Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is calling on Victorians to always employ a licensed electrician to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery systems to avoid the threat of fires, explosions and electrocutions.
ESV has been called to a series of dangerously installed solar systems in recent months, where the work was carried out by people who weren’t qualified A-Grade electricians.
Thankfully, ESV was alerted to the non-compliant installations before an incident could occur, however it is concerning that non-qualified Victorians continue to carry out this work.
A number of installations have involved people referring to videos on the internet to help them complete the installations.
ESV Acting CEO Ian Burgwin said the installation of these systems is classified as licensed electrical work, and they must to be installed by a licensed electrician.
“Saving a few dollars by not employing a professional puts the safety of your loved ones and your property at risk and is a poor investment,” Mr Burgwin said.
“It’s great that so many Victorians are taking up solar power, but you must have them installed by a licensed professional.
“We also urge Victorians to have their solar systems serviced every two years to ensure they remain safe and operating efficiently.”
Solar PV systems must be installed by a licensed A-Grade electrician and verified by a licensed electrical inspector.
On 10 January, ESV compliance officers attended a property in Kew and found a solar installation they described as a “ticking bomb” for potential fire or electrocution. Solar panels had been left sitting on the ground with the connecting cables running through open windows.
The property owner, who was not a qualified electrician, dangerously connected solar panels to non-compliant inverters that they plugged into powerpoints to supply the property.
This may have led to the safety switches not working when required. The inverters were freestanding on appliances and bedding, they had exposed power terminals.
In October, 2022, ESV inspected a property in Mill Park to find 84 solar panels not properly secured to the roof as well as incorrectly installed d.c. isolators.
This threatened to harm residents and damage property. The homeowner confirmed he had installed the system himself and he didn’t hold the proper qualifications.
In September 2021, ESV inspected a property in Noble Park to find solar panels installed, but not properly secured onto a garage.
Again, the resident who installed panels was not qualified. The cable and battery installation work was non-compliant and posed a serious safety risk of fire and explosion.
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