Solar and safety
Curious about how safe solar really is and whether it can cause fires or affect human health? Explore the facts and learn how safety is managed in every solar project.
Like any device connected to the internet, solar systems with smart features—such as monitoring apps or online inverters—can carry cybersecurity risks. Just like with your Wi-Fi router or laptop, it’s very important to use strong passwords and keep your system updated. That alone will make it much more challenging for attackers. The EU is introducing new rules to improve cybersecurity standards for energy systems, including solar. These will help keep solar technology secure as more homes and businesses go digital.
Fire incidents involving solar are extremely rare—especially when systems are installed properly by certified professionals. In fact, the UK government data demonstrates that other safe household appliances are much more likely to cause a fire than solar panels. Toasters cause more than five times as many fires as solar panels, and dishwashers cause twice as many. As with any electrical system, regular checks, and proper installation are key to keeping everything running safely.
No, solar farms do not pose a risk to human health. They don’t produce air or water pollution, and the electromagnetic fields (EMF) they generate are similar to those from household devices like microwaves or Wi-Fi routers, far below safety limits.
Yes, solar farms can actually help protect wildlife. With proper planning and project design, they can create safe habitats for birds, reptiles, bees, and pollinators—to name a few. Many solar sites include biodiversity areas, planting native flowers or grasses to support local ecosystems.
During construction, care is taken to avoid disturbing nesting sites or sensitive species, following local environmental guidelines.
No. Solar systems are designed to work safely with the grid and meet strict electrical standards. In fact, many solar systems use inverters, which help stabilise the grid by managing voltage and power flow. As more solar energy is added to the grid, smarter systems are being developed to keep everything balanced and reliable.
The ‘heat island’ effect from solar farms is similar to the heat generated by roads and other human-made surfaces. The extra heat is barely noticeable 30m away from the panels and is not strong enough to affect local climate and weather. Actually, the panels help cool the ground they shade during the day, balancing out the effect.
Modern solar panels are designed to soak up sunlight, not bounce it back. In fact, they are covered with special anti-reflective coatings to help them absorb as much light as possible. That means they actually reflect less light than things like windows, water, or even your car windscreen (ISRN Renewable Energy, January 2011). For large projects near homes or airports, developers check for glare during planning, and thanks to smart design, it’s rarely an issue.
