CEC Edgy About Solar Accreditation Scheme’s Future

A heads-up concerning applications for installer and designer accreditation scheme operators under Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) has been met with a blunt warning from the Clean Energy Council.

Among the tasks of the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) is oversight of Australia’s SRES. Last week, the Regulator announced it would soon start accepting applications for “one or more” installer and designer accreditation scheme operators.

For many years, the only show in town has been the Clean Energy Council (CEC). Beyond grid-connect solar accreditation, the CEC also accredits battery, stand-alone (off grid) solar, small-scale wind and micro-hydro designers and installers.

It’s a complex role with a lot of responsibility and crucial to maintaining integrity in the initiative that provides Australia’s solar rebate. A solar power system designed/installed without appropriate accreditation has Buckley’s chance of ever being connected to the grid (unless records are fudged).

The CEC works closely with the Clean Energy Regulator to help ensure installations happen as they should under the requirements of the SRES. It also carries out investigative work when they don’t; taking actions extending to suspending or cancelling accreditations where warranted.

The CER monitors the performance of the CEC. How well the CEC has performed its related functions over the years could form the basis of some really interesting discussions; but it’s the devil best known (for want of a better term).

The Clean Energy Council continuing in the role in some form is probably a slam-dunk. But is it time for another player to be involved as well – perhaps to help keep the CEC on its toes?

CEC: There Should Only Be One

It won’t come as a surprise the CEC’s response to the potential for more than one operator could be summarised in a couple of words – “hell no!”

Yesterday the organisation said the introduction of multiple accrediting bodies for Australia’s rooftop solar industry will have a negative impact on the industry and consumers.

“A single accrediting body would result in greater responsibility and accountability to respond to and address the broad range of emerging and associated challenges and issues that arise in the industry,” says part of a statement from the CEC. “This responsibility would be less likely to occur if multiple accrediting bodies existed. Furthermore, consumers with similar complaints need to achieve comparable outcomes.”

And that’s about all they wrote in terms of an argument against such a situation occurring. It could also be argued another player could provide more resources for addressing industry challenges and investigating complaints.

What Happens From Here?

The CER will open the application phase in mid-December 2022, which will run for 3 months. The Regulator will perform a pre-assessment check on applications received by the closing date. Those that pass muster will be flicked to an evaluation committee for further scrutiny. The Clean Energy Regulator delegate will review a report from the evaluation committee and make the final decision. When that final decision might occur isn’t clear.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to run Australia’s solar installer and designer accreditation scheme – and let’s face it, haven’t we all – here’s some light reading to get you started; and further details can be found here. It will be really interesting to see who puts their hand up for the ongoing adventure.