Recent changes have been made to the listing requirements for PV modules.
Manufacturers, importers and installers of PV panels need to be aware of how these changes will impact them.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) maintains a database listing of solar power PV modules that comply with Australian standards. Compliant modules are listed for 2 years.
All modules are required to be on the CEC-approved list at the time of installation.
The Council also overseas accreditation of solar panel installers and clean energy council approved retailers.
What the changed requirements for PV modules entail
PV module manufacturers need to declare the details of every importer to the CEC. Importers are also required to have a website, and to keep up-to-date information on all imported modules.
New versions of IEC 61215 and 61730 were published last year. Compliance with the new standards is required by September 1 2017 for crystalline models. Thin-film modules need to comply by January 1 2018.
Modules not under the new terms and conditions have been allocated later dates during 2018 for compliance with the standards.
What happens with non-compliant modules?
Modules not complying with the requirements may be de-listed. Reasons for de-listing may include:
- The certificate on which the listing was based becomes invalid.
- The module does not conform to the certificate due to a failed factory audit or another reason.
When a module is de-listed, the CEC will advise the manufacturer. They will also tell them to notify their Australian distributors.
However, installers may not be aware of a de-listing. As a result, it’s up to installers to ensure that modules they install are on the current approved list. It is also important that they regularly check the CEC database for updates.
Installers should also check the information on module labels corresponds with that on the CEC listing.
How are modules tested for compliance?
Factory audits involve 100-point tests for quality assurance, process control and other factors.
Module testing must be done by an approved test laboratory. A certificate of compliance must also be issued by a National Certifying Body.
The CEC system is designed to ensure only modules meeting the highest quality and safety standards are installed in Australian homes and businesses.
