Energy Safe Victoria has warned property owners of DIY solar following a property fire started by a solar battery energy storage system that was installed by the property owner.

Located in the Grampians town of Mafeking, compliance officers attended a property on 7 June after a fire had been reported. The incident has since prompted Energy Safe to urge property owners to always have solar battery systems installed by a licensed electrician.

“Saving a few dollars by not employing a licensed electrician heightens the risk of fire and electric shock, putting lives and property at risk,” Energy Safe chief executive officer Leanne Hughson says.

The fire is alleged to have been caused by a fault that occurred in a system controller which reported an error message in the days before. As a result, the fire destroyed the home’s living room and bedroom. No one was injured during the incident.

Both the solar and battery system of the home Grampian’s home installed by the property owner, who was not qualified. The owner also did not receive a Solar Victoria rebate to install either the solar PV system or the battery.