UK rushed solar panel law: safety concerns ignored

Plug-in solar panels were legalised in the UK on August 27, allowing consumers to easily set them up without installation costs, planning permission, or certification. This move aims to increase renewable energy generation and reduce household bills.

However, the UK Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has raised significant safety concerns, stating that the legalisation was rushed and lacked proper standards. A key issue involves residual current devices (RCDs), crucial safety mechanisms in fuse boxes that can malfunction with plug-in solar panels due to their bidirectional current flow.

Further risks arise if multiple kits operate during a power outage, potentially causing 'islanding' and endangering maintenance workers. The IET communicated these concerns to the government before the legislation passed, but believes they were not adequately addressed.

The IET warns that while risks are conditional, they could lead to injury or death if plug-in solar panels become widespread. They recommend electrical inspections before use to mitigate potential dangers.

A government spokesperson stated that independent testing found these products safe for UK wiring. However, the IET disputes these findings, arguing the tests used non-standard units and new RCDs, not reflecting real-world conditions with older equipment.