CEC retains solar product accreditation
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has been reappointed to oversee the list of products eligible for the federal rooftop solar rebate, with a mandate to enhance its services significantly. The Clean Energy Regulator confirmed the CEC as the product listing body (PLB) for solar panels and inverters eligible under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) after a comprehensive review of the scheme’s governance.
The review, initiated in 2020, highlighted concerns about the CEC’s capacity to manage all aspects of the scheme, including installer accreditation, and potential conflicts of interest when dealing with its members. While control of SRES installer and designer accreditation was transferred to an independent body, the CEC retained responsibility for product listings.
Following a consultation process that attracted 175 submissions, the CER identified common issues such as slow application processing, lack of transparency, poor communication, high costs, and inadequate handling of product recalls. Despite industry division on whether the CEC should retain its role, the regulator opted to uphold its position based on industry feedback.
Enhanced Service Standards
The CER outlined new service level standards for the CEC, including faster application processing, improved data quality, enhanced visibility of processes, and better technical support for industry stakeholders. The CEC committed to delivering these improvements, focusing on streamlining processes, enhancing customer service, and providing transparent tracking of application progress.
CEC Chief Kane Thornton expressed pride in continuing to manage the product listing role for small-scale renewables, emphasising the importance of this segment in Australia’s clean energy future. The council’s efforts will concentrate on program enhancements, such as improving the online user experience, increasing team capacity, and establishing a manufacturer working group for program governance.
Commitment to Program Improvement
Thornton highlighted ongoing initiatives to ensure Australians have access to safe and reliable PV modules, inverters, and batteries. By collaborating with industry stakeholders and the CER, the CEC aims to provide certainty and efficiency for product manufacturers while prioritising engagement with the industry regarding product listings.
Overall, the Clean Energy Council is dedicated to driving positive changes in the management of the federal rooftop solar rebate, supporting the growth of clean energy solutions for households and businesses across Australia.
