Rooftop solar certificate trading platform “permanently suspended” by regulator

A free online platform for trading the certificates generated through the federal government’s rooftop solar rebate has been suspended from participating in the scheme after allegedly failing to meet its regulated requirements.

In a compliance update issued last week, the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) said it has “permanently suspended” the registration of Greenbot Pty Ltd, from June 11, 2024.

The CER says this means Greenbot can no longer create the small-scale technology certificates (STCs) that are generated through the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) for the installation of rooftop solar panels and other clean energy technologies.

Greenbot can, however, still trade certificates that were validly created and registered in the REC Registry before its suspension, the CER says.

“The decision follows an investigation into the conduct of Greenbot and its platform, including an online trading portal and mobile phone application,” the notice says.

“A failure of its platform resulted in the creation of small-scale technology certificates which did not meet the requirements of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) under the Renewable Energy Target (RET).

“Agents have a legislative responsibility to ensure certificates meet the requirements before they are created.”

The regulator says it has also decided to remove the Greenbot Solar Panel Validation (SPV) app as a means of verifying solar panels and submitting STC claims.

Rooftop solar retailers have been given 30 days to choose a new provider of Solar Panel Validation, which was set up by government and industry to provide an easy and efficient way to check solar panels are genuine and approved modules, backed by manufacturer warranties and meet Australian standards.

The CER offers a range of actions and advice to solar retailers and installers on what to do if they have been, or are currently using Greenbot’s platform – see more information here.

Greenbot, meanwhile, disputes the CER’s allegations and says it hopes to overturn its suspension.

“We disagree with the regulator’s decisions and are confident in the urgent legal action we are taking to resolve the matter,” it said in an email to customers last week.

“With over 8 years of industry leadership and a proven track record of facilitating over 500,000 installations and the creation of over 55 million STCs, we’re committed to maintaining our high standards and supporting your needs.

“Our dedicated team is available to address any questions or concerns you may have,” Greenbot says.