The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has welcomed NSW Fair Trading’s recent compliance blitz highlighting how shady solar installers can cause serious safety issues that could put lives at risk.

After vising 100 sites, NSW Fair Trading inspectors uncovered dodgy wiring, unlicensed work and a series of issues leading to 20 on-the-spot penalty fines, seven offences and several serious breaches requiring a follow-up investigation.

Oliver Judd, Executive Director and NECA spokesperson, said:

“Shady solar installers put lives at risk and damage confidence in the solar industry. It is critical Fair Trading does all it can to weed out the dodgy operators to protect consumers and hardworking honest electrical contractors and solar installers.

“NECA urges the public to always ask to see an electrical licence before allowing anyone to do any electrical work on their home or business premises.

“Dodgy operators shouldn’t put people off solar, which can help households save on their energy bills while reducing emissions. What’s important is that it is installed properly and many NECA members are highly qualified solar installers who can help people make the shift to solar safely.”

The NSW Government has developed an online licence check tool, which can be seen here.

Anyone found conducting unlicensed work could receive heavy on-the-spot fines of up to $22,000 for an individual or $110,000 for a corporation, or be prosecuted in court.

ENDS