Solar DC-Isolators, a BIG problem.
Lucas Sadler
Vice President of Sales- Asia Pacific | Renewable Energy Expert | Global Executive MBA
The Importance of increasing Solar Installation Quality is the First step.
It is true that recent recalls of four brands of solar power isolator switches has thrown the spotlight on the need to maintain solar power systems, especially those on the roof exposed to the elements (as posted by me earlier this week in response to a house fire in Annandale, Queensland that raises the question again as to why they are on the roof in the first place).
I have posted a video of another example of the danger of placing Isolators on the roof recorded by our technician:
Like any installed electrical equipment, solar panels do need to be regularly maintained for safe and efficient use. It’s important to remember that regular maintenance should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, which will include shutting the system down correctly first, this should be left to the experts.
SolarSafe was founded to help consumers that were left without an installer or who have been supplied poor quality systems. The industry needs to take note of these events and now the worlds leading brand Yingli has responded. Yingli in the Australian marketplace has announced the Yingli 4 You Program which focuses on training installers to higher standards with key product support (https://www.yinglisolar.com/au/).
From my previous post, recent rain events in Far North Queensland, have exposed the danger of a number of Recalls that have sent many solar companies out of business, resulting in Recalled DC Isolators being left on the roof and subject to failure. Consumers are urged to have these Isolators checked before its too late.
Important Recall Information:
Avanco isolator recall
In Queensland, The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice have issued a product recall and prohibition on the supply or installation of some Avanco and PVPower brand DC isolators.
Solar power systems with these DC isolators installed should be shut down immediately, by following the shutdown procedure, until the isolators can be replaced.
Recall notice on Blueline Solar Pty Ltd
Again in Queensland, The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice issued a recall notice (PDF) on Blueline Solar Pty Ltd on 22 September 2014.
The recall notice requires Blueline Solar to replace recalled isolators. Heavy penalties apply for failure to do so.
Your consumer rights
All Australian businesses have an obligation to supply safe products.
As a consumer, you have legal rights called consumer guarantees. If a product does not meet a consumer guarantee, you have a right to a remedy.
If a product is unsafe, it has failed to meet the consumer guarantee for acceptable quality. You are entitled to your choice of a refund, repair or replacement.
You should approach the business that supplied the isolator (i.e. the electrician or solar business) and requests either a refund or that your isolator is replaced with a similar, but safe, product.
The supplying business has an obligation to provide you with your choice of a refund or replacement because the product they supplied is unsafe. The supplying business also has an obligation to perform, free of charge, any labour required to remove and/or replace the faulty isolator.
Renewables (Solar & EV) BDM
10 年How about better quality equipment and installers before the the industry changes (again!) because of poor standards?
Director | Energy
10 年Pat is absolutely right, this is the general feeling across the industry and needs to be addressed.
Licensed Electrical Inspector - RE class
10 年It is ridiculous that the installation of rooftop isolators is mandatory. It's a much greater risk of a DC isolator failing and causing damage than any minor safety benefit they provide.