The recent fire at the Wembley IKEA store triggered concerns across the renewable energy industry, especially among professionals working with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. While solar power remains one of the safest and cleanest sources of renewable energy, incidents like this remind us that poor installation, incorrect component selection, or lack of maintenance can create serious safety risks.

At a time when the UK is rapidly scaling up solar installations—in homes, businesses, warehouses, and commercial rooftops—the industry must ensure that safety standards evolve just as quickly. Training centres like Elec Training and online education platforms such as www.elec.training continue to emphasise competency, workmanship, and compliance. But this incident highlights the importance of maintaining those standards across the entire solar industry.

As Charanjit Mannu, Director at Elec Training, told, solar installations are only as safe as the competence of the people installing, inspecting, and maintaining them.

This article explores what happened at Wembley IKEA, what it means for the solar industry, where installation standards must improve, and how both installers and consumers can make solar systems safer.

What Happened at the Wembley IKEA Fire?

While official investigations are ongoing, early assessments suggest the fire originated on the roof, where a large solar PV array was installed. Fires linked to solar systems are extremely rare, but when they do occur, they are often associated with:

• Faulty DC connections
• Poor installation practices
• Damaged cables or connectors
• Inadequate isolation methods
• Water ingress into electrical components
• Overheated inverters or optimisers

This incident reinforced a simple truth: solar PV systems must be installed, tested, and maintained to the highest standards.

Solar Panels Themselves Rarely Cause Fires

It is important to clarify that solar panels do not spontaneously combust. Most solar-related fires are traced back to:

• DC isolators
• Incorrectly fitted MC4 connectors
• Damaged DC cabling
• Faulty junction boxes
• Incorrect wiring
• Poor workmanship

In other words, it’s not the panels—it’s the installation quality that matters.

What the Incident Means for Solar Installation Standards

The Wembley IKEA fire is not a reason to fear solar energy. Instead, it’s a wake-up call for the industry to strengthen standards, improve training, and ensure every system is installed by competent professionals.

Here are the biggest lessons:

1. Competence Is Everything

Solar PV installations involve working with DC currents, which behave differently from AC electrical systems. DC arcs can persist even after disconnection and can be much more dangerous if mishandled.

This requires specialised knowledge in:

• DC cable routing
• Fire-safe installation methods
• Proper connector matching
• Safe isolation procedures
• Understanding string design
• Proper inverter placement

This is why training providers like Elec Training stress that PV installations should not be treated like standard electrical work.

2. Incorrect Connectors Are a Major Fire Risk

One of the most common causes of solar-related fires is mixing connector brands. MC4-style connectors are not universal. Using mismatched connectors can lead to:

• Poor contact
• Overheating
• DC arcing
• Water ingress

If the Wembley system contained mismatched connectors, even unintentionally, this could have contributed to the issue.

3. Poor Cable Management Can Be Deadly

Damaged cables, exposed wiring, or improperly supported cables can lead to:

• Abrasion
• Water damage
• Cable overheating
• Arcing faults

This is especially dangerous on commercial rooftops exposed to heat, environmental conditions, and foot traffic.

4. DC Isolators Are a Weak Point

DC isolators—especially rooftop isolators—are involved in a large number of solar-related fires worldwide. They must be:

• Weatherproof
• Properly installed
• Correctly sealed
• Positioned to avoid overheating

Many experts now recommend avoiding rooftop DC isolators entirely unless required by design.

5. Inadequate Maintenance Can Lead to Problems

Commercial solar systems often cover large roof areas. Without routine maintenance, minor issues can develop into major hazards.

Essential checks include:

• Thermal imaging
• Connector inspections
• Cable condition checks
• Inverter servicing
• Waterproofing assessments
• DC string testing

Routine PV maintenance should be treated with the same seriousness as boiler inspections or EICRs.

How Installers Can Improve Solar Safety

The Wembley IKEA fire is a reminder—not a warning—to improve professionalism in the solar industry. Installers can prevent issues by following best practices:

1. Choose Only Competent, Trained Installers

Solar PV is not beginner-level electrical work. Installers must have:

• Accredited solar qualifications
• DC electrical knowledge
• Understanding of BS 7671 and MCS standards
• Practical installation training

Training pathways from Elec Training and resources at www.elec.training are vital for professional development.

2. Never Mix Connector Brands

This is one of the strictest—and most important—rules in solar installation.

3. Ensure All Work Is Fully Tested

Proper commissioning includes:

• IV curve tracing
• Thermal imaging
• Insulation resistance testing
• Polarity checks
• String voltage checks

Skipping steps can leave hidden faults undiscovered.

4. Prioritise Cable Management

Installers must:

• Avoid sharp edges
• Use UV-resistant cable ties
• Support cables properly
• Keep cables off roof surfaces where possible
• Seal all entry points correctly

5. Keep Documentation Up to Date

Accurate records support maintenance, troubleshooting, and future upgrades.

What Consumers Can Learn from the Incident

Homeowners and businesses should be proactive too.

✔ Hire reputable installers—check reviews, qualifications, and experience

✔ Ask for MCS certification and proper documentation

✔ Schedule regular maintenance checks

✔ Ensure installers use approved components only

✔ Never attempt DIY repairs on solar systems

A properly installed solar system is extremely safe. The Wembley incident should be seen as a reminder to value quality over cost.

Final Thoughts: Safety Should Guide the Solar Boom

Solar PV remains one of the safest and most effective renewable technologies. But as installations increase, the importance of proper training, oversight, and maintenance cannot be ignored.

The Wembley IKEA fire does not undermine the value of solar energy—it highlights the need for:

• Better training
• Higher installation standards
• Industry oversight
• Routine inspections

With professional guidance from organisations like Elec Training and educational support from www.elec.training, the UK can continue expanding solar safely and sustainably.

As emphasised earlier, Charanjit Mannu, Director at Elec Training, told, the future of solar energy depends on one thing above all: the competence of the people installing it.