23 June 2010

Electricians welcome strong government safety rules for solar panels

Today the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), the peak industry body representing electrical contractors in Australia, congratulated the federal government on strengthening regulations for the safe installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, announced on Monday (21 June 2010) that consumers would only qualify for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) if a licensed electrician installed the solar panels.

Chief executive officer of NECA, Mr James Tinslay, said the he is pleased that the new approach from the federal government meets the expectation of the industry.

“The position of NECA and the industry all along has been that the installation of solar panels is electrical work and therefore should only be carried out by licensed electricians,” Mr Tinslay said.

“There is no doubt that the federal government’s program has increased the demand for solar panel installations across Australia and this has led to a number of installations being undertaken by installers that are not electricians.

“It is pleasing that the federal government has now strengthened the regulations on its program to the point where renewable energy certificates for consumers will only be available if a licensed electrician does the installation.”

Many Australians have experienced problems with installations associated with other government programs and tightening the regulations on this aspect of the Renewable Energy Target will help keep installations safe.

“I’ve heard of installations where solar panels have literally fallen of the roof and wiring that was installed completely back to front. There are risks associated with incorrect photovoltaic installations,” Mr Tinslay said.

“Using accredited and licensed electricians for installations means the job will be done right and more importantly done safely.

“The strengthening of government regulations will also reduce the opportunity for unqualified and dodgy companies trying to access the solar panel installation program, and this is very pleasing for consumers.”

NECA is again calling on state electrical regulators to classify solar panel installations as electrical work so those installations outside of the federal government program also require the skills of a licensed electrician.

“If the installation of solar panels was recognised as electrical work by the state regulators, only licensed electricians would be allowed to install the systems and this would be comforting for consumers.”

-ENDS-

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