Solar Panel Validation Initiative

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 by mitigating the risk of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) being claimed for unapproved panels.

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 STCs.

How SPV works

SPV has 2 parts:

• mobile apps for installers to scan panel serial numbers on site
• verification databases of serial numbers from approved solar panels, provided by manufacturers.

Installers use SPV apps to scan panel serial numbers at the installation site to request real-time 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 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 necessary compliance 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
• assist with collecting and storing required STC compliance documentation
• 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:

• any costs associated with the functionality the app offers
• the nature of the agreement you'll have with them
• the terms, conditions and specific requirements that must be met to access their product.

Please note that it's at the discretion of each app provider to engage with third parties.

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 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

• 8 Star Energy Pty Ltd
• 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
• GCL System Integration Technology Co Ltd
• 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
• JA Solar Technology Co Ltd
• Jiangsu Runergy New Energy Technology Co Ltd
• Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co Ltd
• Jinko Solar Co Ltd
• Jinneng Clean Energy Technology Ltd
• Jolywood (Taizhou) Solar Technology Co Ltd
• Leapton Solar Changshu 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
• QINGDAO NAHUI PHOTOVOLTAIC NEW ENERGY 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
• Tempo (Aust) Pty Ltd
• Tindo Operations Co Pty Ltd
• Tongwei Co Ltd
• Tongwei Solar (Hefei) Co Ltd
• Trina Solar Co Ltd
• Volt Solar Tile Pty Ltd
• Win Win Precision Technology Co Ltd
• Wuxi Suntech Power Co Ltd
• Yingli Energy Development Co Ltd
• Zhejiang Aiko Solar Technology Co Ltd
• Zhejiang Sunpro Power Technology co Ltd
• ZNSHINE PV-TECH CO LTD

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)

Form Panda PTY LTD (Installer App 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

The SPV helps 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, we may revoke a manufacturer's participation. For more information, visit rooftop solar complaints.

App and verification service development

The SPV initiative works with industry to verify panel serial numbers and improve the accuracy of STC claims. This means STCs may be processed quicker if no other compliance risks are found.

To ensure that the integrity of the SPV is upheld, App Providers and verification service providers (VSPs) must meet the minimum entry requirements, including elements of the Clean Energy Regulator's (CER) Fit and Proper Person (FPP) posture. As the SPV provides assurance of genuine products and connects to the REC Registry, we expect industry providers to meet the highest standards of capability and competency and have their own compliance processes in place.

If you're thinking about developing your own app or verification service, you will need to meet the following criteria.

Legal arrangements

• App Providers need a legal arrangement with at least one existing VSP
• VSPs need a legal arrangement with one brand not already participating in SPV.

See guidance for legal arrangements for further information.

Due diligence checks

We will then conduct background checks on your business which incorporates elements of the FPP test. You will not be able to proceed if your company is not found to be fit and proper.

Sign a deed with the CER

If you are found to be fit and proper, you will be asked to sign a deed with the CER. This will outline your role and obligations to become a service provider.

The App Provider and VSP expectations documents explain some of the requirements outlined in the deed.

Please email solarpanelvalidation@cer.gov.au to receive a read-only copy of the deed.

Ensure your service meets technical requirements and passes conformance testing

Your service will need to meet the technical requirements outlined in the Message Interface Standard (MIS).

Service providers must meet all competencies outlined in their signed deeds and operate nationally in line with the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

Contact our SPV team on solarpanelvalidation@cer.gov.au for more information.