Solar accreditation: CEC Installers and retailers

Solar accreditation: Why it matters

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is responsible for providing solar accreditation to individual installers and, for providing a list of approved solar panel modules, inverters and lithium batteries. There are two essential reasons why it matters:

• If a CEC accredited installer does not install your system, you will not receive your federal solar rebate.
• If the CEC does not approve your solar panels, you will not receive your rebate.

Lack of accreditation could cost you thousands

Not qualifying for your federal rebate may cost you thousands of dollars. The loss of the Victorian rebate may cost you a further $1,400 depending on the system size you install.

What is a CEC installer?

A CEC accredited installer is an individual that has completed the relevant safety and quality qualification as set out by the Clean Energy Council. CEC installers have the expertise and training to be able to install your system safely and reliably.

CEC installers: How the industry works

CEC installer accreditation is an individual qualification. A solar company must use an individual with the CEC accreditation to install a system. Many CEC installers are contractors and may install systems for different companies. A retailer may not employ any CEC installers, but rather contract out the solar installation.

CEC Approved Seller program

The CEC Approved Solar Retailer program is now the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC). The program recognises solar companies that adhere to a code of conduct developed by the Clean Energy Council for retail companies. The program seeks to boost consumer confidence by vetting companies that raise the bar above the minimum industry standard. CEC Approved Sellers agree to adhere to a list of sales practices to best inform you, the customer. The cornerstone of the code of conduct for retailers is that they agree to provide a minimum 5-year total system warranty.

There are two key differences between an NETCC Approved Seller and a CEC installer:

• It is not mandatory to have your system installed by an NETCC Approved Seller.*
• CEC installer accreditation is an individual qualification, whereas the NETCC Approved Seller is a company mark.

* To receive the Victorian solar rebate, your system must be purchased from an Approved Seller.

Clean Energy Council members

It is important not to confuse a CEC Approved Seller with a CEC member. CEC membership requires companies to pay an annual fee and adhere to a code of conduct. However, the key difference is that the code of conduct for CEC membership is not consumer focused whereas the NETCC program is.

The NETCC program, although not failsafe, is a good starting point for sifting through the mass of solar companies.

Finding a good CEC installer

The best way to ensure you select a company to fit your system to the highest installation standards is to get your solar quotes through our quote service. We use many NETCC Approved Sellers, as well as companies that have not applied for the program but demonstrate an exceptional level of service and expertise.

All of the solar companies that you will receive quotes from using our service use CEC accredited installers to design and install systems. This ensures that your solar power system will qualify for the federal solar rebate.