A Western Australian man has been fined and four companies suspended from participating in the federal rooftop solar rebate after being caught out working unlicenced and using non-compliant equipment.
Pierre Bosman was convicted in a Perth Magistrate’s Court last month and fined $15,000 for “knowingly and deliberately providing false information” used to create small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
The conviction follows an investigation led by the Clean Energy Regulator in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police and WA Department of Energy.
“In recording an expired electrical contractor’s licence on electrical safety certificates, 94 solar PV installations did not comply with the WA Electrical (Licensing) Regulations 1991 and were not eligible for STCs,” the CER said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The installations were supervised and installed by an accredited installer. However, eight of the installations were found to contain solar panels that were not listed on the [Clean Energy Council] list of approved modules.”
The regulator says the improper creation of STCs and sale of non-compliant solar panels has also resulted in the permanent suspension of four companies from participating in the SRES.
The suspended companies are Super Chief Pty Ltd, MSquare Energy Pty Ltd, More Green Energy Pty Ltd and More Tiles and Ceramic Pty Ltd.
“We have zero tolerance for wilful fraud,” the regulator said this week.
“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.”
Sophie is editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.
