A man identified as Papa Ubah in a viral video was seen informing his followers that a fire outbreak was caused by solar panels installed on the roof of the building.

This claim is MISLEADING.

A solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) panel, is a device designed to harness sunlight and convert it into electricity using a process called the photovoltaic effect. Typically, it is made up of multiple solar cells made from semiconductor materials such as silicon.

When sunlight hits these cells, it powers the electrons, generating a flow of electric current. This electricity can then be used to charge electrical devices or store in batteries for later use. Solar panels have been identified as key components of solar energy systems, which offer a sustainable and renewable source of electricity.

Solar panels have become an increasingly popular source of renewable energy, with the global solar roofing industry expected to generate approximately £183.62 billion by 2031.

While solar panels are generally considered safe, there have been instances where solar panels have caused fires due to faulty installation, maintenance, or manufacturing defects. For example, according to a 2018 UK government report, 58 of the more than 1 million solar panel installations were directly responsible for fires.

A study by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) also found that PV systems are often installed with very little consideration given to fire safety and as PV systems are part of the electrical family, they are also subjected to the typical types of electrical fire ignition. The results of the ‘1,000 and 100,000 roofs programme’ done in Germany further indicated that PV system failures are rare and largely attributable to the PV equipment itself. 

CONCLUSION

The claim that solar panels cause fire is misleading as available studies and reports revealed that solar panels themselves are not commonly responsible for causing fires but factors such as faulty installation, maintenance, or manufacturing defects may sometimes lead to fires.