QLD: Faulty solar systems present fire risk

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is reminding owners of Blueline Solar branded solar systems to check their systems for recalled isolator switches.

Several models of DC isolator, including recalled Avanco models, have been identified as unsafe and pose a fire risk if they are not replaced.

The OFT this week contacted 7,200 residents throughout Australia to alert them to the fact that their solar systems may contain the unsafe isolators.

Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said it was vital that homeowners respond to the safety information theyd been sent to prevent any risk of a fire in their homes.

Check to see if your system has any isolators with one of the affected model numbers, Mr Bauer said.

A solar system may have more than one isolator, and they are usually located near the panels or near the inverter.

If you have one of the unsafe isolators, shut down and stop using the system immediately.

Follow the procedure supplied with your system. If unsure, contact a licensed electrician.

Blueline Solar is responsible for the costs of replacing the unsafe isolators, so affected homeowners can contact them directly to arrange replacement.

Alternatively, homeowners can engage a licensed electrician to complete the work and claim their costs back from Blueline Solar.

Blueline Solars compliance with the product recall is subject to ongoing monitoring by OFT.

If consumers are unable to achieve a satisfactory resolution, they may lodge a complaint with the OFT at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading.

The OFT sourced a list of potentially affected homeowners from the Clean Energy Regulator. However, not all affected homeowners may have been listed. Any homeowner with a Blueline Solar system should check their isolator switches against the list below.

Blueline Solar is contactable on 1300 323 825 or via www.bluelinesolar.com.au.

Homeowners should also consider ongoing maintenance of their solar systems and engage a Clean Energy Council accredited solar installer or a licensed electrician. Homeowners should not conduct any electrical work themselves.

Background

List of recalled models

The Avanco branded rotary type DC isolators with the following model numbers are subject to the recall:

• AV/DC4P25A
• AV/DC2P25A
• AV/DC4P25AUB
• AV/DC2P625AU
• AV/DC2P25AU
• AV/DC2/2P25AU
• AV/DC2/2P125AU
• AV/DC4P25AU
• AV/DC4P25AUS
• AV/DC4P25AUT

As a safety measure, all solar system owners should check their system to confirm they dont have one of the recalled isolators. Further details on the recalled isolators can be found atwww.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au.

List of retailers who sold Blueline Solar systems

Blueline branded solar systems were distributed and sold nationally by companies affiliated with Blueline Solar Pty Ltd. Blueline Solar is responsible for meeting the costs of replacement of unsafe isolators.

• Australian Institute of Renewable Energy Pty Ltd
• Queensland Renewable Energy Pty Ltd
• Polaris Solar Pty Ltd
• Darwin Solar Pty Ltd
• Combined Solar Pty Ltd
• United Renewable Energy Pty Ltd
• Genlux Pty Ltd
• ACT Renewable Energy Pty Ltd
• Capital Solar Pty Ltd