A Clean Energy Regulator (CER) review may mean a safer future for Australia’s solar energy sector, helping to level the playing field for licensed electrical contractors, writes Rosie Bensley.
The regulator’s Integrity Review of the Rooftop Solar PV Sector report contains 13 recommendations to increase oversight, improve standards and stamp out operators performing unlicensed work or using non-compliant products.
The recommendations are positive for licenced electrical contractors working in the solar industry, accordingto the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA). NECA provided extensive input for the review, sharing the challenges under the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme regulatory framework.
“This is good news for the vast majority of installers, retailers and manufacturers that make up the solar industry and do high-quality, safe work. They have played a key role in reducing the country’s emissions and slashing energy bills for millions of Australians,” NECA WA branch secretary Carl Copeland said.
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“For too long, unscrupulous operators have been allowed to damage the reputation of the industry with dodgy products and installations.”
If the new recommendations are accepted by the Federal Government, there will be stronger accountability for poor performing system retailers and component manufacturers. Accredited installers will have to prove they have been onsite to make the written statement of STC eligibility, and these statements will be made simpler and clearer
The Clean Energy Regulator will also become the sole regulator for setting the rules and framework for an installer accreditation scheme, replacing the co-regulation with the Clean Energy Council.
“NECA urges the Federal Government to implement the recommended changes as soon as possible, which will strengthen the industry and means a brighter, safer future for solar,” Copeland said.
