Tens of thousands of dollars in fines and dozens of improvement notices have been issued for poor electrical work across the Hunter Region.
Building Commission NSW's solar and battery team conducted more than 120 inspections across the region in the 2025-26 financial year after receiving 113 complaints during the same period.
Across the state, close to 3000 inspections were conducted following 1900 complaints.
The blitz reflected the surge in the uptake of solar and batteries in recent years - just over 239,000 installations were undertaken across NSW last financial year.
Sixty-one written direction notices were issued to Hunter contractors for electrical non-compliance.
The main issues identified were non-compliant Residual Current Device (RCD) installation and non-compliant battery signage and/or labelling.
RCDs, commonly known as a safety switch, are an essential device that instantly cuts off power when it detects a current leak to the ground, preventing severe electric shocks and fires.
In addition to the written notices, 18 fines worth $22,500 were issued to traders operating solar or battery-related businesses in the Hunter in 2025-26 financial year.
The main issues identified were defective work, non-supply or only partial supply of goods as well as non-performance of service.
Building Commission NSW engages with scheme operators, including DCCEEW, IPART and the federal government, to maintain a high quality of solar panel installation work and compliance.
"Building Commission NSW is progressing a number of investigations and has put in place dedicated complaint case managers to help consumers engage in dispute resolution and seek remedies where these types of issues have occurred," a spokesman said.
Solar Citizens chief executive Heidi Lee Douglas called for the NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman to be given greater powers to investigate battery installation complaints.
"There is a strong regulatory framework for installation of rooftop solar and solar batteries at a State and Federal level," she said.
"In any industry, there are poor operators and it is important they are stamped out at every opportunity. Solar Citizens supports the NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman having greater powers to investigate battery installation complaints and continues to advocate for strong consumer protections for households who are spending their own money on solar and energy storage."
Energy Consumers Australia executive manager, advocacy and policy, Lotte Wolff, welcomed the uptake of solar technologies as part of the energy transition.
"But right now, there are some gaps in consumer protection for these new technologies and products. Clear and simple ways for consumers to raise concerns or lodge complaints if things go wrong are essential, while people also need confidence that high standards will be met and they have clear and simple ways to raise complaints," they said.
"ECA has been calling for stronger measures, including requiring installers to become members of state-based Ombudsman schemes, to help ensure consumers are fully protected.
"We have also backed expanding the remit of the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) to hear consumer complaints and resolve disputes. This will help ensure greater confidence among consumers that their rights will be protected."
