Hunter residents with solar panels are being urged to remain observant and take the necessary steps to protect their homes, after a series of fires related to solar panels broke out across the state.
One of the four solar-panel related blazes occurred at a Maryland home, after short-circuiting in a solar power box resulted in smoke omitting from it.
Fire incidents related to solar panels are up by more than 20 per cent from this time last year, with solar isolation switches causing almost half of all solar panel-related fires.
Commissioner for Fair Trading, Rose Webb said it is vital to ensure solar panel systems are installed by a professional.
“If you’re considering installing solar panels at your property, any system you install needs to comply with Australian standards.
“It’s also essential that you use a contractor that’s qualified to do the installation and wiring, so it’s always a good idea to do a licence check with NSW Fair Trading before any work takes place” she said.
For more information on solar panel safety, visit the Fair Trading website here.
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| Image supplied FRNSW |
