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Emergency guide · Victoria · Electrician

Solar panels are damaged or on fire

What to do first when solar panels, the inverter or the battery are damaged or on fire, and who checks them.

Life in danger, fire, or someone hurt? Call 000 now. Then come back to this page.

Call 000

Before anything else

If the panels, inverter or battery are smoking or on fire, get everyone out and call 000 - ask for FIRE.

What to do, in order

  1. Don't go near or touch damaged panels, cables, the inverter or the battery.
  2. Panels make electricity whenever it's light, even when the power is off.
  3. Treat a damaged battery as live, and don't switch it back on.
  4. If there's a fire, wait somewhere safe for firefighters.
  5. Call a licensed electrician to make the system safe.

Who to call

  • Triple Zero (000) 000

    Smoke or fire - ask for FIRE and give your address.

When you need a electrician

Call a licensed electrician for any damage to the panels, cabling, isolator, inverter or battery, or if you have any concern about them. For servicing, ESV says use an A-grade electrician, preferably accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia, at least every two years.

Once everyone is safe, find a electrician who can come today.

Tradie2U shows which tradies near you are free now, today or tomorrow, with their call-out fee upfront. You ask one, and they have a set time to answer. Free, no card. This guide is in the app too, with the right number for your street.

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Where this comes from

Reviewed by an A-grade electrician at True Line Electrical, one of the two trades who built Tradie2U, 28 September 2026.