The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted authorisation to the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC’s) voluntary code of conduct for Australian solar PV retailers.
The standards, developed in consultation with solar providers including Energy Matters, consumer groups, government and others will come into force on October 17 this year and will be active for an initial 5 years. The CEC will be launching the code and code brand-mark in mid-November this year.
“The ACCC considers that the Code is likely to improve consumer confidence and consumer protection in the PV retail sector, improve PV retailer standards and compliance in the PV sector, and reduce risk and cost for other stakeholders operating in the market,” states the ACCC’s Final Determination (PDF).
The CEC is of course very pleased with the outcome.
“Once launched, solar PV retail businesses that wish to demonstrate their commitment to ethical and best practice will be invited to apply to become signatories to the code,” says part of a statement from the Clean Energy Council.
“The code details and application form will be available on the Solar Accreditation website. Members will be advised when the code is launched and open for applications.”
The code will provide consumers with confidence that a signatory company will deliver a quality product, observe all relevant consumer protection laws and be prepared to back the operation of their solar panel system for a minimum five-year period.
A brief summary of the Code’s contents can be viewed here.
The CEC is a not-for-profit industry association representing Australia’s clean energy sector and consists of more than 600 member companies operating in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency. It also oversees the Australian accreditation program for solar installers; a qualification that demonstrates competence in design and/or installation of PV-based solar power systems.
