Product safety reportOPSS
Schueco Solar (Photovoltaic) Cells safety warning over an electric shock risk
Product Safety Report for Schueco Solar (Photovoltaic) Cells presenting a high risk of electric shock due to the potential for chalking and cracking along the internal connector of the module, which can make the product become live.
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
1 identifier listed for this notice.
Schueco Solar (Photovoltaic) Cells (2)
- ModelOn the rating label, base, back or box.
- Module Type
What to do now
Schueco Solar (Photovoltaic) Cells could give an electric shock. Live parts may be reachable, or the insulation or earthing may not be good enough.
- Unplug it now and put it away where nobody will plug it back in.
- Do not open it up or try to repair it yourself.
- Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
- Report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service if the seller does not respond.
Why it matters. Mains electricity in the UK is 230 volts, enough to cause serious injury or death. Cheap chargers, adaptors and appliances sold online are among the products most often found with this fault.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- burns where the current entered or left the body
- tingling, numbness or muscle pain
Get help urgently
- anyone who has had a mains shock and is confused, has chest pain, an irregular heartbeat or burns — call 999. Do not touch them until the power is off
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.
If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2211-0050). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Schueco Solar (Photovoltaic) Cells presenting a high risk of electric shock due to the potential for chalking and cracking along the internal connector of the module, which can make the product become live.
The risk
The product has been identified as presenting a high risk of electric shock. Investigations identified ‘chalking’ on the backing of solar panels, which can occur over time and result in cracks forming along the internal connector of the module. These cracks can lead to voltage transmission from the module to the frame, which could result in an individual receiving an electric shock if they are touching the panel when this voltage transmission occurs.
Action taken
Schueco have issued a safety warning to affected consumers setting out the potential risks and the requirement for the product to be taken out of operation or isolated.
Advice to consumers
The manufacturer has issued a safety warning letter to consumers setting out the potential risks presented by the product. Affected product will require being taken out of operation or isolated such that access to the modules is prevented. Switching off the module (inverter) is not sufficient to remove the risk. Affected consumers should follow the information set out in the safety warning letter. Further information is available on the following webpage: Schuco Warning Letter on Product Safety - Photovoltaics
Additional information
PSD case number: 2211-0050
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
Solar modules with ‘Ico-solar 3554’ backing foil.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Schueco Solar (Photovoltaic) Cells been reported?
Schueco Solar (Photovoltaic) Cells could give an electric shock. Live parts may be reachable, or the insulation or earthing may not be good enough. Mains electricity in the UK is 230 volts, enough to cause serious injury or death. Cheap chargers, adaptors and appliances sold online are among the products most often found with this fault.
How do I know if my product is affected?
Compare the model on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
Unplug it now and put it away where nobody will plug it back in. Do not open it up or try to repair it yourself.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
