The Clean Energy Regulator has published the Analysis of Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme Inspection Data to Assess Photovoltaic System Residual Systemic Electrical Safety Risks report.
This report is in response to a recommendation by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) during its review of the administration of the Renewable Energy Target.
The report found that in the small number of cases where PV systems are considered to be potentially unsafe, water entering DC isolators (a disconnect switch) is the most common cause.
- The report recommends state and territory governments consider:
- whether the potential safety risks from the requirement for a rooftop DC isolator outweigh the benefits and pursue this through the current Standards review process
- removing the requirement for a DC isolator near the inverter and require the wall isolator to be located inside the inverter and pursue this change through the current Standards review process
- introducing mandatory PV system inspections or educational programs to encourage PV system owners to have a qualified person do regular inspections.
See Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme inspections for more information.