Seattle Fire Department Capitol Hill apartment building fire originated in solar panels

The Seattle Fire Department confirmed that the fire at the Holiday Apartments in Capitol Hill originated from the building's solar power system. Firefighters responded to the blaze, which created substantial black smoke, but fortunately, the damage was limited to the roof and did not affect the building's interior. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed; however, photovoltaic systems can fail due to extreme heat or issues like faulty wiring. Community Roots Housing, which installed the solar panels about ten years ago under a state incentive program, has yet to comment on the incident or the operational status of the solar system. The program allowed Seattle City Light ratepayers to invest in approximately 1,200 solar panel units at around $150 each, receiving credits on their electric bills.

The state was responsible for providing credits through the summer of 2020, after which Community Roots took ownership of the solar system. Seattle Fire has not released an estimate for the damage caused by the fire. This incident raises concerns about the safety and reliability of solar energy systems, particularly in urban settings.