Improper solar installation likely behind house explosion in Czechia’s Náchod region

Tuesday’s explosion at a family home in Šonov, near Nové Město nad Metují in the Náchod region, was likely caused by the improper installation of a solar power system. The likely cause was a technical fault in the solar system, firefighters said today on their website. The explosion compromised the structural integrity of the house. The damage is estimated at around seven million crowns. No one was in the house at the time of the explosion, and no one was injured. The case is being investigated by the Institute for Population Protection in Lázně Bohdaneč.

The explosion, which caused extensive damage to the property, occurred in the utility room of the family home. „The explosion may have been caused by a short circuit, followed by a fire and the explosion of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells in the battery storage system. The solar power system, which was purchased in parts and assembled by the homeowner, had been fully operational since September 2023,“ firefighters said.

The house is uninhabitable. Investigators have not been granted permission to enter the building or its grounds, which is significantly hampering the investigation. „The photograph shows battery storage containing two sets of 16 cells, at least three of which were damaged in the explosion,“ firefighters said.

In connection with the accident in Šonov, which is part of the municipality of Provodov-Šonov, firefighters are warning of the risks associated with installing and operating solar systems if they are not professionally installed.