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At the request of the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, the Clean Energy Regulator (the agency), with the support of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER), conducted a review into the rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) sector.
The review was called following unprecedented growth in the rooftop solar PV sector and a range of reports of consumer issues including defective installations, misuse of installer accreditation details, and safety and quality concerns.
The agency made 13 recommendations to the Australian Government (12 accepted, one noted) to improve the integrity of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) regulatory framework. The recommendations cover 3 broad themes:
- tightening SRES eligibility requirements for installers
- tightening SRES eligibility requirements for solar panels and inverters, and
- promoting better consumer outcomes, including by placing new legal obligations on solar retailers under the SRES.
The Government supports the review’s recommendations, including:
- giving the agency responsibility for setting the rules and frameworks for an installer accreditation scheme and the listing of eligible solar components
- implementing new and streamlined reporting requirements for installers, solar retailers and manufacturers
- giving the agency more effective powers to monitor and enforce compliance, including the ability to suspend installers, disqualify retailers and de-list components, and
- developing consumer information and an online tool to help consumers navigate the rooftop solar PV sector, empowering consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about rooftop solar PV.
For more details see:
Funding package
The Australian Government has committed $19.2 million to implement the recommendations in the Integrity Review of the Rooftop Solar PV Sector.
The funding will be used to support development of reforms to improve the integrity of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and better protect consumers.
Consultation on amendments to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations
A public consultation on an exposure draft of proposed amendments to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 (REE Regulations) was conducted by DISER with the support of the agency from 22 October to 12 November 2021.
Amendments to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations pass into law
The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and Other Measures) Regulations 2021 became law on 17 December 2021.
The updated regulations can be accessed via the
Federal Register of Legislation.
The new regulations will commence in various stages throughout 2022 with the first phase commencing on 1 April 2022. This will include:
- updated designer and installer written statements
- new requirements for retailer written statements
- changes to the eligibility of components, and
- provision for the agency to disqualify installers, retailers and components from participating in the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
From 1 July 2022, the agency will undertake the
second phase of changes to the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
During phase 2 changes, the agency will:
- open an application round and approve a designer and installer accreditation scheme(s)
- consult with the solar industry to determine whether to nominate a body to publish lists of approved solar components.
The agency has conducted
webinars and provided
guidance material to prepare industry for the changes.
Please subscribe to the agency’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) email updates to keep informed of upcoming changes and events.
Webinar video
A video of the webinar hosted by agency on Wednesday 22 September 2021 is
now available for viewing.
For more information
If you have any questions about the review, please email
enquiries@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au or call
1300 553 542.