Why fire safety matters for rooftop PV now?

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 when PV installations are added to flat roofs, the fire dynamics of the system change. Flame spread and heat transfer increase due to the cavity effect and the interaction between the roof build-up and the PV installation.

Introducing a mitigation layer within the roof system can significantly reduce flame spread and limit the roof damage.

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.

Fire performance of rooftop PV depends on the configuration of the full roof system. The mitigation approach presented here is based on system-level behaviour observed in large-scale testing.

A framework for safe and scalable rooftop PV deployment

A System-first approach

A system-first, performance-based approach reduces fire risk under rooftop PV on EPS-insulated flat roofs. It shifts the focus from individual material characteristics to the behaviour of the full roof system, including the roof build-up, PV installation and cavity dynamics.

When PV systems are installed, the geometry of the roof changes and can influence fire propagation pathways. Recognising fire risk as systemic supports alignment between regulators, insurers and industry, while enabling more consistent, insurable and scalable deployment across Europe.

Proven risk mitigation at full scale

Large-scale fire tests show that adding a mitigation layer within the roof system can significantly reduce flame spread and limit loss damage on flat roof equipped with 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.

Supporting Policy Delivery

Addressing fire safety at the system level supports 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.

Standardisation, predictability and trust

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.

Insights for the key stakeholders

EUMEPS provides targeted information and evidence to inform decision-making across EU policymakers, insurers and the solar PV sector.

European policymakers in a formal meeting setting

EU policymakers & Regulators

Europe’s rooftop PV targets depend on deployment at scale. When PV systems are installed on flat roofs, the fire behaviour of the system can change due to the interaction between the roof build-up, the PV installation and cavity effects. If left unaddressed, this 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.

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Insurance professionals reviewing documents together

Insurers

The large-scale deployment of rooftop PV is changing the fire risk profile of buildings. When PV systems are installed, the interaction between the roof build-up, the PV installation and cavity dynamics can influence fire propagation and damage patterns.

A system-first approach recognises that fire risk is driven by the full roof system. Large-scale tests show that mitigation measures within the system 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.

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Solar photovoltaic panels installed on a commercial rooftop

Solar PV Sector

Rooftop PV deployment is not only a technical challenge but also a matter of trust. When installed on flat roofs, PV systems alter fire behaviour, which may 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 measures 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.

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Frequently asked questions

EUMEPS, the unified European voice of the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) industry

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.

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