Solar Panel Validation Pilot Program Update

Unfortunately, solar panel switcheroos aren’t unheard of in Australia. Hopefully it won’t be too long before you’ll be able to easily find out for certain if a panel is genuine, thanks to efforts from Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator.

The Regulator has announced significant progress in the development of solar panel validation tools to help thwart sub-standard and counterfeit products being sold and installed in Australia.

Last month we reported the Regulator was increasingly cracking down on non-compliant solar modules and its Solar Panel Validation Pilot​ program is part of fighting this battle.

The Pilot’s goals are to protect the integrity of Small-scale Technology Certificates ( STCs – which form the basis of Australia’s “solar rebate“), the solar industry, and consumers with an application that checks if solar panels are genuine, eligible to receive the government incentive and are covered by warranty. A smartphone is used to scan module serial numbers and compare them against validation databases containing data provide by manufacturers.

Among the first solar panel manufacturers to make a commitment to participate in the program were Jinko Solar, Canadian Solar and Yingli Solar – and others have also expressed an interest in getting involved.

Late last week, the Regulator reported successful upload of the first application for Small-scale Technology Certificates​ (STCs) using the tools.

“The successful uploading of the first signed data package from Formbay/Jinko is a fantastic achievement and the result of two years of work by our industry partners and Clean Energy Regulator staff”, said General Manager, Michelle Crosbie. “This is a project that benefits everyone involved in small-scale solar, from the manufacturers who can protect their brand, through to the householders who can now be assured their panels are genuine.”

The  Regulator says once the pilot is evaluated, it expects to open up the program for broader industry participation. From that point, STCs created without validated data will be subject to increased scrutiny by the Regulator under its compliance program.

The Clean Energy Regulator was established in 2012 as an independent statutory authority. It administers schemes legislated by the Australian Government for measuring, managing, reducing or offsetting Australia’s carbon emissions.