Solar safety with servicing

ESV is encouraging everyone to get their solar system serviced after a series of house fires, mainly in NSW.

Solar systems should be serviced at least once every two years by a licensed electrician to ensure they remain both safe and efficient.

The failure of DC isolators is the most common cause of fire from a solar installation. Improvements have been made in their design reducing the safety risk since 2018. The best way to identify faults and avoid house fires is regular servicing, especially for those systems installed prior to 2018

ESV has commenced site audits seven days a week in order to identify poor installations and unlicensed workers across Victoria. We have found that while compliance is generally good, there are still instances of poor or unlicensed work

ESV has carried out 470 site visits during 2020. We have identified five instances of unlicensed work being carried out and enforcement action was taken

Solar installers must be licensed (A Grade) electricians, employed by a Registered Electrical Contractor. Also look for accreditation with the Clean Energy Council, although this is not a specific requirement in Victoria.