From October 1, 2024, new standards for photovoltaic (PV) modules in Australia will come into effect. These standards, introduced by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), aim to enhance safety and performance in the industry. All PV modules approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) must comply with the IEC 61215:2021 edition, with only a few exceptions. Here’s what you need to know.
Key changes for the PV industry
The new standards will affect both manufacturers and installers across Australia. PV modules certified under the new standards will have a suffix (IEC 61215-2021) displayed on their CEC-approved product listing. However, this suffix won’t appear on product labels or manufacturer documents.
A few key points include:
- PV modules not compliant by October 1, 2024, will lose their CEC Approved status, making them ineligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
- Some modules have received an extension to comply by March 31, 2025.
- Retailers and installers should ensure any stock certified under the 2016 version of IEC 61215 is cleared before the deadline.
Manufacturer and installer responsibilities
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must note that, as of April 1, 2024, the CEC no longer accepts PV module applications certified to the 2016 version of the standard. From October 1, 2024, only modules certified to the 2021 standard will be CEC Approved and eligible for STCs.
Additionally:
- Any PV modules with a CEC listing expiry date before September 30, 2024, are not compliant with the new standards.
- A grandfathering period applies for older listings expiring on or before September 30, 2024.
- PV modules with a listing expiry of March 31, 2025, have been granted an extension to comply with the 2021 standard.
For those with questions or needing updates to their listings, the CEC Products Team is available for assistance via products@cleanenergycouncil.org.au
You can find the enhanced listing checklist on the CEC website.
This change represents a significant shift for the Australian PV industry. By ensuring compliance, manufacturers and retailers can continue to benefit from STCs while offering high-quality products to the market.
