- Published:
- Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 9:36 am
Energy Safe Victoria and Solar Victoria have launched Be solar safe, a public safety campaign encouraging homeowners to have their rooftop solar systems regularly serviced by a licensed A Grade electrician.
While only around one in five rooftop solar systems are four years or older, they account for almost two-thirds of solar-related house fires recorded by Energy Safe since July 2021.
And with most fires occurring during the warmer months, Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said spring was an ideal time for homeowners to check when their solar system was last professionally serviced.
“Solar systems sit on our roofs through heat, rain and everything in between, so it’s easy to forget they need looking after. Regular checks by a licensed electrician can identify deteriorating wiring, isolators and other electrical faults before they become a serious safety risk,” Ms Hughson said.
“Being solar safe is simple: have your system serviced at least once every two years, know the warning signs that something may be wrong, and make sure anyone carrying out electrical work is properly licensed.”
Homeowners should also be wary of unlicensed operators offering solar panel maintenance or servicing. Panel cleaning alone is not an electrical safety check and, if done incorrectly, could allow water into deteriorated electrical components and increase the risk of faults or fire. Only appropriately licensed electrical workers can safely identify and repair electrical faults.
To Be solar safe, homeowners should:
- have a licensed A Grade electrician service their solar system at least once every two years
- check the electrical licence of anyone carrying out electrical work by searching a public register
- ensure they receive a Certificate of Electrical Safety for any electrical repairs
- pay attention to system changes or warning signs, such as loss of performance, burning smells or unusual noises.
Energy Safe and Solar Victoria work together year-round to support the safety of residential solar systems across Victoria, including the more than 350,000 new systems installed through the Solar Homes program since 2018.
Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan said looking after a solar system was an important part of protecting a household’s investment.
“Whether your system is new or it’s been on your roof for a decade, regular maintenance helps keep it operating safely and efficiently, so households can continue enjoying the benefits of solar with confidence,” said Mr Krpan.
Learn more about how to Be solar safe at: www.energysafe.vic.gov.au/solar-safety
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