NECA backs calls for further safety inspections of solar panels

The Australian electrical industry body National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has backed calls from the NSW government for further inspections of solar panels after inspections found 18.5% of installations had major defects. The results of the safety audits are a clear indicator that there have been serious problems with solar panel installations in NSW and it is likely further inspections will be required to satisfy any concerned members of the public that their solar installation is safe, said Lindsay Le Compte, NECA NSW Chief Executive.

“NECA provided 20 licensed electrical contractors that have completed specialist solar panel training to assist Fair Trading with the latest inspections in western Sydney. To have so many of those inspected flagged for failing to meet existing building and electrical regulations is a poor reflection on those persons and organisations responsible for the completion of these jobs.

“There are many installers who have done the right thing but it is clear from the results of the audit there is going to be a significant amount of rectification work required. It is far from ideal to have so many solar panel installations being flagged for having faults, in particular serious faults, and NECA agrees with the government that more inspections will be needed to ensure the safety of other installations across the state.”

All electrical installations, including solar panel installations, require work to be completed by a licensed electrician. A Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work must be issued for all electrical work, including solar panel installations. Where the value of labour and materials provided (excluding any rebate) exceeds $12,000, a Home Warranty Insurance certificate should have been provided by the contractor. “Unlicensed installers should never have been involved in the first place and if licensed builders, electricians or retail companies have breached regulations, the relevant regulator should take appropriate action. The public should be informed of any action so that they may consider obtaining an independent inspection of their solar panel installation,” Le Compte said.