Solarstone Roofs: Setting the Standard for Safety

As solar energy continues to evolve, so does the technology behind solar roofs. While some concerns have been raised about their potential fire hazards, it's important to understand that modern solar roof systems are built with safety as a top priority. The following will look into the advanced features and standards that set our solar roofs apart—from state-of-the-art electrical safety measures and expert installations to premium materials and strict technical testing.

One of the standout features of our solar roof system is its integration of an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI). Our systems are equipped with inverters—such as our trusted Huawei model—that detect arc faults and initiate a rapid shutdown of the affected circuit in just 0.5 seconds. This immediate response plays a vital role in preventing minor faults from escalating into potential fire hazards. In real-life scenarios, whether in residential or commercial settings, this technology quickly isolates problematic circuits, ensuring that any electrical irregularities are contained before they can cause damage or endanger occupants.

But a solar roof's safety isn’t determined solely by its high-tech components; the quality of the installation is equally crucial. We install our systems only through highly trained specialists and top-tier partners. In Sweden, for instance, we collaborate with Swedala Tak—a company renowned for its long-established partnerships and commitment to excellence. Our collaboration with trusted partners extends globally, with each market benefiting from our one-to-many pilot training projects. These sessions ensure that every installation adheres to our strict protocols, safeguarding against errors and providing a flawless, secure solar roof system from day one.

Our commitment to safety also extends well beyond installation and materials. We employ an advanced in-house testing station (A+A+A+ level) that evaluates every module on several key aspects. We conduct IV curve testing to ensure that all electrical parameters—current, voltage, and power—align perfectly with the manufacturer's specifications. We also use EL imaging to reveal micro-cracks, hot spots, or cell-cutting errors that might otherwise go unnoticed. Our bypass diode tests confirm that these components are working as they should, preventing any issues that could reduce output or cause damage. In addition, we perform HiPot testing to ensure there’s no electrical breakdown between conductive and non-conductive parts, and we carefully check wiring integrity through insulation resistance tests to guarantee long-term reliability.

All of our solar modules—from trusted brands such as JA Solar, Longi, and Risen—have also successfully passed TÜV SÜD tests at the EU level, including extensive fire safety assessments. This TÜV certification offers a solid foundation of trust, confirming the durability and safety of our products for customers worldwide.

Additionally, in our pursuit of safety, we incorporate several other key design and technical features. For example, we install—and for our partner installations, recommend—photovoltaic optimizers that enable real-time monitoring. These devices automatically adjust the output of panels in prolonged shade and come with rapid shutdown capabilities, ensuring that any issue with a single panel doesn't impact the entire system.

Our designs also include a carefully calibrated ventilation gap beneath the panels, ranging from 45 to 150 mm. Unlike conventional BAPV systems, where the ventilation gap between the roofing layer and PV modules tends to accumulate dirt and debris, our design ensures that the ventilation gap remains fully protected from external contaminants such as particles and dust. Additionally, our roof profiles feature ridge and hip ventilation openings that create a “chimney effect,” further enhancing airflow and cooling performance.

We strictly recommend the use of high-temperature-resistant underlayments capable of withstanding up to 120°C to protect the roof from the intense heat and condensation often found under panels.  Studies have shown that temperatures beneath PV modules can reach as high as 70–80°C. When standard underlayment materials with a heat resistance of up to 90°C are used, this elevated temperature accelerates their aging process beyond expected rates. In markets where additional grounding is either regulated or recommended for extra safety, we ensure that both the BIPV frame and the panel frame are grounded together in a seamless process.

Lastly, recognizing that improper MC4 connector installations and mixing different MC4 manufacturers connectors can be a primary cause of panel fires, Solarstone now employs high-quality Stäubli MC4 connectors in our Solar Tiled Roof series and Solar Full Roof batches. This decision not only strengthens the safety of our system but also guarantees consistent quality and performance across all installations.

In conclusion, our solar roof systems exemplify how innovation and safety standards can come together to deliver exceptional performance. By combining rapid AFCI response, expert installation practices, premium materials, and comprehensive testing, we ensure that each solar roof not only protects your home from the elements but also generates long-term economic benefits.

For more details on our certifications and testing procedures, please visit our website and explore our product documentation. Join us in transforming the way we harness energy while keeping safety at the forefront.