CEC clamps down on dodgy solar products

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has announced new initiatives it says will substantially lift the bar on the quality of solar power products sold in Australia, including delisting those that fail to meet safety and performance.

CEC Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the changes were the latest in a series of steps by industry to ensure the highest standards for people buying solar power systems.

“Solar panels and inverters already need to be independently tested and demonstrate their compliance with Australian Standards before they can be sold here, which is an appropriate protection for consumers,” said Thornton.

These products will be included on lists of approved solar power modules and inverters on the CEC’s Solar Accreditation website.

An independent testing program is also being introduced for solar panels and inverters to ensure that products being sold in Australia perform according to marketing claims.

“Products that are not up to standard will be removed from the Clean Energy Council lists of approved products,” said Thornton.

“Likewise, products can now be delisted if suppliers breach consumer law — such as a failure to honour warranties — effectively removing their eligibility for government incentives.”

An independent Product Listing Review panel has also been appointed.

Thornton said the introduction of other initiatives by the CEC, such as the Solar Retailer Code of Conduct and the continuous professional development program for solar installers, are also helping to improve standards across the industry.

“These changes will improve overall product quality in the solar industry by making sure customers get what they pay for when buying panels and inverters, and by penalising companies that do the wrong thing. Protecting consumers is our highest priority,” added Thornton.