Solar panels from Dutch manufacturer Scheuten Solar can burst into flames in bright sunlight, according to consumer product safety body VWA.

The VWA says the company’s Multisol model was the cause of 15 roof fires since it went on the market in Europe in August 2009. Around 650,000 Multisols have been sold.

The problem lies in the connections between the panels which can cause sparks. The risk of a roof fire increases when the sun is hot and as the panels age.

According to Nos news, claiming compensation from the Venlo manufacturer will be difficult because the company went bankrupt last year and was restarted under the same name with the help of a Chinese company.

More problems

In addition, other makes of solar panels are of poor quality, according to inspection organisation Kiwa, quoted in the AD.

Around 25% of people with solar panels on their roof will not earn their investment back, the organisation says.

Tiny cracks in the panels means that in the long-term they will save just 30% to 40% on energy bills, rather than the expected 80% to 90%, according to the AD.

Meanwhile, Gennep council in Limburg said on Tuesday it aims to build the largest solar panel park in the Netherlands. It plans to put 80,000 solar panels on a 20 hectare area which will provide energy to 80% of the houses in Gennep.