We've worked with the solar industry to implement the Solar Panel Validation (SPV) Initiative. SPV aims to protect the integrity of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
SPV provides a way to check and confirm that solar panels:
- are backed by manufacturer warranties
- meet Australian standards for quality and performance
- are eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STC).
How SPV works
SPV has 2 parts:
- mobile apps for installers
- verification databases of serial numbers from approved solar photovoltaic (PV) modules provided by manufacturers.
The apps let installers scan serial numbers and request verification against the database. If verified, installers can receive confirmation within seconds. The apps also send consumers a confirmation of their verified panels. This record includes the:
- solar panel make and model
- serial numbers
- time and date of installation
- location of installation.
Once verified, the apps generate signed data packages to help agents create STCs. We can process STC claims faster using SPV.
SPV's participants play important roles:
- Industry participants developed their own apps and verification databases to confirm verified solar panels at installation.
- Manufacturers provide serial number data to the validation database.
- Retailers offering SPV approved models provide consumer confidence that the solar panels are genuine and meet Australian standards.
- Installers use the apps to ensure they're installing verified solar panels.
- Registered agents use signed data packages generated by the apps to create STCs.
SPV benefits for members
Retailers
Participating in SPV will:
- reduce your risk of selling, buying and installing unapproved solar panels
- protect you from financial penalties
- give you a competitive advantage and positive reputation.
Installers
Participating in SPV will:
- reduce your risk of installing unapproved solar panels
- protect you from reputation and financial risk
- capture key information during installation
- simplify storing, collecting and transferring installation information to agents.
Registered agents
Participating in SPV will:
- reduce your risk of improperly creating STCs
- provide evidence of serial number validation
- reduce application processing times
- provide you with signed data packages to make STC applications easier.
Signed data packages pre-fill required information when creating STCs in the REC Registry.
If other compliance risks are found in the application, faster processing times will not occur.
Manufacturers
Participating in SPV will:
- assure consumers that your products meet Australian standards
- deter those who could connect counterfeit or substandard panels to your brand
- reduce the time and effort of supplying individual verification requests
- allow retailers to prioritise the sales of your verified products.
How to take part
Retailers, installers and registered agents
To use an app, contact the industry providers to find an app that suits your needs. Speak to each app provider to know:
- of any costs associated with the functionality the app offers
- the nature of the agreement you'll have with them.
Manufacturers
Before participating, you must:
- have an Australian presence
- hold an Australian Business Number
- be responsible for meeting manufacturer warranty obligations under Australian consumer law
- have solar panels on the Clean Energy Council's approved solar PV modules list.
We may conduct background checks on those seeking to take part in SPV.
To provide serial number data, contact a verification service provider that suits you. Speak to each provider to know:
- how they'll upload your data to the verification database
- the security measures in place to protect your data
- of any costs associated with using the verification service
- the nature of the agreement you'll have with them.
You can only provide your data to one verification service.
Participating solar panel brands
- AE Solar GmbH
- Aleo Solar GmbH
- Anhui Huasun Energy Co Ltd
- AXITEC Energy GmbH & Co KG
- CSI Solar Co Ltd
- Changzhou EGing Photovoltaic Technology Co Ltd
- Chint New Energy Technology Co Ltd
- DAH Solar Co Ltd
- DAS SOLAR CO LTD
- EEMU Pty Ltd T/A Ausgem Energy
- GoodWe (GuangDe) Power Supply Technology Co Ltd
- Hanersun Energy Co Ltd
- Hanwha Q CELLS GmbH
- HD Hyundai Energy Solutions CO LTD
- Hengdian Group DMEGC Magnetics CO LTD
- Hyundai Energy Solutions Co Ltd
- JA Solar Technology Co Ltd
- Jiangsu Runergy New Energy Technology Co Ltd
- Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co Ltd
- Jinko Solar Co Ltd
- Jolywood (Taizhou) Solar Technology Co Ltd
- LONGi Green Energy Technology Co Ltd
- Maxeon Solar Technologies Ltd
- Ningbo Ulica Solar Co Ltd
- OMNIS POWER USA INC
- Oz Power Products Pty Ltd
- Phono Solar Technology Co Ltd
- REA Power Pty Ltd
- REC Solar Pte Ltd
- Risen Energy Co Ltd
- Seraphim Solar System Co Ltd
- Shanghai Aerospace Automobile Electromechanical Co Ltd
- Shanghai JA Solar Technology Co Ltd
- Shenzhen Aiko Digital Energy Technology Co Ltd
- Solahart Industries PTY LTD
- SolarEdge Technologies Ltd
- Suzhou Akcome Optronics Science & Technology Co Ltd
- Tindo Operations Co Pty Ltd
- Tongwei Co Ltd
- Tongwei Solar (Hefei) Co Ltd
- Trina Solar Co Ltd
- Win Win Precision Technology Co Ltd
- Wuxi Suntech Power Co Ltd
- Zhejiang Aiko Solar Technology Co Ltd
- Zhejiang Sunpro Power Technology co Ltd
- ZNSHINE PV-TECH CO LTD
Federal Court stay decision – 18 October 2024
Updated 21/10/2024
On 18 October 2024, the Federal Court dismissed Greenbot’s application for a further stay of the Clean Energy Regulator’s (CER) decision to suspend Greenbot as a registered person. The CER suspended Greenbot’s registration on 11 June 2024 and this decision was stayed by the Court on 3 July 2024.
This means that Greenbot can no longer create renewable energy certificates as of 18 October 2024.
The Court has continued the stay on the CER’s decision to terminate the deed allowing Greenbot to be an app provider under the SPV Initiative. The Court’s order means that Greenbot will be allowed to participate in the SPV Initiative while the Court is reviewing the matter. We will keep you updated as further information becomes available.
Read our information for Greenbot clients.
Industry providers
Blink Ecosystem Pty Ltd (Installer App Provider)
Bridgeselect (Installer App Provider)
Dataforce (Installer App Provider)
Formbay (Installer App Provider and Verification Service Provider)
Green Deal (Installer App Provider and Verification Service Provider)
Greenbot (Installer App Provider)
Kickstart Agile (Verification Service Provider)
Renew Eclipse (Installer App Provider)
Techno Forms Pty Ltd (Installer App Provider)
Compliance
Using SPV will help to identify and shut down non-compliant practices.
If we detect the use of unapproved panels, we may:
- suspend your registration and accounts
- enforce criminal or civil proceedings.
If there are concerns about the integrity of panels used, we have a mechanism to revoke a manufacturer's participation. For more information, visit rooftop solar complaints.
App and verification service development
If you're thinking about developing your own app or verification service, contact our SPV team on solarpanelvalidation@cer.gov.au.