Suffolk County Council has launched a county-wide safety review and temporarily switched off solar panel systems at 80 schools following a series of fires linked to rooftop solar installations. The move comes after three separate school fire incidents in which solar panels were identified as a possible contributing factor. [fia.uk.com], [suffolk.gov.uk]
The latest incident occurred at Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich on 24 June 2026, where around 650 pupils and 100 staff were safely evacuated after smoke was detected. Firefighters later confirmed that a solar panel on the roof was involved in the fire. [fia.uk.com], [ipswich.co.uk]
The Sidegate incident follows fires at Brooklands Primary School in Brantham in March 2026 and East Bergholt Primary School in August 2025, both of which were also linked to solar panel systems. While investigators have not yet established a definitive connection between the three fires, the repeated involvement of rooftop solar installations prompted the council to take precautionary action. [fia.uk.com], [suffolk.gov.uk]
As part of the review, engineers are visiting schools where solar photovoltaic (PV) systems were installed between 2011 and 2016 to isolate and inspect the equipment. The work is being undertaken in partnership with Suffolk Fire and Rescue and specialist contractors, with councils stressing that safety remains the top priority. [suffolk.gov.uk], [ipswich.co.uk]
The National Education Union (NEU) has called for an independent investigation into the incidents, stating that concerns had previously been raised with the council. Meanwhile, industry experts have suggested that associated electrical components—such as wiring, connectors, isolators, or inverters—may be more likely causes than the solar panels themselves. [fia.uk.com], [techradar.com]
Sarah-Jane Smedmor, Suffolk County Council’s Executive Director of Children and Young People, said the authority could not risk the possibility that the incidents were related and therefore had to act with caution to protect pupils and staff. [suffolk.gov.uk], [ipswich.co.uk]
The incidents serve as an important reminder that renewable energy systems require regular inspection, maintenance, and fire safety assessments throughout their operational life. The findings of the ongoing investigations could help shape future best practices for solar installations on schools and other public buildings. [fia.uk.com], [techradar.com]
Source: Suffolk County Council, Fire Industry Association, June–July 2026. [fia.uk.com], [suffolk.gov.uk]
