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Solar industry in good shape with further compliance on the way

The Clean Energy Council has welcomed the release of a package of measures to improve regulation and compliance of the rooftop solar PV sector following a review by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER).

The review recognises that the Australian rooftop solar industry is "strong with most businesses doing the right thing" and is consistent with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's recent acknowledgement that there are no systemic issues of poor behaviour in the sector.

With a record 378,451 rooftop solar installations in 2020 and one in four Australian homes having installed rooftop solar, it's clear that the vast majority of solar customers receive a safe and high-quality solar system and are pleased with their experience.

The review was announced in August 2020 in response to the significant growth within the sector and the need for a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework that streamlines the roles of numerous bodies involved in regulation, including across federal and state agencies covering consumer protection, electrical safety, retail practices and economic regulation.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton said that it is appropriate to continually reflect and improve the regulatory framework to ensure industry integrity and proper oversight, and noted the review's conclusion that the Clean Energy Council has been undertaking its co-regulatory role diligently for a long period of time.

"We welcome the greater role for the CER to leverage the compliance and enforcement tools of a Commonwealth agency to crack down on the worst behaviours in the industry. A more active approach to regulation and compliance from the Commonwealth Government is a good step forward and the industry looks forward to working closely with the CER to refine the regulatory framework for the sector," he said.

"The solar industry has already begun acting on a number of these recommendations, including the requirement for installers to be on-site during installations, increased training and awareness about the expectations on installers. The Clean Energy Council is committed to continually raising the bar, improving standards and driving the few dodgy players out of the industry. This includes advocating for further regulatory reform such as cracking down on phoenixing in the solar industry, creating a national electrical safety body and the introduction of nationally consistent inspection regimes."

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Jane Aubrey
Clean Energy Council Media Manager
[email protected]
+61 409 470 683