Research indicates solar installation quality is not keeping pace with demand, most adults don't understand construction career pathways, and a hydrogen-powered JCB due for world record attempt
The number of solar panel fires has jumped by 133% over the last four years — that’s according to research from QBE.
Just last year there were 212 fires involving PV panels — a year-on-year increase of 37%.
The report indicated that DC cabling and connectors were the leading cause of the conflagrations, and that flames often spread to the rest of the building.
A spokesperson for the insurer made it clear that installation quality and fire safety were not keeping pace with the speed of solar deployment.
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Career pathways into the building industry are misunderstood by most adults, claims the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
The survey from the trade body found that 78% of grown-ups had never heard of T Levels, and just 39% knew about degree apprenticeships.
With thousands of teenagers due to get GCSE results, the research made it clear that many parents and guardians were ill-equipped to advise on construction careers.
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And finally, a JCB hydrogen-powered car has hit speeds of 368 miles per hour on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The vehicle, driven by Wing Commander Andy Green, is now being prepared for a world record attempt under FIA rules, sometime next week.
JCB has also developed hydrogen internal combustion engines for its backhoes and generators.
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