A Major Fire Brings Rooftop Solar Safety Into Focus

There has been a major fire outbreak at a cold storage facility in Boyle Heights, LA, causing more apprehensions on the safety of rooftop solar paneling during emergencies. The authorities are trying to find out whether the solar installation system was involved in the accident that resulted in pollution of the air by releasing smoke into the neighborhoods, making life difficult for the firefighters.

Company Previously Sought Changes to Safety Equipment

One year prior to the warehouse fire, Lineage, the company responsible for the operation of the facility, contacted the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety regarding the possibility of removing the rapid shutdown switch located on the roof-mounted solar panel system. It appears that the company was searching for more appropriate options due to certain fire hazards that had been linked to the rapid shutdown devices.

The city's officials informed the firm that the rapid shut down switch is required by law in accordance with the California Electrical Code and cannot be removed from the system. There were no amendments made in the current policies or laws. Lineage highlighted that it only wanted information about other systems.

Solar Panels Become a Central Part of the Investigation

Lineage says that the blaze broke out when the third-party subcontractors were carrying out tests on the rooftop solar panels of the 500,000 square feet warehouse. On the other hand, it is not yet clear what caused the blaze according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Rooftop solar panels belong to Altus Power, not to Lineage. Altus Power refused to provide further information on the system because of the ongoing investigations. It is still unknown what kind of rapid shutdown equipment was installed at the premises.

Why Rapid Shutdown Systems Matter

The purpose of the rapid shutdown system is to protect firefighters by immediately reducing the voltage levels in rooftop solar systems. After being engaged via a special switch, the system ensures there is no chance for electric shocks as firefighters approach the roof.

But, a recent scientific publication has raised the doubts that some rapid shutdown systems may cause the additional threat of fire. According to a white paper published by the solar safety advisory company HelioVolta, these systems have been associated with 71% of all rooftop solar fires and thermal damages cases studied by the organization. Experts explain that the use of each such device increases the number of electrical connections that can fail.

Experts suggest the use of microinverters as an alternative, as these devices convert energy at every panel without increasing failure points.

Firefighters Faced Multiple Challenges

The system that would turn off the solar energy within the structure became inactive just a few minutes after the fire had started. The solar panels remained functional for days due to the presence of sunlight; hence, making it dangerous for firefighters fighting the fire since the structure was electrified.

The system was finally disconnected by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at the request of the firefighters. The firefighters stated that the energized system had become one of the hazards that prevented them from accomplishing their tasks.

The situation was complicated by the rupture of the ammonia pipe which forced the firefighters to leave the roof of the burning building. Under worsening conditions, helicopters and water cannons were used to extinguish the fire.

Earlier Fire and Lobbying Efforts Draw Attention

A third fire outbreak due to the solar panels mounted on rooftops occurred in 2024 in the same warehouse. In the aftermath of the fire outbreak, Lineage reached out to various municipalities through its lobbying group, Veritas Public Affairs, concerning other alternatives to the device required.

Based on the documents filed to the city Ethics Commission, Lineage gave $45,000 to Veritas between April and December 2025 to have a conversation with the Department of Building and Safety, Los Angeles Fire Department, and Department of Water and Power on the other alternatives to the required device.

Lineage maintains that Altus Power is the one owning and managing the solar panel system. It states that there were no changes in the code or exemptions following any communication with the city officials.

Fire Department Plans Additional Training

Despite this, however, it is important to acknowledge that while the correct working of rapid shutdown devices will help minimize electricity-related risks, investigators have not been able to determine if the system was performing well at the time of the fire.

As a reaction to this occurrence, the Los Angeles Fire Department is collaborating with the Department of Water and Power in order to provide further firefighting training to firefighters in dealing with large commercial rooftop solar panel arrays.