Rising Concerns Over Solar Panel Fires in Nigeria
The Nigerian Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), has raised alarms about the growing number of fire incidents linked to improperly installed rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across the country. As the nation’s power sector continues to struggle with unreliable electricity supply, many Nigerians are turning to solar energy as a solution to frequent blackouts. However, this shift has led to an alarming rise in fire outbreaks caused by faulty installations.
In a public notice issued by NEMSA, the agency expressed serious safety concerns, highlighting that many of the reported incidents were associated with poor workmanship, the use of substandard materials, and non-compliance with technical standards and regulations. The notice, signed by the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, stated, “The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency has observed with serious safety concern the increasing number of fire incidents allegedly linked to improperly installed rooftop solar photovoltaic systems across the country.”
While the adoption of renewable energy is encouraged in line with Nigeria’s energy transition objectives, NEMSA emphasized that safety must remain a top priority. To address the issue, the agency has issued comprehensive safety guidelines for the installation of rooftop solar PV systems in Nigeria, based on provisions from the Electricity Act 2023.
Key Guidelines for Safe Solar Installation
NEMSA directed members of the public to engage only qualified and NEMSA-certified solar PV system installers. These professionals are expected to have the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge of technical standards and regulations. According to the new guidelines:
- The installation of the rooftop solar PV system must be carried out only by NEMSA-certified electrical contractors.
- The contractor must possess a valid NEMSA competency certificate during the installation works.
- A load assessment of the facility or premises must be conducted prior to installation to ensure the system is appropriately sized and can operate safely.
- The roof must be structurally sound and capable of supporting the PV solar system.
NEMSA warned that panels should be installed using appropriate mounting structures, as weak roof construction or improper installation can result in roof damage, fire hazards, and significant safety risks. The agency also advised against using PV modules with cracks, bent frames, air bubbles, hot spots, or loose junction boxes, as these can cause electrical faults and increase the risk of fire or equipment failure.
Electrical Safety Measures
On electrical safety, the notice declared that a minimum clearance of 0.13m between the roofing material and the PV modules is required to ensure adequate ventilation and cooling during high temperatures. Insufficient clearance may lead to overheating, reduced system performance, and potential damage to the modules.
Installers are mandated to install DC and AC isolators to enable emergency shutdown. They must also provide appropriately rated circuit breakers and fuses to prevent overloading and install surge protection devices to protect the system against lightning surges. Proper earthing (grounding) of the entire system is essential, with an earth resistance value of 2 ohms or below.
Battery Installation and Maintenance
NEMSA emphasized the need for proper battery installation, warning that batteries should be installed in a well-ventilated, secure location away from living areas and heat sources. For lithium batteries, the agency directed that a battery management system must be provided, and the installation site should be equipped with an appropriate cooling or air-conditioning system to maintain safe operating temperatures.
When installing a solar system on the rooftop of an existing house, if the system capacity cannot support the entire household load, the installer must ensure proper load separation at the distribution board. All solar cables should be neatly routed through conduits or trunking to maintain safety and organization.
Additional Safety Recommendations
Operators were told to ensure that communication cables and power cables are routed separately and never run together in the same conduit, as combining them can lead to signal interference, degraded system performance, and a higher risk of electrical faults or fire.
NEMSA also advised installers and owners to perform regular checks and maintenance of the rooftop PV system. This includes cleaning the solar panels to prevent dust accumulation and overheating, periodically inspecting cables, connectors, and the inverter, and promptly replacing any damaged components.
Final Warning and Compliance
The agency warned installers and the public, stating, “Solar PV system installers and members of the public must take note of the guidelines outlined above and ensure strict compliance. Adhering to these standards is essential for safety, system performance, and regulatory compliance.”
