Reforms to rooftop solar recommended by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) are to be implemented to protect consumers and improve the integrity of the sector.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor said the CER’s Integrity Review of the Rooftop Solar PV Sector followed reports of consumer issues, defective installations, misuse of installer accreditation details, as well as safety and quality concerns in the sector.
The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER) said the Review made 13 recommendations to reform the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) covering three broad themes: Including tightening SRES eligibility requirements for installers; tightening SRES eligibility requirements for solar panels and inverters; and promoting better consumer outcomes.
The Department said Government supported the CER’s recommendations, which included making the CER responsible for setting the eligibility requirements for installers and solar components; implementing new reporting requirements for installers, solar retailers and manufacturers; and giving the CER more effective powers to monitor and enforce compliance.
“These reforms will ensure that installers, retailers and manufacturers who do the wrong thing can be held to account,” DISER said.
It said consultation on the regulatory changes was to commence later this year and feedback from stakeholders would inform the implementation and timing of the reforms.
The CER’s 61-page Review Report can be accessed at this PS News link and the Government’s seven-page response at this link.
