Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is encouraging households to have their rooftop solar systems serviced following a series of fires across the State.
Acting Chief Executive of ESV, Ian Burgwin reminded Victorians using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to have them serviced every two years, following three house fires in just two weeks.
“Faults that cause fires are a risk, particularly in older solar PV systems that have not been properly maintained or serviced by a licensed A-grade electrician regularly,” Mr Burgwin said.
“Over the past two weeks, ESV has investigated three fires involving older solar PV systems, which haven’t been serviced over the previous two years,” he said.
“In all three incidences the fires were caused by faulty or malfunctioning direct current (DC) isolators.”
Mr Burgwin said a DC isolator was a manual disconnection switch that stopped electricity generated by a PV system flowing through the system to make it safe in emergency situations or to allow for servicing and maintenance.
He said ESV’s investigations found malfunctioning DC isolators caused burning and the fusing of wires with only the solar panels themselves impacted.
“These avoidable fires serve as important reminders, that just like a car, rooftop solar installations need to be serviced regularly to ensure they’re always running safely,” the Acting CEO said.
“If you are one of the growing number of Victorians embracing solar power, please ensure your system is serviced by a licensed A-Grade electrician at least once every two years.”
Mr Burgwin said like all electrical equipment, solar installations needed to be looked after to keep them safe and working at their optimum level – especially as they were subject to wind, rain and other extreme weather events.
Further information on solar system services can be accessed at this PS News link.
