A win for members in the solar industry

NECA WA continues to be actively involved in engaging with the Clean Energy Council (CEC) and the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) on behalf of members.

Earlier this year, NECA developed a submission to the CER on the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). I am delighted to report that the CRC adopted 6 of our 7 key recommendations.

The outcomes of the CER’s review are positive for electrical contractors working in the solar industry as it will increase oversight, improve standards and should stamp out the minority of operators doing unlicensed work or using non-compliant products.

Some of NECA’s accepted recommendations were:

• The CER becomes the sole regulator and is given responsibility for setting the rules and framework for an installer accreditation scheme, replacing the co-regulation arrangement with the CEC. 
• Poor performing system retailers should be held to account.
• Accredited installers must prove they have been onsite to make the written statement of STC eligibility – and the statement is to be made simpler and clearer.
• Increased component quality checks and stronger accountability for component manufacturers.
  

For too long, unscrupulous operators have been allowed to damage the reputation of the industry with dodgy products and installations. 

The changes to the scheme will support contractors who have played a key role in reducing the country’s emissions and slashing energy bills for millions of Australians.