The Federal Government has raised concerns over the increasing number of fire incidents linked to improperly installed rooftop solar photovoltaic systems across Nigeria.
The warning was issued through the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), which said several reported fire outbreaks have been traced to poorly installed solar power systems in homes and businesses.
As Nigeria’s electricity supply continues to fall short of demand, many households and businesses have turned to solar energy to cope with frequent blackouts. However, authorities say the rapid adoption of rooftop solar systems has also brought rising safety concerns.
In a strongly worded public notice signed by the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, the agency expressed serious concern about the growing number of fire incidents allegedly linked to improperly installed solar photovoltaic systems.
“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,” the statement said.
NEMSA attributed many of the incidents to poor workmanship, the use of substandard materials, lack of protective devices, and widespread non-compliance with technical standards and regulations.
While encouraging the adoption of renewable energy, the agency stressed that safety must remain a top priority as Nigeria pursues its energy transition goals.
Citing provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, particularly Sections 176(m) and 184(8), NEMSA released comprehensive safety guidelines for rooftop solar photovoltaic installations across the country.
The agency directed Nigerians to engage only qualified and NEMSA-certified solar installers, noting that certified professionals possess the required technical knowledge and regulatory competence to ensure safe installation.
According to the guidelines, solar PV systems must be installed strictly by certified electrical contractors who must present valid NEMSA competency certificates during installation.
The agency also mandated that a load assessment be conducted before installation to determine the appropriate system size and ensure safe operation. In addition, the roof of any building intended for solar installation must be structurally capable of supporting the system.
NEMSA warned that panels must be mounted using proper structures, noting that weak roof construction or poor installation methods could lead to roof damage, electrical faults, and fire hazards.
The agency further cautioned against the use of damaged solar modules, including those with cracks, bent frames, air bubbles, hot spots, or loose junction boxes, as such defects can trigger electrical faults and reduce system performance.
On ventilation requirements, NEMSA said installers must maintain a minimum clearance of 0.13 metres between the roofing material and solar panels to ensure adequate cooling and prevent overheating.
To enhance electrical safety, the agency directed installers to provide DC and AC isolators for emergency shutdowns, install appropriately rated circuit breakers and fuses to prevent overload, and include surge protection devices to guard against lightning strikes.
It also emphasised the importance of proper earthing of the entire system, specifying that earth resistance must not exceed two ohms.
The agency warned that batteries used in solar systems must be installed in well-ventilated and secure areas away from living spaces and heat sources.
For lithium battery systems, NEMSA said a battery management system must be included, while installation sites should have adequate cooling or air-conditioning to maintain safe operating temperatures.
Additionally, where a solar system cannot support the entire electrical load of a building, installers must ensure proper load separation at the distribution board.
NEMSA also advised that all solar cables should be routed through conduits or trunking for safety and proper organisation, while communication cables and power cables must never be run together in the same conduit due to risks of signal interference and electrical faults.
The agency further recommended regular inspection and maintenance of rooftop solar systems, including routine cleaning of solar panels to prevent dust buildup and overheating, periodic inspection of cables, connectors and inverters, and immediate replacement of damaged components.
NEMSA urged both installers and solar system owners to comply strictly with the safety guidelines, warning that adherence to approved standards is critical to ensuring safety, system efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
