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Statement regarding solar inquiry

The Clean Energy Council has confirmed media reports today regarding a review of the solar industry and its regulatory framework to be undertaken by the Federal Government. The Clean Energy Council understands that the full scope and terms of reference of the review are yet to be finalised and will be released in coming days.

The Clean Energy Council welcomes any genuine review of the regulations and oversight of the Australian solar industry, particularly if it leads to continuous improvement and harmonisation of the way the solar industry is regulated, delivering a more robust sector and a better outcome for customers. However, the Clean Energy Council would be deeply concerned if this became politicised as was the case in 2015 when the Abbott Government initiated a review of the solar industry as part of its campaign to reduce support for renewable energy.

The Australian solar industry is heavily regulated and scrutinised. The Clean Energy Council works closely with the range of regulatory bodies across state and Commonwealth agencies to continuously lift the bar and improve the standards and conduct of the solar industry. The Clean Energy Council plays an essential role across the industry. It has been driving tougher standards for solar panels and inverters, increased training and support for installers and clamping down on poor behaviour from retailers. We are confident that this means the vast majority of solar customers get a good quality solar system that is safely installed.

As the industry continues to grow and evolve, these regulatory approaches must keep up with consumer expectations, emerging business models and best practice regulation to ensure industry integrity and consumer protections. The Clean Energy Council looks forward to participating in this review and highlighting the opportunity for governments to harmonise and improve their approach to electrical safety, electrical licensing and auditing, consumer affairs and oversight of competition and marketing claims across the industry.

The Clean Energy Council will update the industry once further information on this review is made available by the Federal Government.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:

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