The NSW government is issuing a public tender to install solar PV and battery storage systems in public buildings. But the successful bidder must be a Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer (aka CEC approved solar retailers).
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage is calling on approved solar retailers to service schools, TAFEs, offices, art facilities, hospitals, correctional centres, courts and police stations.
It’s part of a growing movement by governments to achieve lower power bills by installing solar panels and battery storage.
In June, the Queensland Government issued expression of interest requests related to a program for 3-6 MW of solar power capacity. The project was to add solar to 2,000 – 4,000 public housing units in Cairns and Rockhampton.
Only CEC Approved Solar retailers need apply
The first step in the NSW tender process is to compile a shortlist of eligible CEC Approved Solar Retailers eligible for the job.
If a company is a CEC Approved Solar Retailer it also means that it is bound by the CEC Code of Conduct.
This is an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) authorised voluntary code that promotes ethical, customer-focused practice among solar PV system providers.
Code of Conduct protects the solar industry
The Code provides consumers peace of mind when making a solar power system purchase decision.
CEC Approved Solar Retailers, like Energy Matters, adhere to the Code’s ethical standards. This means they:
- Will not engage in dishonest or misleading advertising and sales tactics;
- Will provide you with the necessary written information about your chosen system and installation prior to contract;
- Respects and upholds your legal rights relating to cooling-off periods and refunds; and
- Will not make changes to a contract after a contract signing without obtaining client approval.
In addition, the Code is an indicator of quality in the Australian solar industry. Introduced in 2013, the Code is the only program of its kind in Australia. A range of experts from the solar industry, consumer groups, energy associations, regulators, legal advisers and ombudsmen developed the Code.
The NSW tender is open until Friday 16 February. Visit tenders.nsw.gov.au for more information and to apply.
