Introduction

Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular across Europe as a way to reduce electricity costs and achieve energy independence. A crucial part of these systems are battery storage units, which store the generated energy for later use.

While solar storage systems provide many benefits, they also carry fire risks, especially when using lithium-ion batteries. In recent years, several incidents have highlighted the need for greater safety in both residential and industrial storage systems.

? Why are solar battery storages risky?

Most modern storage units use lithium-ion cells, which provide high energy density but are also vulnerable to thermal runaway – an uncontrollable overheating process that can lead to fire or explosion.

The most common causes of fires:

  • Overcharging or deep discharging due to faulty settings or malfunctioning BMS.

  • Poor cooling or ventilation – batteries placed in closed, overheated spaces.

  • Mechanical damage to cells during installation or operation.

  • Use of uncertified batteries or low-quality components.

  • Incorrect wiring or faulty electrical installation.

? Real-world cases and statistics

  • In Germany, more than 400 residential solar storage fires were reported in 2022, most caused by battery failures.

  • In Australia, approximately 1 in 200 installed systems with lithium batteries experiences a serious incident during its lifetime.

  • Insurance companies are increasingly requiring additional fire safety measures when solar storage units are installed.

?️ How to increase the safety of solar batteries

1. Proper installation and certified components

  • Always use certified batteries and inverters.

  • Ensure the system includes a Battery Management System (BMS).

  • Hire experienced professionals for installation.

2. Optimal storage and operation

  • Place batteries in a dedicated technical room with proper ventilation.

  • Avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures.

  • Regularly inspect batteries and wiring for damage.

3. Automatic fire suppression systems

Traditional fire extinguishers often fail against lithium battery fires. The recommended solution is automatic aerosol fire suppression devices such as LiGUARD, which activate at high temperatures and instantly suppress the flames:

  • Activation at just 175 °C (347 °F).

  • Fire suppression in under 3 seconds.

  • No power supply or maintenance required.

  • Lifespan of 10–15 years.

✅ Benefits for homes and businesses

  • Households – protect your family and property, especially if solar batteries are stored in garages or basements.

  • Businesses and industry – safeguard warehouses, factories, data centers, and logistics hubs against catastrophic fire damage.

  • Insurance – some insurers already recognize systems like LiGUARD as official preventive measures.

Conclusion

Solar battery storage is a key element of the renewable energy transition, but it requires responsible safety measures. Proper installation, certified components, and above all, automatic fire suppression systems are essential to ensure households and businesses can enjoy the benefits of green energy without risk.

? Learn more about LiGUARD solutions: