On 7 May 2020, the Clean Energy Regulator (the CER) accepted an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) offered by Trina Solar (Australia) Pty Ltd (Trina Solar).

The EU was offered by Trina Solar because of the CER’s findings that ineligible Trina Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels had been installed across Australia. These panels were ineligible as they were either built in facilities that did not have the required certification or were manufactured to an outdated standard. As a result, the corresponding solar PV panels were not approved panels for the purpose of the Clean Energy Council's (CEC) approved PV module list and the systems installed with these were hence ineligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

The EU required Trina Solar, at its own expense, to:

  • remove and replace all the solar panels on over 100 systems across Australia
  • transport one panel from each system to a testing facility
  • have each panel extensively tested for safety and performance.

This testing was conducted to provide assurance on the safety, quality, and warranty support for the ineligible solar panels.

Based on the results obtained from testing, we are satisfied that the compliance testing program provides assurance that the relevant panels meet the appropriate safety and quality standards.

We are committed to enforcing SRES eligibility requirements which provide consumer benefit.

Manufacturers and importers of solar panels with products on the CEC’s approved PV module list have additional obligations under the SRES.

Since 1 April 2022, manufacturers or importers of solar panels eligible for STCs (and listed on the CEC's approved PV modules list) have been required under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 to provide serial number data to the CER’s solar panel serial number ledger. The data in this ledger is used by the CER to assess eligibility of STC claims by cross referencing serial numbers in STC claims with serial numbers in the ledger.

In addition to the ledger, the Solar Panel Validation (SPV) gives installers and consumers on the spot assurance that their solar panels:

  • are backed by manufacturer warranties
  • meet Australian standards for quality and performance
  • are eligible for small-scale technology certificates.

For more information on the ledger and SPV please see the CER's website.

The CER is committed to ensuring businesses and consumers can have confidence in Australia’s solar industry. We require the very highest standards of compliance and integrity within the SRES as well as state and territory electrical regulatory schemes.

If you have any information about potential non-compliance or activities in CER administered schemes, please contact us at cer-referrals@cer.gov.au or phone 1300 553 542.

See further information on compliance and enforcement.