Queensland's new safety regulations for the installation of solar panels could make new solar projects unviable, according to the Clean Energy Council.

As of 13 May, licensed electricians will be required to mount commercial solar panels.  QLD industrial relations minister Grace Grace said the changes came after the Electrical Trades Union and others complained about safety practices at solar construction sites, including the use of backpackers as labourers.  

"Workers are at risk from electrocution," said Grace, "These are not jobs for unlicensed workers."

But employers in regional Queensland often have trouble filling vacancies for electricians, according to federal government labour force information.  Some are already planning to use fly-in, fly-out electricians to meet the requirement instead of local labor.

The Clean Energy Council says these changes could cost the industry between $170 Million and $390 Million over the next decade, which the group says threatens QLD's renewable energy generation target of 50 percent by 2030.