State government audits revealing incorrectly wired circuit breakers in solar panels pose a low risk to households if they are left alone.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Matthew Warren said governments and industry identified the issue in late 2010 and the solar industry is taking remedial action.

“The safest thing to do is leave your system alone, in the unlikely event that there is a fault with your system, it is only triggered by incorrectly switching it on and off,” Mr Warren said.

Independent solar experts assessed the switch as low risk because it was not live, followed by changes to the Australian standard to prevent the issue's reoccurrence.

Mr Warren said anyone with concerns about their solar panels should contact the company who supplied their system.

According to the Clean Energy Council, it is by law that solar panels are installed by licensed electricians specially trained to install household solar, with all systems inspected by an independent authority before they are switched on.

“The industry directly employs over 5000 people in NSW, mostly in small businesses, and misleading claims about the safety of solar puts those jobs at risk,” Mr Warren said.
 

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@governmentnews.com.au.  

Sign up to the Government News newsletter