Fire Safety & Compliance in Commercial Solar PV Installations

With our industry expertise and commitment to excellence, we ensure that every installation meets the highest safety standards, including compliance with RC62 (Fire Protection Association – Recommendations for Fire Safety for Photovoltaic Panels).

As a leading commercial solar installer in the UK, dedicated to delivering high-quality solar PV systems that help businesses reduce their energy costs, safety and quality are two of our biggest objectives and form a big part of our company values. And when it comes to safety, fire safety is one that should never be overlooked.

Here’s how we approach fire safety, compliance, and optimal system performance in our commercial solar PV projects.

Key Considerations for Fire-Safe Commercial Solar Installations

1. System Design & Fire Safety Compliance

A well-designed solar PV system should not only be efficient but also fire-safe. Our approach includes:

Comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment – We conduct in-depth risk assessments based on RC62 guidelines to identify potential hazards, including electrical faults and ignition risks.

Proper Separation Distances – Ensuring adequate spacing between PV arrays and combustible materials, such as roof insulation and structural components, is crucial for safety.

Roof Material & Fire Ratings – We assess the fire rating of the existing roof structure and determine if additional protective measures, like fire-resistant barriers, are required.

Fire Breaks for Larger Systems – Incorporating fire breaks (gaps between PV arrays) prevents fire spread and enhances overall safety.

Emergency Isolation for Firefighters – Installing accessible isolators at ground level, near the main electrical intake, ensures first responders can quickly and safely de-energize the system.

2. Electrical Safety & Protection

Electrical safety is a cornerstone of our commercial solar installations. We implement:

DC Cabling & Protection – Using double-insulated, UV-resistant, and fire-rated DC cables, we ensure secure cable management to prevent overheating and fire risks. DC cable lengths are minimised to reduce voltage drop and potential faults.

Rapid Shutdown & Isolation – We consider module-level rapid shutdown devices to allow emergency de-energisation of the system, complemented by clear signage for firefighters.

Strategic Inverter Placement – Inverters are installed in well-ventilated areas away from combustible materials. Where necessary, we use fire-rated enclosures for additional protection.

a glossary of terms used for solar installers in the uk

3. Structural & Roof Load Considerations

Every commercial rooftop has unique load-bearing capacities, and we account for:

Roof Load Capacity – Conducting structural surveys ensures that the roof can support the weight of PV panels and mounting systems.

Wind & Weather Resistance – We use secure racking and non-combustible mounting materials to withstand extreme weather conditions.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Certification

We ensure full compliance with UK regulations, including:

RC62 (Fire Safety Recommendations for PV Panels) – Essential for fire risk mitigation.

BS 7671:2018 + A2:2022 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) – Adhering to electrical safety standards.

MCS Standards & NICEIC Certification – Guaranteeing quality and compliance with UK electrical safety laws.

Insurance & Warranty Considerations – Our installations meet insurer requirements, and we use fire-rated PV modules certified to IEC 61730.

5. Firefighter Access & Emergency Response

To facilitate emergency services, we design systems with:

Clear Access Routes – Ensuring safe movement for emergency responders on commercial rooftops.

Signage & Labels – Marking PV system components, isolation points, and providing fire brigade instructions for safe system shutdown.

6. Maintenance & Monitoring

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance help prevent fire hazards and enhance system longevity:

Thermal Imaging & Routine Inspections – Regular thermal scans detect hotspots and potential electrical faults.

Arc Fault Detection & RCD Protection – We incorporate arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) and proper residual current device (RCD) protection on AC circuits to minimise fire risks.

Safety First, Safety Second, Safety Third

By integrating RC62 recommendations into our commercial solar PV installations, we ensure fire-safe, regulation-compliant and high-performance systems. Our expertise in solar installs, combined with a proactive approach to fire risk mitigation and electrical safety, protects both assets and personnel while maximising system efficiency.

Our Values: Quality, Safety, and Integrity

Quality – We uphold the highest standards of workmanship, leveraging industry expertise and cutting-edge technology to exceed client expectations.
Safety – A safety-first approach underpins every project, ensuring compliance, proactive risk management, and a secure environment for all stakeholders.
Integrity – Transparency, honesty, and accountability define our work, fostering long-term trust with our clients.

Would you like a tailored checklist for RC62 compliance in your next commercial solar installation? Get in touch with our expert team today.