8 June 2010

Safe solar panel installations require electricians

Today the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) called on the state electrical regulators to classify solar panel installations as electrical work for the safety of consumers.

Chief executive officer of NECA, Mr James Tinslay, said that some state electrical regulators still do not recognise solar panel installations as electrical work and this allows people other than licensed electricians to install the systems.

“There are risks of electrical faults and shocks to the installer and consumers if the appropriate procedures are not followed. There are also potential risks to tradesman and emergency service workers if they ever had to isolate the electricity at a location in the future that had solar panels incorrectly installed,” Mr Tinslay said.

“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.”

Mr Tinslay said that the current federal government system that only provides rebates when consumers use an accredited installer is a step in the right direction but stronger regulation would ensure higher levels of safety.

“If the state regulators recognised that solar panel installations are indeed electrical work, consumers could take comfort in the fact that a licensed electrician with appropriate accreditation was undertaking the installation and not some cowboy looking to make a quick dollar.”

The National Electrical and Communications Association urge consumers investing in a photo-voltaic system to use an accredited installer that is also a licensed electrician.

ENDS

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Dominic Feenan Media and Communications Manager 02 9439 8523 / 0457 767 328