Inspections Update No. 7
Introduction
This inspections update provides a summary (as at 30 August 2013) of the inspection
scheme under Section 23 AAA of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 and Part 7 of
the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 as administered by the Clean Energy
Regulator (CER) since May 2011. This update is a continuation of a series of published
inspections updates which are available from the Clean Energy Regulator website.
Inspection results
Table 1: Completed inspection reports received as at 30 August 2013
State
No. of Systems Inspected
Systems Unsafe
Systems Sub-standard
ACT
118
8
11
NSW
2215
79
407
31
3
4
QLD
2234
75
253
SA
1238
36
236
TAS
101
8
16
VIC
1488
82
163
WA
1050
62
180
NT
GPO Box 621 Canberra ACT 26011300 553 542enquiries@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au
State
Total
No. of Systems Inspected
8475
Total per
cent
Systems Unsafe
Systems Sub-standard
353
1270
4.2%
15%
As of 30 August 2013, the Regulator has been advised that fewer than five per cent (4.2%
or 353) of solar PV systems inspected were assessed as unsafe as defined in the CER
inspection checklist, a relatively stable rate since inspections commenced (Table 2). An
unsafe system is defined as a possible safety hazard which poses an imminent risk of
damage to property or persons. Examples of an unsafe system is one that has been
assessed as having either; direct current isolator enclosures, or junction boxes, that were
not suitably installed to prevent water ingress, or had signs of water damage present;
issues with the panel mounting, or; exposed live parts. These issues are directly attributable
to poor installation practices and/or the use of inappropriate hardware, and indicate a failure
to comply with basic electrical installation competencies. The CER has endeavoured to
work in conjunction with industry and state and territory electrical regulatory authorities in
addressing identified unsafe issues.
Actions taken as a result of the systems being classified as unsafe:

The system was shut down or otherwise rendered safe by the inspector.

The owner and/or occupier of the premises were advised by the inspector of the nature
and extent of the safety risk.

The relevant state or territory regulation authorities and energy network provider were
advised by the inspector of the nature and extent of the safety risk.
15 per cent (15% or 1270) of solar PV systems were assessed as substandard and
required work to rectify the installation. A substandard system is defined as one that:

does not meet key clauses in the standards and requirements for installation and may
lead to premature equipment failure or other issues,

does not pose an imminent safety risk, or

the installation work and/or the equipment should be improved to meet relevant
standards and industry guidelines.
Of the substandard solar PV systems the vast majority (over 90%) had direct current
isolator issues, including DC isolators that were; incorrectly rated for the voltage and/or
current output of the system; polarised or otherwise incorrectly wired, or; not rated for direct
current. A small proportion had workmanship issues relating to wiring or brackets.
GPO Box 621 Canberra ACT 26011300 553 542enquiries@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au
Substandard rates have seen a gradual decline (Table 2) which has coincided in increased
communication by industry to installers on the correct installation of polar sensitive DC
circuit breakers.
Actions as a result of substandard classification and requiring rectification work:

The owner and/or occupier of the premises were advised by the inspector of the nature
and extent of the risk posed by the substandard issues.

The relevant state or territory regulatory authorities were advised by the inspector of the
nature and extent of the risk posed by the substandard issues.
Table 2: Summary data of Inspection Updates one to seven
GPO Box 621 Canberra ACT 26011300 553 542enquiries@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au