Top companies have given warning that: 

• Shonky operators are flooding the solar power industry on the back of government subsidies.
• Dangerous non-tempered glass and inferior imported panels are being used to cut costs.
• There is evidence of installations in Queensland so poor that panels could fall off the roof.
• So-called "free" 1.5kW units are insufficient.

Fearing a repeat of the ceiling insulation disaster, which led to house fires and the death of four installers, they have told the Federal Government it must change the way subsidies are allocated to safeguard homeowners and encourage a sustainable industry.

Householders are currently eligible for up to $6000 in federal rebates for roof-mounted solar power systems installed by an accredited operator.

Industry insiders said some operators were also installing low-grade solar panels.

Queensland National Party Senator Ron Boswell, who has been investigating the issue for several months, said the safety concerns were real but he did not believe they were life threatening at this stage.

"It is frankly cold comfort to be told by the department that safeguards are in place," Senator Boswell said. "The danger may be more of rorting and defrauding householders." Clean Energy Council Australia said there were credible concerns about the methods used by some solar panel installers.

You can read the full article over at news.com.au.