Hundreds of thousands of solar panels 'a fire risk'

Dutch authorities have warned that hundreds of thousands of solar panels sold in Europe are at risk of setting roofs on fire, because of an electrical fault.

Fifteen roof fires have already been reported in Europe.

The now bankrupt Scheuten Solar Systems is reported to have sold at least 650,000 of its "Multisol" panels in Europe, and 15,000 in the Netherlands.

The Dutch Food and Goods Authority said the solar panels have a faulty electrical connection which constitutes a fire hazard.

Homeowners who have them on their roofs are being advised to disconnect them.