Cracking down on dodgy solar installers

The Victorian Government is boosting the number of specialised solar safety inspectors – to keep up with record demand for solar, shine a light on any dodgy installers and ensure solar installations in Victoria continue to be the safest in Australia.

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio today launched a new training program, which is part of the government’s $11 million investment in training, that will ensure the sector continues to meet record demand for solar systems while keeping workers and households safe.

Having more Licensed Electrical Inspectors (LEIs) will reduce the time it takes to get solar panels operating, and boost the number of rebates flowing through the Government’s landmark Solar Homes program.

Solar Victoria has released a request for tender to develop the training modules, which will upskill electricians and provide a pathway for new LEIs, creating even more jobs in the solar industry.

Under 2019 Electrical Safety Regulations, all Victorian solar installations must be inspected by an LEI before they are first switched on.

Solar Victoria, alongside the regulatory partner Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), are hosting a series of roundtable discussions with industry stakeholders to explore opportunities to attract new LEIs to the industry.

ESV will work on the development of this training, while also increasing the technical support for installers and LEIs to ensure that they are able to enforce the safety standards across Victoria.

These measures are part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing work to boost safety and drive growth in Victoria’s renewable energy sector, and help more Victorians save money and reduce emissions with rooftop solar.

Quote attributable to CEO Solar Victoria Stan Krpan

“Licensed Electrical Inspectors are an important feature of our solar safety framework, and this training will lead to further improvements in safety and compliance.”