Case Study

Fire Damage to Rooftop PV System – Root-Cause Assessment

Technical documentation and assessment as the basis for settlement, remediation and, where applicable, legal proceedings.

Note: Details may be anonymised for data-protection or investigative reasons.

Damage eventFire within the PV system environment
ObjectiveRoot-cause assessment & documentation
ScopePV components + surroundings
ResultSubstantiated technical findings

Background

Following a fire event, clarification was needed regarding the technical cause, extent of damage and next steps. The client required transparent documentation for the insurer and other parties involved.

Key Questions

Approach

  1. Evidence preservation & visual inspection: Photo/video documentation, components, cable routes, connection areas.
  2. Document review: Installation records, test protocols, component lists, incident report.
  3. Technical assessment: Damage pattern, possible fault locations, thermal/electrical influencing factors.
  4. Delimitation: PV-related causes vs. external influences (e.g. surroundings, roof penetrations, connections).
  5. Remedial action plan: Securing the site, recommissioning check, replacement/remediation recommendations.

Results

A technical findings report was produced with documented evidence and a clear delimitation of plausible causes. This formed the basis for concrete steps towards safe restoration and assessment vis-à-vis third parties.

Outcome: Documented factual basis + technical assessment as the foundation for the insurer, remediation planning and, where applicable, legal clarification.

Value for the Client

Clarify fire damage – Email: info@gutachterpv.org