Australia’s Clean Energy Council has announced several Canadian Solar (CSI-Solar) inverter models have been suspended from the CEC’s approved solar products program.
Solar panels and inverters must be on the CEC’s approved products lists at the time of installation in order for a solar power system to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs). STCs are virtual bits of paper that form the basis of Australia’s solar rebate. A CEC listing is also needed for some state incentives, and most (all?) electricity networks require the status for grid connection permission.
Effective last Saturday (18th of January), the following models were suspended due to non-compliance with the inverter Terms and Conditions; specifically that the importer for Canadian Solar is not registered with EESS as a Responsible Supplier:
- CSI-8K-S22003-E (AS4777-2 2020)
- CSI-5K-S22003-E (AS4777-2 2020)
- CSI-9K-S22003-E (AS4777-2 2020)
- CSI-7K-S22003-E (AS4777-2 2020)
“If corrective actions are made within three months, the suspension may be lifted,” said the CEC in an email sent on Wednesday. “If they are not, the products will be de-listed”.
The affected models are all single-phase string inverters in capacities of 5kW, 7kW, 8kW and 9kW. When checking early yesterday afternoon, the only Canadian Solar inverter on the approved list was the CSI-5K-S22002-E (AS4777-2 2020). But another email from the CEC late yesterday afternoon stated it intends adding that model to the suspension list on 30 January 2025; and for the same reason.
How Does This Affect Canadian Solar Inverter Owners?
Assuming the inverter is already installed, it doesn’t. The suspension only impacts units yet to be installed. And as the reason for suspension is not for a hardware fault and nothing of that nature was alluded to, there shouldn’t be anything for current owners to be concerned about.
What Is The EESS And A “Responsible Supplier”?
EESS stands for Electrical Equipment Safety System, a regulatory framework aimed at increasing Australian consumer safety in relation to household electrical equipment. It utilises the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) so consumers can easily recognise EESS compliance.
As well as the EESS, RCM also signals compliance with the Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA’s) labelling requirements.
A Responsible Supplier is a legally identifiable Australian or New Zealand party manufacturing or importing electrical equipment covered by the EESS. While an overseas-based company, such as Canadian Solar, can’t register as a Responsible Supplier, these companies can either distribute their product via a party that is, or become an Australian or New Zealand legal entity and then register.
The CEC doesn’t mention who the importer is, but I was under the impression Canadian Solar/CSI Solar imported their solar panels and inverters into Australia. The company has 4 warehouses and 5 offices here, and 10 currently registered Australian entities according to an ASIC company search.
The situation hasn’t impacted Canadian Solar panels; probably because the Clean Energy Council’s terms and conditions for inverters are different to the T&Cs for PV modules – the latter not making reference to Responsible Supplier requirements.
Thinking of installing solar power at your place? The inverter is the real workhorse of a solar system, so special attention should be paid to selection rather than just focusing on the panels. Check out SolarQuotes’ guide to choosing a good solar inverter, where you’ll also see the brands SQ currently recommends.
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