Compliance enforcement actions

Reprimand and warning issued to a retailer for the unsafe work practices of their outsourced installers, for which the retailer was ultimately responsible.

The installers were found to be working at heights without required safety measures in place.

Retailer suspended for 3-months for submitting rebate applications on behalf of customers.

This is a breach of the Retailer Terms and Conditions and may result in rebate claims being denied, or rebates and loans already paid may be recovered by Solar Victoria.

An immediate suspension issued to an authorised retailer found to have been engaged in fraudulent activity in the VEU program.

We act with an abundance of caution and are strictly averse to any activities in the Solar Homes Program, alleged or otherwise, that could harm the program and its participants. This includes harm to consumers, financial loss, and reputational damage.

We also scrutinise the actions of sub-contractors for adverse impacts on program participants.

Two retailers suspended for 6 months for enabling a suspended retailer to continue operating in the program. This is strictly prohibited during a suspension.

Deliberate attempts to bypass a suspension, and facilitating this behaviour, shows a disregard for the enforcement mechanisms of the program and undermines credibility and integrity of the program.

Four retailers were found to have claimed multiple rebates at a higher value than permissible under the program. Two have been suspended from the program and all must repay overclaimed rebates to Solar Victoria.

Any retailer found to be overclaiming rebates risks their continued participation in the program and may be subject to further legal action.

An immediate suspension issued to a retailer for continued high-pressure sales practices under the direction of a disqualified director.

Such practices may take advantage of vulnerable customers and expose them to unauthorised financial burdens, higher costs and lower quality systems.

Four installers issued warning notices for repeat installation of systems identified as non-compliant by Solar Victoria’s independent auditors.

Non-compliant systems increase the risk of a safety event occurring, and are a breach of legislation, regulations and standards and the audit checklists located on the Solar Victoria website.

Cancellation from Solar Homes Program: Retailer engaged in high pressure sales tactics, false representation to secure sales and abusive conduct of sales agent, which is a breach of the Solar Victoria Retailer Terms and Conditions, and the New Energy Tech Consumer Code.

Retailers are accountable for the conduct of all agents representing them in the sales process.

Two retailers issued warning for insufficient monitoring of installation practices, by an outsourced provider: working at heights without required safety measures in place; inadequate supervision of workers undertaking solar installation.

Retailers are accountable for the safe work practices of all installers working for them.