Property fire triggers warning about DIY solar

Following a fire at a home in western Victoria, Energy Safe Victoria is urging property owners to always have solar battery systems installed by a licensed electrician.

Energy Safe compliance officers attended the property, located in the Grampians town of Mafeking, on 7 June after a fire started in a solar battery energy storage system, destroying a living room and bedroom.

Both the solar and battery system were installed by the property owner, who is not a qualified A-Grade electrician. He did not receive a Solar Victoria rebate to install either the solar PV system or the battery.

The fire seems to have been caused by a fault that occurred in a system controller, which reported an error message in the days before. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson stressed that the installation of solar and battery systems must be carried out by a licensed A-Grade electrician.

“Saving a few dollars by not employing a licensed electrician heightens the risk of fire and electric shock, putting lives and property at risk,” she said.

Last year Energy Safe and Solar Victoria launched the ‘Show your solar some love’ campaign, highlighting the importance of having solar photovoltaic and battery systems serviced by a licensed A-Grade electrician.

Servicing involves electrical testing of the components that make up a solar panel system and the battery, as well as a thorough visual inspection to ensure the integrity of equipment and cabling.

Image caption: Damage caused by the fire in Mafeking. Image courtesy of Energy Safe Victoria.