Bushfire Smoke Significantly Reduces Solar Energy Output

New research shows intense smoke plumes can slash solar farm electricity generation by up to 70 percent.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Energy

Isometric editorial illustration of solar panels coated in ash, representing the impact of bushfire smoke on solar power generation. — UNSW researchers report that bushfire smoke plumes can reduce solar energy production by up to 70 percent across Australia. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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UNSW researchers have published findings detailing how bushfire smoke hinders solar power production across Australia. The study identifies that smoke particles blocking sunlight and settling on panels caused drastic performance drops during major fire events.

Why it matters

Understanding the impact of smoke on solar infrastructure is essential for maintaining grid reliability as fire seasons become more intense. Operators may need to adjust maintenance and management strategies to protect solar assets from potential damage caused by smoke accumulation.

The study used modelled estimates to track performance during the 2019-2020 Black Summer and 2009 Black Saturday fires. It found generation fell by up to 30 percent in regions beyond 150 kilometres from hotspots during the Black Summer event.

The players

UNSW

The University of New South Wales is a leading public research university based in Sydney that conducts significant work in renewable energy and engineering.

The details

Smoke particles not only reduce the intensity of sunlight reaching panels but also create localized hot spots when they settle on surfaces. These hot spots can inflict long-term damage on solar cells and lead to persistent performance degradation.

The 2009 Black Saturday bushfires occurred in Victoria.
The 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires occurred in Australia.
Research findings were published in October 2026.

The Big Picture

The research follows a pattern set by the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires by evaluating how extreme fire events alter energy production. It shifts the focus of solar maintenance from standard weather variables to the specific long-term risks posed by airborne particle accumulation.

The study suggests that solar farm operators may need to implement more frequent cleaning and inspection routines following smoke exposure. These findings help the industry develop more resilient infrastructure to maintain steady power delivery during periods of high wildfire activity.

The takeaway

Solar farm operators should consider the impact of smoke particles on long-term hardware health during fire-prone seasons. Developing proactive maintenance protocols is essential for protecting solar cells from heat-related damage and output reduction.