Narellan station has joined Fire and Rescue NSW in urging the public to ensure that solar panel systems are maintained and installed by licensed, qualified tradespeople and comply with Australian standards.
The call comes after Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to a week-long string of daily solar panel fires.
Members of the fire research and investigation unit visited homes across NSW this week to establish the cause of these house fires.
As a result they say that many solar panel fires are caused by faulty inverter and isolation switches, and installation that is not in line with Australian standards.
Superintendent Graham Kingsland from the fire investigation and research unit stressed the importance of taking steps to ensure solar panels were as safe as possible.
“Over the last five years we have seen solar panel related fires increase five-fold,’’ he said.
“It is not uncommon to see solar panels cause house and building fires.
“By ensuring solar panels are installed by a licensed installer, and are well maintained by a professional, you can prevent a tragedy,” Supt Kingsland said.
Fire and Rescue NSW say it is essential that home owners check the validity of the licence of any tradespeople with NSW Fair Trading, before any work takes place on your home.
It’s important to only use a licensed builder or electrical contractor to install solar panels.
You should also make sure to check the licence details of any builder or electrical contractor with Fair Trading before entering into a contract with them for the installation of solar panels.
For more information on solar panel safety, visit the Fair Trading website: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/building-and-renovating/during-the-building-process/solar-panels
