KT Tan of Viridian Solar believes that several measures introduced by the UK government have limitations in regards to safety.
April 22, 2026
In this contributed blog, KT Tan of Viridian Solar examines the UK solar industry's fire safety data gap and introduces BRE's PV-FIN research project, which addresses outdated evidence.
The solar PV industry is currently experiencing a surge of activity – a common trait for a fast-growing sector – but a clear theme is beginning to emerge. 
Recognising the critical role of solar PV in achieving energy security and decarbonisation, the UK government recently announced the Future Homes Standard, which mandates solar PV for all new-build properties. Simultaneously, a review of Approved Document B was launched to refine fire safety requirements for these installations.
In anticipation of these changes, several initiatives have sought to support the safe deployment of solar technology. The Building Safety Regulator commissioned the HSE to conduct experimental fire research, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) published a fire safety report authored by OFR Consultants. 
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However, these efforts have limitations: the former relied on a narrow set of experiments, while the latter was primarily an academic literature review.
While this increased focus on fire safety is welcome, we must ask: how applicable is this research to the current state of PV fire in the UK? Both reports reference the BRE’s Fire and Solar PV Systems report, a study that is now based on decade-old data. In the intervening years, technology and installation practices have evolved significantly. 
We must determine whether the industry's historical response to that report improved safety statistics, whether the quality of the UK workforce has matured, and whether new mitigation products have effectively reduced risk. Are we making 2026 decisions based on a 2015 reality?
Having served on various BSI, IEC, and MCS committees, I have seen firsthand the efforts to address fire safety at the national and international levels. Yet, despite anecdotal feedback and some spectacular social media posts, we still lack the robust, contemporary data needed to accurately measure our progress.
To address this data gap, the BRE has initiated a landmark research project. Drawing on lessons from the past, this project incorporates expert input from trade bodies, assurance schemes, fire professionals, and leading manufacturers, collectively known as the PV Fire Intelligence Network (PV-FIN).
While PV-FIN remains focused on UK-specific data, it adopts a more comprehensive methodology than previous studies. Rather than investigating fire incidents in “post-mortem” analysis, the scope has been expanded to include work practices and "near misses." 
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Guided by the principle that "prevention is better than a cure," this proactive approach aims to identify and mitigate risks at the source, ensuring maximum fire safety impact with targeted efforts. The industry shall shift from reactive crisis management to proactive risk mitigation.
PV-FIN is launching a national survey to gather these vital insights. Stakeholders are encouraged to report their experiences confidentially across three key areas:
Work Practices: General installation and maintenance trends across the industry.
Near Misses: Events that could have resulted in a fire but were intercepted.
Fire Incidents: Detailed accounts of all solar PV-related fire events.
The survey will remain open until 30 July 2026.
This national survey is more than a data-collection exercise; it is an opportunity for the industry to self-regulate and lead from the front.
This project is not intended to create alarm or confusion. Instead, the objective is to identify trends and understand failure mechanisms. By doing so, the industry can put fire risks into their proper perspective and ensure that future industry actions remain proportional and effective.
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Your participation will directly shape the future of solar deployment policies. The resulting statistics and recommendations will form the evidence base for how our industry addresses risk for years to come.
The PV industry currently faces a paradox: fire risk is receiving significant regulatory attention, yet there is a distinct lack of contemporary evidence to guide that attention.
As we navigate the challenges of the energy transition, many external factors remain outside our control. However, the fire safety of our installations is a shared responsibility, and our combined efforts can directly determine the outcome. By participating in this survey, you are helping the industry understand the problem so that we can build a safer, more resilient solar future together.
The data we collect today will be the foundation of the policies we live by tomorrow.
Dr KT Tan is the chief technical officer at Viridian Solar, a UK-based manufacturer of roof-integrated solar modules. With a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, he is an expert in solar technology, specialising in areas like roof-integrated systems and advanced cell technologies.
 
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chief technical officer, Viridian Solar
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