Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) and Solar Victoria have launched a new campaign encouraging the growing number of Victorians embracing solar to ensure the safety of their solar panels by getting them serviced regularly.
The Show Your Solar Some Love campaign urges Victorians to have their solar systems serviced by a licensed AGrade electrician every two years to keep their families and property safe.
While the risk of failure is low, solar PV systems are subject to hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain and other extreme weather events. As electrical equipment, they need to be looked after to keep them safe and working to their optimum level.
Audits have also found a small number of solar PV systems fail due to rainwater getting into the DC isolator, which, in extremely rare circumstances, can present a fire risk.
The risk is highest in older and poorly installed solar systems.
Since the beginning of 2020, solar installation audits have found a drop in the number of unsafe installations from 2.2 per cent to zero as a result of education and enforcement by Victorian Government agencies including ESV and Solar Victoria. Regular servicing by a licensed A-Grade electrician at least once every two years mitigates the risk and ensures solar PV systems are working safely and efficiently. Victorian Government research shows that less than half of Victorians are aware of the importance of servicing their solar PV systems. Servicing involves detailed electrical testing of the components that make up a solar panel system, as well as a thorough visual inspection to ensure the integrity of equipment and cabling. It also includes the clearing of debris or leaf litter under the solar panels and around the inverter.
People should be aware of unlicensed workers offering solar cleaning or maintenance. Such ‘cottage industries’ have the potential to cause damage to a solar PV systems.
ESV Commissioner and Chairperson Marnie Williams
“Just like a car, solar installations need to be serviced regularly to ensure they’re always running safely and protecting your loved ones.” “We encourage Victorians using solar to ensure their systems are serviced by a licensed A-Grade electrician at least once every two years.”
Quotes attributable to Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan
“Solar Victoria has set the national benchmark for safety standards in the solar industry, and we are now ensuring those standards continue well beyond installation.” “Regular servicing by a qualified electrician will not only ensure solar panels remain safe, it will help them perform to their optimum level, continuing to save households and average of $890 on their energy bills each year.”
Media contact: Adrian Bernecich 0437 729 194 |adrian.bernecich@energysafe.vic.gov.au Read this release as a
Reviewed 24 January 2023