Plug-in solar poses 6 safety risks, say electrical industry groups - here's when to call a pro

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Several industry groups have expressed concern about the safety of plug-in solar.
  
• Issues range from the risk of fire and shock to trip hazards and falling solar panels.
  
• If in doubt about your installation, consult an licensed electrician.

There's a lot of excitement recently over the potential of plug-in solar, and how cheap, self-install kits could help households save money. But industry groups in the UK have raised a number of concerns about the safety of these kits and urge consumers to proceed with caution.

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Several industry groups -- including the Electrical Contractors' Association, Electrical Safety First, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and certification bodies NICEIC and SELECT -- have issued a joint warning about the technology, with concerns focused...

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