to manage a lithium-ion battery fire themselves. These fires require specialist knowledge and equipment. The priority should be getting to safety and getting professional help as quickly as possible,” Engelbrecht says.

“A home solar system is effectively a small power station on your property. It needs to be installed properly, but it also needs to be inspected and maintained throughout its life.”

Homeowners should focus on reducing the chances of a fire starting and making sure a fire is detected as quickly as possible, he says.

For example, batteries and inverters require adequate ventilation and, where possible, should be kept away from vehicles, fuel and other combustible materials. A qualified installer should advise on the safest location for a particular system, Engelbrecht says.

Homeowners are also advised to look out for warning signs, including swollen batteries, excessive heat, unusual smells or noises, error messages and unexplained system faults, which should be investigated by a qualified professional.

They should choose reputable solar specialists with recognised industry credentials to install their systems and use a registered electrician authorised to inspect, test and certify electrical installations. Homeowners must insist on a valid electrical Certificate of Compliance, and not a certificate of completion, once the installation is complete, he recommends.

A solar system should also be inspected and serviced once a year, including wiring, connections, batteries and the inverter, he adds.

Further, batteries should be replaced before their end‑of‑life and, if they start swelling, they should be replaced immediately.

Homeowners should also install smoke detectors near solar equipment and automated detection should be linked to professional emergency response.