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Fire safety is a condition for scaling rooftop photovoltaics not an obstacle to the energy transition.
Europe’s rooftop PV ambitions require solutions that address fire risk in a credible and consistent way. This calls for a system-first, performance-based approach.
Large-scale fire tests show that adding a mitigation layer to the roof system can significantly reduce flame spread and limit damage under PV installations.
Led by EUMEPS, this campaign focuses on EPS-insulated flat roofs. Its objective is not to create confrontation, but to support safer, insurable and regulator-ready deployment of rooftop PV at scale.
A system-first, performance-based approach reduces fire risk under rooftop PV on EPS-insulated flat roofs. It shifts the debate from material confrontation to system performance, addressing the full roof build-up, PV installation and cavity dynamics. Recognising fire risk as systemic supports alignment between regulators, insurers and industry, while enabling more consistent, insurable and scalable deployment across Europe.
Large-scale fire tests show a clear reduction in flame spread and damage under rooftop PV. This campaign is grounded in real-scale evidence, demonstrating that mitigation can prevent self-sustained fire propagation. Robust data provides a reliable basis for decision-making, supporting risk assessment, regulatory guidance and sector credibility across insurers, policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Fire safety solutions support rooftop PV deployment by removing barriers rather than adding constraints. Addressing safety concerns proactively helps avoid hesitation, insurance exclusions and fragmented requirements. This enables smoother delivery of EU energy and renovation policies, while reinforcing trust, maintaining insurability and protecting the credibility of large-scale PV deployment across Europe.
System-based solutions support standardisation and reduce risks linked to installation and operation. A system-first approach improves installation practices, limits errors and increases predictability across European markets. Greater consistency enables safer deployment at scale, while supporting clearer guidance, more reliable risk assessment and stronger confidence among regulators, insurers and industry stakeholders.
EUMEPS provides targeted information and evidence to inform decision-making across EU policymakers, insurers and the solar PV sector.
EU policymakers & Regulators
Europe’s rooftop PV targets depend on deployment at scale. If left unaddressed, fire safety concerns can become a barrier through fragmented requirements, market hesitation or insurance constraints.
A system-first, performance-based approach offers a proportionate solution, supported by full-scale evidence. It enables consistent risk management, avoids polarised debates and supports the development of harmonised guidance. By strengthening trust and predictability, it facilitates smoother roll-out across Member States while safeguarding the credibility and effective delivery of EU energy and climate policies.
Download filesInsurers
The large-scale deployment of rooftop PV is changing the fire risk profile of buildings. The key question is how this risk can be managed consistently and demonstrably, including on insulated flat roofs.
A system-first approach recognises that fire risk is driven by the full roof build-up, PV installation and cavity dynamics. Large-scale tests show that mitigation can reduce flame spread and damage, supporting a clearer and more predictable risk profile. This enables more consistent underwriting decisions, fewer blanket exclusions and better alignment between prevention measures and insurance conditions across markets.
Download filesSolar PV Sector
Rooftop PV deployment is not only a technical challenge but also a matter of trust. Fire safety concerns can slow adoption, create friction with insurers and introduce hesitation among building owners.
A system-first approach addresses these risks at the level of the full roof system, rather than through material-based debates. Evidence from large-scale testing shows that mitigation can reduce fire spread and support safer configurations. This strengthens credibility, improves acceptance and reduces uncertainty while supporting constructive engagement with regulators on safe and scalable rooftop PV.
Download filesExpert perspectives on rooftop PV fire safety, grounded in practical experience and evidence. These insights support informed decision-making across policy, insurance and industry contexts.
Fire performance depends on how the roof build-up, insulation, cavities and the PV array interact under real conditions. A system-first view aligns testing, regulation and on-site practice so mitigation measures address flame spread and damage consistently — rather than isolating single materials in isolation from the assembly they sit in.
Large-scale tests provide evidence at a scale relevant to real installations. That helps underwriters and regulators reason about risk with fewer assumptions, supports proportionate requirements, and reduces the need for blunt market restrictions when credible mitigation is demonstrated.
By focusing on performance, evidence and stakeholder alignment, the campaign aims to make fire safety a practical enabler: clearer guidance, better predictability, and improved trust across the value chain — so rooftop PV can scale in line with European climate and energy goals.
EUMEPS is the premier advocate for EPS solutions. Representing every link of the EPS value chain, from large companies to SMEs, we are committed to fulfilling European environmental objectives. Through our 23 national associations and numerous recycling initiatives, we strive to elevate the circularity of our industry.
As a contributor to making Europe climate-neutral and resource-efficient, we showcase EPS as a smart choice in packaging and insulation. Stand by us in building a more resilient and sustainable tomorrow.