Serious concerns have been raised over illegal interventions in photovoltaic systems and their potential risks to public safety and property, following a house fire in Larnaca during the early hours of the morning that left a woman injured.
Speaking on Sigma TV’s “Mesimeri kai Kati”, Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) spokesperson Christina Papadopoulou and the president of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association, Giorgos Kyriakou, highlighted the dangers linked to unauthorised modifications.
Illegal batteries and inverter found
Papadopoulou said EAC installation inspectors and officials from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department visited the scene immediately to investigate the cause of the fire.
She explained that the property had a 6kW photovoltaic system inspected and certified by the EAC in 2022. However, preliminary findings suggest that two batteries and an additional inverter had been illegally installed.
Strict approval process required
Papadopoulou stressed that any additions or modifications to photovoltaic systems must follow strict procedures, including formal applications, approval from the Distribution System Operator, and final inspections by competent authorities.
“When illegal additions or installations are carried out without informing inspectors and without ensuring safety compliance, this is unfortunately the result,” she said.
Rising cases of illegal installations
She also warned of an increasing number of irregularities in the photovoltaic sector, noting that since 1 June, the EAC Distribution System Operator has launched a nationwide campaign to detect illegal installations and modifications.
Papadopoulou emphasised that such practices endanger both residents and workers in affected properties, as well as the stability and reliability of the national electricity grid.
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