Rooftop solar is one of the fastest growing forms of renewable energy in the commercial and industrial sector. As more businesses turn to solar to cut costs and carbon, questions around fire safety are increasingly common. It is an understandable concern. A fire on a commercial site can be devastating, not only from a safety perspective but because of the impact on operations, property and insurance coverage.

At AMPYR Distributed Energy (ADE), we believe safety and performance go hand in hand. A well-designed, well-installed and well-maintained solar system is an exceptionally safe and reliable asset. Fire risk is low, but that risk must be managed carefully through quality design, strict standards and long-term asset oversight.

Solar PV systems are designed to operate safely for decades. However, like any electrical infrastructure, risks can emerge when quality or maintenance is neglected. RC62, the UK’s Joint Code of Practice on fire safety for solar installations, identifies poor installation practices, inadequate maintenance and product defects as the leading causes of fire incidents. Over time, environmental exposure, physical damage or deterioration of cables and joints can also create points of weakness. These issues can lead to localised heating and, in very rare cases, ignition.

While incidents are extremely uncommon, the potential impact is significant. A rooftop fire can damage not only the panels themselves but also the building fabric, production areas and electrical systems. It can trigger long insurance claims, disrupt operations and, in some cases, affect business continuity for months. For our customers, these risks are more than theoretical. They are a key consideration when deciding who to trust with a rooftop solar installation.

That is why at ADE, fire prevention starts long before a single panel is installed. Our systems are designed to meet the highest quality standards approved by our insurers, and in many cases to exceed them. We adopt proven design principles that minimise fire risk from the outset, including careful cable routing, robust mechanical protection, proper earthing and fully rated isolation and switching equipment.

We deliver every one of our projects through approved installation partners who share our safety-first approach. We do not work with contractors unless they can demonstrate proven experience, adherence to our design standards and a strong record in C&I rooftop delivery. Our partners hold appropriate competence and insurances, with independent health and safety accreditation where applicable. Each installation is subject to quality review before commissioning to verify that safety and workmanship meet our own requirements and those of our insurers.

We also collaborate closely with our customers and their building insurers to ensure that installations are designed in line with their specific fire safety requirements. Many insurers have developed detailed guidance on panel placement, access spacing, isolation zones and cable protection. By engaging early in the design process, we make sure every stakeholder is comfortable before work begins.

Fire safety is not a fixed standard but an area that continues to evolve as technology, regulation and industry knowledge advance. Our partner-led model allows us to collaborate with market-leading installers and technical advisors. Together we review the latest data on incidents, new component types and insurer guidance. We share these insights across our partner network and constantly refine our quality standards. Insights from one project are quickly applied to others, ensuring continuous improvement in both safety and performance. By building a portfolio-wide view, we can spot emerging risks early and take proactive steps to address them.

This approach benefits not just ADE but the wider industry. We actively promote best practice across our partner network and work with suppliers to improve component quality, installation methods and inspection processes. Industry analysis from SolarPower Europe reinforces this view, highlighting that while fire incidents remain rare, consistent quality control and matched components are critical to maintaining safety.

From a customer’s viewpoint the possibility of fire raises serious questions. Will business operations be interrupted? Can the site continue to be safely insured? What about reputation and the safety of occupants and staff? These concerns drive every decision we make at ADE. Our customers are not simply benefiting from renewable energy; they are investing in a long-term partnership with us as asset owner and manager.

For them the key issue isn’t just that the system generates power, it is that the system performs safely and reliably over its full life. They expect the highest standards of risk management and transparency. By working with ADE, they gain confidence that we have addressed fire risk at each stage, from design to delivery, to operation and maintenance.

ADE’s responsibility does not end when a solar system is switched on. Because we remain the long-term owner and operator of our distributed energy assets, we take full responsibility for their performance and safety throughout their lifespan. Fire prevention is built into our asset management strategy from day one.

We use advanced digital monitoring systems that track output and electrical performance across thousands of data points. Any anomaly triggers an alert for investigation. This allows us to intervene quickly and prevent potential issues from developing further.

Our asset management team conducts regular maintenance and visual inspections to ensure that cabling, connectors and isolators remain in good condition. Preventative maintenance is scheduled in accordance with both manufacturer guidance and insurer expectations. This long-term vigilance is what keeps our systems performing safely and efficiently year after year.

For customers this is an important distinction. They are not simply buying a solar system and hoping for the best. They are partnering with a company that remains fully invested in the asset’s ongoing safety and reliability. Knowing that ADE continues to manage, monitor and maintain the system gives our customers confidence that fire risk is under control for the life of the asset.

“Fire safety is non-negotiable for us,” says Neil Borrill-Carroll, development director at AMPYR Distributed Energy. “We are currently in the process of installing rooftop solar at 14 locations across the UK, and every one of them is built to the same high standard. We work hand in hand with our EPC partners, technical advisors and insurers to ensure that our designs meet the best-practice guidance available. For our customers that means complete confidence in the quality, safety and performance of their system.”

For ADE, safety is not a separate process or a compliance exercise. It is an integral part of how we design, build and operate every asset. Our commitment to continuous improvement and data-driven monitoring ensures that fire safety remains at the heart of everything we do. By collaborating with our partners, technical advisors, customers and insurers, we are delivering safe, reliable and efficient rooftop solar in the UK. Our goal is not just to generate clean energy, but to do so with the highest standards of quality, safety and trust.