As solar energy adoption accelerates worldwide, the safety of photovoltaic systems is facing increasing scrutiny. A new report from the Netherlands has drawn attention to a hidden threat within many PV installations — the cables.
Three major Dutch institutions — the Netherlands Institute for Public Safety, the Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute, and the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research — recently published a national study highlighting the fire risks related to rooftop solar systems. The findings serve as a serious reminder for the global solar industry.
Fire Incidents and the Role of PV Cables
According to the report, the Netherlands recorded around 10000 building fires during 2022 and 2023. Among these, 152 were linked to rooftop PV systems. Fire departments investigated 70 of these incidents in depth, and 31 were confirmed to be directly caused by the PV system components — nearly half of the cases studied.
While solar systems are designed to promote clean energy, these incidents show that poor PV cable safety can pose a serious risk. In many cases, the root cause was found in the wiring — specifically, cable insulation failures, overheating, or arcing due to low quality cables or incorrect installation.
Common Causes Behind PV Cable Fires
Material degradation is a leading factor. In several cases, non flame retardant or UV sensitive cables were used, especially those with outer sheaths made from PVC or other unsuitable materials. These degrade quickly under sunlight, crack, and expose the conductor — leading to short circuits and system failure.
In other situations, poor installation was to blame. Loose connections, poor crimping, and bending stress were all cited as reasons for cable failure. Even a high quality cable can fail if not properly installed, which shows that both product quality and workmanship matter.
Certification also plays a key role. Uncertified solar cables may not meet necessary performance levels under heat, flame, or mechanical stress. Using TÜV certified, EN 50618 compliant, or CPR rated PV cables is essential to ensure fire safety and long term reliability.
Three Key Lessons for Solar Project Stakeholders
Choose fire resistant materials
Avoid using cables made from materials that lack UV resistance or flame retardancy. Look for insulation types like XLPO that are built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.Prioritize proper installation
Make sure all cables are installed by trained professionals. Pay attention to connection quality, routing, and bending radius to avoid mechanical stress or weak joints.Use certified PV cables
Insist on cables that meet standards such as EN 50618, IEC 62930, or TÜV specifications. Certification ensures the cable has passed real world tests under conditions similar to those found in actual solar environments.
Conclusion
The recent increase in PV-related fire incidents in the Netherlands is a warning for the entire industry. Solar cable quality and installation practices must be held to higher standards to prevent avoidable accidents.
Choosing certified, fire resistant solar cables is not just a technical decision. It is a matter of protecting people, property, and the long term trust in solar technology.
The clean energy future depends on strong foundations — and safe PV cable systems are one of the most important parts of that foundation.
