Regulator updates rooftop solar rules to allow for multiple installers

The Clean Energy Regulator has announced a small but important change to the rules governing the installation of rooftop solar under the federal government’s SRES rebate scheme, making an allowance for multiple installers to complete a job.

In an update to the requirements for solar installations, the CER says rooftop PV systems they may now be conducted by multiple installers, which was not permitted previously – but only under strict conditions.

First, the CER requires prior notification in writing detailing the fill-in installers and their credentials and explaining why they were needed. The regulator will then consider the eligibility of the PV system to the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) on a case-by-case basis.

And, of course, the CER stresses that “all installers, at all phases of the installation” must have an electrical license (including contractor license as required by state law) and be CEC accredited to install solar PV systems.

The update follows a major tightening of the rules around the retail and installation of rooftop solar systems in Australia, aimed at weeding out shonky rooftop solar operators and preventing dodgy retail and installation practices.

The suite of reforms to the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme were unveiled in draft form in November, based on the findings of an Integrity Review of the Rooftop Solar PV Sector that was commissioned by federal energy minister Angus Taylor in mid-2020.

The 63-page report made 13 recommendations, resulting in the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and Other Measures) Regulations 2021, with the new rules scheduled to be rolled out in various stages throughout 2022, starting on April 01.

One of the key rule changes requires Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers to be at the site of a rooftop solar installation during job setup, mid-installation and commissioning – and to provide evidence of compliance by way of “selfie photographs.”

Essentially, the rule aims to ensure that the person ultimately responsible for the safety and quality of the installation is on site when needed and not, say, in another country – as was the case with this Canberra installer, who was recently caught out, fined and stripped of accreditation.

The update this week makes an allowance for “when it is not reasonable for a CEC accredited installer to complete the whole installation.”

But the list of conditions (below) required to access this loophole mean it will be preferable for rebate applicants to have just one accredited installer sign off on all aspects of the job.

The full list of requirements for jobs to use multiple installers is below, and it should be noted that the need to provide “selfie photo” evidence extends to any installers who take up a supervising role.