PETALING JAYA: Solar panels generate current when exposed to sunlight – even if they are not plugged in, says a workplace safety group.
This puts workers installing solar panels on rooftops at risk of being electrocuted, besides other dangers such as falling from height.
According to an alert from Singapore's Workplace Safety and Health Council, electrocution is a major concern when installing solar panels.
It issued the alert in 2023 after a worker was electrocuted while installing solar panels.
"Solar panels generate live current when exposed to sunlight, even when they are not plugged in," it warned.
The alert also said another risk when installing solar panels are falls from height.
On Friday (Dec 13), three workers were electrocuted while installing solar panels at the Public Works Department office in Ranau district, Sabah.
The three – identified only as Wong, 54; Salleh, 34; and Gimbal, 25 – were killed on the spot.
A fourth worker identified as Dani, in his 20s, was with them at the time but was unhurt.
The cause of the incident is still being determined.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Department officials said they received a distress call at 10.46am, and arrived at the scene about two minutes later.
