PEOPLE planning on putting solar panels on their homes are being advised to use a qualified installer after a Thornbury house caught fire and left a family homeless.

Anthony McIntyre, 51, is looking to re-house his family after a fire broke out in their loft, in Lavender Close, on Wednesday, August 12.

Mr McIntyre managed to escape the family’s home of 12 years unhurt from the blaze with his wife Angela, 57 and their 15-year-old daughter Chloe, who was asleep in bed at the time.

The fire, which started accidentally after their solar panel inverter combusted, caused water and smoke damage to the roof and five rooms and a bathroom.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service said that although fires involving solar panels are rare, it is important that the systems are correctly designed, consist of properly tested components, are competently installed and are regularly maintained.

A spokeswoman said: “We have no reason to believe that the fire risks associated with photovoltaic panels are any greater than with any other electrical equipment.

“Incidents where fires have developed in these devices tend to have occurred due to faulty or incorrect equipment. So it is important that these systems are correctly designed, consist of properly tested components, are competently installed and are regularly maintained.

“We would advise anyone considering installing solar panels to ensure they use a qualified installer and that the panels are serviced following the manufacturer’s guidelines.”

A fire engine from Thornbury attended the Thornbury house fire last week, followed by a further three from Thornbury, Kingswood and Patchway.

Mr Mcintyre believes the fire started due to the inverter for their 20 solar panels combusting in the loft, erupting into flames and falling down into a spare bedroom.

“My wife was only in the loft last week looking for some fancy dress things. There was no sign of any problem at all," he said.

“The severity of the damage is now being assessed – but the main thing is that no one got hurt. What matters is that everyone is OK.

“I think it is important that people monitor their solar panels – we still don’t know why this happened but it raises questions as to what to look out for.”

The family, who are now looking for temporary rented accommodation, have thanked their neighbours and the emergency services for their ‘superb’ support.