Campaign urges home solar owners to prioritise safety

With around 30% of homes across the state now generating their own solar power, the two agencies have partnered to encourage Victorians to ‘Make the safe call’ and get their home solar systems serviced by a licensed A Grade electrician this spring.

Over the last 3 years, Energy Safe has received reports of 138 solar-related house fires – many of them preventable with regular maintenance. Data also shows the majority of these incidents occurred in the warmer months between September and January, making this a critical reminder for the community as we head into this high-risk period.

“Rooftop solar is constantly exposed to the elements and over time, components like wiring, switches and isolators can deteriorate. Just like a car, your system needs regular servicing to stay safe and reliable, and only a licensed electrician has the expertise to do that,” said Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson.

“A home solar system is not just another appliance, it’s a live electrical system that must be handled by a qualified, licensed professional.”

The campaign is urging Victorians to always verify the electrical licence of anyone working on their solar system. Unlicensed individuals offering panel servicing may be putting homes at greater risk.

“Unqualified operators offering so-called ‘maintenance’ services are often just cleaning panels. They’re not trained to identify and fix faults and might even cause damage or increase fire risks,” said Ms Hughson.

The Make the safe call campaign highlights the simple steps solar owners can take to protect their families and properties:

• book a maintenance service at least once every 2 years
• use a licensed A Grade electrician and get a Certificate of Electrical Safety for any wiring repairs
• watch out for system changes or warning signs, such as burning smells or unusual noises.

Energy Safe and Solar Victoria work closely together year-round to ensure the safety of residential solar systems, with more than 110,000 new systems installed state-wide through the Solar Homes program alone since 2023.

“Solar is one of the safest and smartest investments for households, and whether their system is freshly installed or they’ve had it for 10 years, it’s important that owners know how to keep it running safely and efficiently,” said Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan.

“While the risk of these systems failing is relatively low, safety should never be left to chance. With proper maintenance, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of solar with peace of mind.”

The public can check their electrician’s licence by searching a public register and report unauthorised electrical workers to Energy Safe on (03) 9203 9700 or online.

Learn more about solar system safety and finding a licensed electrician by visiting Energy Safe’s website.