MEA endorses safety-first approach to solar panels

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has endorsed the Victorian Government’s plan to provide solar power to 650,000 homes.

MEA also praised the government’s emphasis on quality components and safe installation techniques. However, MEA Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Richards also urged the government to expand the program to include funding for battery storage and safety switches, to maximise the energy efficiency and safety benefits of the scheme.

The electrical industry body also welcomed the government’s announcement that it will dedicate a portion of the funding to ensure adequate training for installers, and its commitment to using approved products.

“We’ve seen some disastrous results from governments meddling in the energy efficiency market in the last decade in Australia, including fires and fatalities due to the use of poor equipment and poorly trained installers,” said Richards.

“So it’s refreshing and very welcome to see the emphasis on safety and quality. Master Electricians Australia particularly endorses this aspect of the proposed program.”

Richards urged the government to consider extending the rebate to domestic battery units, which could smooth the supply and demand peaks in the networks, relieving the need to build more generation capacity in the grid in the future.

He also urged the government and home owners to consider the need for safety switches, as part of such a widespread electrical program. Many homes in Victoria do not have safety switches on every circuit, and some have no safety switches at all, said Richards.

“There are 15 people killed and 300 hospitalised in Australia every year because of domestic electrical accidents that could be prevented with safety switches.

“While the government is funding electrical work at 650,000 homes, it could move to ensure the safety of those home owners by requiring a minor investment in safety switches while the sparkie is on-site.”

 Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Anne Bæk Pederson