On 13 July 2026, the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) declared Mr Sandeep Laxman Shinde, a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer, ineligible to install small generation units (solar photovoltaic (PV) systems) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) for 3 years.
As a result, Mr Shinde is also not eligible to install batteries for battery-connected solar PV systems. Any solar PV systems or batteries installed by Mr Shinde during this period will not be eligible to receive small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
The declaration follows an investigation into 24 solar PV system installations completed by Mr Shinde between February 2023 and July 2025. We found that Mr Shinde:
- did not meet the onsite attendance requirements of the accreditation scheme on 7 occasions
- did not provide required electrical safety certificates to the relevant state government authority on 17 occasions
- gave false or misleading installer written statements about these matters on 24 occasions.
Under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001, we may declare a person ineligible to participate in the SRES if, on 3 or more occasions, they have:
- failed to comply with the requirements of their accreditation scheme; or
- installed a solar PV system or battery in material breach of a local or state or territory government requirement; or
- given a statement that contains false or misleading information.
If a declaration is made, the person is not eligible to install solar PV systems or batteries under the SRES. Any installations they complete during the period of ineligibility are not eligible to receive STCs.
We have communicated extensively with industry about the expected conduct of scheme participants. We remind accredited installers of their obligations under the SRES, including compliance with accreditation requirements and all applicable local, state and territory laws.
Installers must meet onsite attendance requirements when installing solar PV systems and batteries. To be eligible for STCs, the installer must install or physically attend the site during job set up, mid-installation, and testing and commissioning and provide evidence of their attendance.
Photographs used to demonstrate onsite attendance must include accurate time, date and geolocation metadata for the installation site. We examine photographic evidence and metadata and do not accept images that have been altered or manipulated.
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to deliberate non-compliance and will take enforcement action in accordance with our compliance, education and enforcement policy.
We publish all current and expired declarations on our website.