CEC nominated as solar panel and inverter compliance body

Under the SRES program, consumers are entitled to small-scale technology certificates that can be sold to recoup some of the cost of purchasing and installing a system. This has helped boost installed rooftop solar capacity, which exceeded 20GW across Australia in 2023. However, it has slowed in recent months, prompting the CEC to call for a national strategy to boost take-up in early June.

The list of products under SRES includes only photovoltaic modules and inverters, not batteries.

Applications were assessed against the mandatory assessment criteria set out in the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001.

Clean Energy Council chief executive Kane Thornton said he hoped the CEC would be able to “continue to deliver accreditation services and a strong product assurance program that provides certainty and efficiency to product manufacturers and confidence to Australians”.

CER is seeking further applications from other organisations for the role, which will be considered over a 28 day period ending after 5pm on 11 August 2024. CER will then make a final decision on the nomination.

“While the process will now enter a 28-day consultation period, this step is a strong recognition of the technical competence, experience and professionalism of the CEC team and a positive outcome for the industry,” added Thornton.

Until a final nomination is made, the CEC will continue to publish approved lists of solar panels and inverters.