The Clean Energy Council’s Approved Solar Retailer scheme was last week granted reauthorisation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for a further five years.
The reauthorisation follows the ACCC’s draft determination in July.
“The Clean Energy Council introduced the Approved Solar Retailer scheme almost two years ago to help raise the bar in the solar industry and give consumers peace of mind and confidence when buying from participating businesses,” said CEC Code of Conduct Manager Anna Sexton.
“The revised scheme now covers providers of solar leases and solar power purchasing agreements, reflecting developments in the industry to offer new finance models to consumers.”
In order to be accepted into the voluntary program and display the ‘Approved Solar Retailer’ logo, retailers must meet and adhere to a very strict set of requirements. Not every retailer that applies is immediately accepted, as evidenced by statistics from the CEC. As at July 31, 2015, 45 applications had been received with 25 applications approved and 18 rejected.
“Ensuring that solar retailers, as well as other industry participants, strive to improve standards of practice is important for consumers as household solar panels are a significant purchase,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“Achieving higher standards in the industry will increase consumer confidence, enable consumers to make better decisions and enhance compliance as the industry grows.”
While many of the cowboys involved in the very early days of solar in Australia have disappeared (or been forced to); purchasers of solar power systems can gain extra reassurance through the initiative.
Energy Matters (now SunEdison) was one of the founding signatories of the Clean Energy Council Solar PV Retailer Code of Conduct and helped developed the Code.
Approved Solar Retailers must demonstrate responsible sales and marketing activities and solar industry best practice. All participants must clearly and accurately disclose information about finance arrangements and the fees and charges involved. The revised Code also updates requirements related to grid connection approvals and privacy.
A brief summary of the Code can be viewed here and full details are available at ApprovedSolarRetailer.com.au
Related:
Solar Power Consumer Guide – Free Download
