Thousands of homes could be at risk of electrical fires due to badly installed solar panels under a federal government scheme.
Homeowners are offered a $1,600 rebate to install solar hot water systems, under the scheme run by Environment Minister Peter Garrett's department.
The Clean Energy Council says there's a risk of house fires because of rushed installation of the roof-top panels.
"If they (installers) do a mistake on one system they'll tend to be doing it on all their systems that their installing," council spokesman Geoff Stapelton told ABC Television.
Calls for an audit
The Renewable Energy Systems Committee wants an audit of the scheme and more inspections undertaken.
Committee spokesman Ted Spooner says there are "very very limited inspections" being made to ensure the panels meet national standards.
"When you have very poor quality controlling modules you can end up with fractures in joints...that can lead...to fires," he told ABC Television.
The environment department is reportedly discussing whether an audit is needed.
Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt wants the prime minister to order an auditor general's inquiry into both the solar and deadly home insulation schemes.
"These (programs)...have all been riddled by mismanagement," he told ABC Radio.
"There are homeowners who are at risk."
Share
