Our investigation has resulted in compliance action being taken against an accredited installer, Mr Rohit Kumar Jafal, and registered agent, Tanway Engineering Pty Ltd.
For a period of 3 months, Mr Jafal is ineligible to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Any installations performed by Mr Jafal during this period will not be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
In a related matter, we have also suspended the registration of Tanway Engineering Pty Ltd under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000, meaning it can no longer create STCs. The suspension of Tanway Engineering Pty Ltd is permanent.
This action follows their respective criminal convictions in the Perth Magistrates Court, which found Mr Jafal submitted Electrical Safety Certificates for solar PV installations without holding the required electrical contractor licence, using Tanway Engineering Pty Ltd’s licence without authorisation. Tanway Engineering was also found to have facilitated this misconduct by allowing the misuse of its licence.
Both parties pleaded guilty to offences under Western Australian electricity licensing regulations and received significant fines.
Mr Jafal provided false written statements used in the creation of STCs, claiming compliance with state requirements in relation to 25 solar PV installations. In reviewing Tanway Engineering’s role in this conduct, we also determined that Tanway Engineering has failed to meet its responsibilities and obligations as a registered agent under the Act.
Under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001, where a person has given 3 or more false statements or failed to comply with the requirements of their accreditation, we may declare that person ineligible to participate in the scheme. This means that any small generation units (typically solar PV systems) installed by that person are not eligible for STCs.
Since the introduction of amendments to the Regulations that granted these extra powers, we have communicated extensively with the industry about the expected conduct of scheme participants. We continue to remind accredited installers and registered agents of their responsibilities and obligations, particularly adherence to local, state and territory government requirements.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance. We will take enforcement action as warranted under our compliance, education and enforcement policy.