Rooftop solar installer faces court over allegations of “wilful fraud”

A Western Australian man will face court in Perth after being charged with providing false or misleading information to access renewable energy certificates through the federal rooftop solar rebate.

The Clean Energy Regulator says nine charges have been laid against the WA man, following a lengthy investigation that involved the Federal Police and included the execution of a criminal search warrant in 2021.

“We allege that from 23 May 2018 to 12 February 2021, the man knowingly and deliberately provided false information which was subsequently relied upon to create small-scale technology certificates (STCs).

STCs are issued under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, as part of the federal government’s system for subsidisation of rooftop solar system installations.

“The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter which was mentioned in the Perth Magistrate Courts on 28 June 2024. The matter has been adjourned to 9 August 2024.”

The regulator has been keeping a close eye on compliance with the SRES, since an integrity review led to a major tightening of the rules around the retail and installation of rooftop solar.

One of the key rule changes requires CEC accredited installers to be at the site of a rooftop solar job during setup, 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 caught out, fined and stripped of accreditation in 2022.

“We will continue to collaborate with federal and state bodies to use the full suite of powers available to detect and respond to serious non-compliance,” the CER said on Tuesday.

“We have zero tolerance for wilful fraud. Those who do not comply with their obligations will see enforcement action taken against them where it is warranted under our Compliance, Education and Enforcement Policy.”