The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has updated the requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. Solar PV installations may now be conducted by multiple installers, which was not permitted previously.

At a minimum, Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers must be at the site during job setup, mid-installation and commissioning. Agents and installers are required to provide concurrent evidence of the installer's presence on-site through all the relevant phases of the installation as detailed in CEC install and supervise guideline 6.1.3. Selfie photographs are the typical evidence the agency expects to show compliance with this requirement. The CER will use this evidence when assessing the eligibility of an application for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

When it is not reasonable for a CEC accredited installer to complete the whole installation and the system will be registered as a Small Generation Unit for STCs, you must ensure:

  1. All installers, at all phases of the installation, have an electrical license (including contractor license as required by state law) and are CEC accredited to install solar PV systems.
  2. The CER must be notified in writing, prior to the change of installer with the:
    • details of the installation
    • details of each installer
    • the rationale for the change of installer.
    Note: The CER will consider the eligibility of each system on a case-by-case basis, including instances where it is not practical or possible for notification to be provided prior to the installation.
  3. The approval to register the system given by the CER in writing is referenced in the notes field of the application.
  4. On-site evidence such as selfie photographs must be collected from all accredited installers for your part of the installation by the agent.
    Important: If the CER requests this evidence it must be provided for all accredited installers. If it is not provided for all installers the application may be failed.
  5. The installer responsible for system commissioning has a responsibility to ensure all prior installation work is fully compliant, meets relevant standards and was conducted by accredited installers.
  6. The installer who commissions the installation is required to sign the declaration for being on-site and will be:
    • listed as the responsible installer on the STC application form
    • registered as the installer in the REC Registry
    • the contact in the event of adverse findings during an inspection of the installation.

For more information visit creating small-scale technology certificates or phone 1300 553 542.