On this page
- 4.1 Solar PV retail business and workforce requirements
- 4.1.1 All solar PV retailers: mandatory retail business requirements
- 4.1.2 All solar PV retailers – recommendations for retail business
- 4.1.3 All solar PV installers – mandatory workforce requirements
- 4.1.4 All solar PV installers – recommendation for workforce
- 4.1.5 Other on-site solar PV workers – mandatory workforce requirements
- 4.1.6 All other on-site solar workers – recommendations for workforce
- 4.2 Solar PV system and product requirements
4.1 Solar PV retail business and workforce requirements
Retail business and workforce requirements apply to all solar PV rebate streams for owner-occupiers, renters, community housing and businesses. They aim to enhance safety and quality by maintaining rigorous standards and developing a level playing field within the industry.
For more information about training requirements in this section, including how to enrol, see Training and workforce development.
4.1.1 All solar PV retailers: mandatory retail business requirements
Mandatory: All authorised solar PV retailers must be a signatory to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) program administered by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) and maintain the status of NET Approved Seller in order to remain an authorised solar retailer under our programs.
Why:
- The NETCC replaces the Approved Solar Retailer Code of Conduct as a set of service standards and consumer protections that build on the previous Code, expanding it to new energy technology beyond solar to batteries, electric vehicle chargers and more.
- The Code requires solar retailers to commit to quality service and stronger consumer protections than Australian Consumer Law and the national small-scale renewable energy certificate (STC) scheme provide for.
- New signatories to the NETCC undergo a stringent application process and are subject to a monitoring, compliance, and sanctions regime.
- Becoming a NET Approved Seller and authorised solar retailer highlights a commitment to high standards across sales and marketing, quotes and contracts, delivery and installation, and warranties and support.
- Administered by the CEC, the NETCC was initially approved by the ACCC and is governed by an independent council of industry and consumer bodies including Energy Consumers Australia, Consumer Action Law Centre and Energy Networks Australia. Compliance with and enforcement of the code is undertaken by an independent monitoring and compliance panel.
- More information:
Mandatory: No prosecutions under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and/or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (or equivalent legislation/ regulations in other Australian jurisdictions) resulting in a plea of guilty or a finding of guilt in the past three years.
Why:
- Compliance with relevant occupational health and safety acts and regulations protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and other people at work.
-
Confirming compliance with relevant occupational health and safety acts and regulations aims to ensure that the health and safety of employees and the public are not put at risk by work activities.
Mandatory: Confirmation all workers engaged to install solar PV systems have attained:
- CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry accredited unit of competency (White Card/construction induction card).
- VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry training unit certification.
Why:
- System retailers are responsible for ensuring workers are appropriately trained to perform high-risk work.
- Retailers must perform due diligence to ensure all workers meet the regulated and contractual requirements of participating in Solar Victoria’s programs.
Mandatory: All solar PV retailers must maintain a record of all eligible systems installed under Solar Victoria’s programs. The record shall include the make, model, serial numbers, the time, date, and address of installation, for all eligible systems.
The records must be made available to Solar Victoria upon request.
Why:
- To proactively assist original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), regulators, and government bodies in the event of a product safety recall or other related product issue.
- To enable tracking of where products are located for the purpose of end-of-life management.
Mandatory: All authorised solar PV retailers to provide a minimum five year whole-of-system warranty for all eligible systems under Solar Victoria’s programs (including quality of work).
Retailers must also provide the customer with documentation confirming the terms and conditions of the warranty, and who to contact in the event of a product failure.
Why:
- Solar Victoria is aiming to improve program controls to protect consumers and meet compliance requirements.
- Updates to the Terms and Conditions for participation in Solar Victoria programs requires retailers to:
- Express the warranty requirement as simply and clearly as possible.
- Make a declaration when they apply to participate in the programs that they agree to provide the warranty.
- Make a statement that they have provided the customer with documentation confirming the terms and conditions of the warranty and who to contact in the event of a product failure.
- State that the warranty and responsibilities, in relation to installation, continue to operate after a retailer is suspended or otherwise ceases to participate in Solar Victoria’s programs.
Mandatory: Compliance with the Victorian Government's ban on electronic waste to landfill.
Why:
- The Victorian Government has banned e-waste from landfill in Victoria, effective 1 July 2019. E-waste is growing three times faster than general municipal waste in Australia, and it contains both valuable and hazardous materials that can be recovered when they reach the end of their working life.
- The Waste Management Policy (e-waste) was approved by the Executive Council on 26 June 2018 and gazetted on 28 June 2018. The Victorian Government Gazette e-waste order can be found on pages 1457 to 1463.
- E-waste describes any device which requires an electro- magnetic current (including anything with a plug, cord or battery) to operate and includes all solar products at the end of their useful life i.e. panels, inverter and energy storage equipment.
- More information: Managing e-waste.
Mandatory: Confirmation all workers engaged to install systems have successfully completed training and/or technical mentoring as required by Solar Victoria from time to time.
Why:
- Solar Victoria’s training and technical mentoring are industry validated and customised for the solar industry in consultation with subject matter experts.
- Training and technical mentoring mandated by Solar Victoria will be available to complete prior to the mandatory completion date set by Solar Victoria for each module.
- Solar Victoria will provide reasonable notice of mandatory training and/or technical mentoring on its website at Training and Workforce Development.
4.1.2 All solar PV retailers – recommendations for retail business
Recommended: Registered with Energy Safe Victoria as a Registered Electrical Contractor.
Why:
- Where a solar PV retailer is also a registered electrical contractor the entity is subject to the Electrical Safety Act 1998. Registered electrical contractors are obliged to provide safety certificates to parties for whom electrical work is carried out.
- Registration as a Registered Electrical Contractor, places greater responsibility on the retailer to ensure worker and customer safety.
Recommended: Main business location listed as “Victoria” according to the Australian Government’s Australian Business Register.
Why:
- A key element of Solar Victoria’s programs concerns driving job creation with strong local content and industry development to build local supply chains. Prioritising businesses with a main business location of Victoria contributes to achieving this.
Recommended: Retailers and/or installers offer end-of-life management programs, during product replacement or disposal, with service provider/s certified to AS 5377:2022 - Collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.
Why:
- Solar Victoria’s programs aim to support Victoria’s emerging circular economy by encouraging best practice approaches and outcomes for PV products and materials at the end of their lifecycle.
- AS 5377:2022 establishes Australia’s best practice benchmark for the collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.
- Future eligibility and installation requirements will be updated periodically. In particular, Solar Victoria recognises the national stewardship approach underway for PV products and materials at the end of their lifecycle.
Recommended: Provide solar PV system owners with a financial performance estimate.
Why:
- Typically, customers purchase solar PV systems to reduce their electricity bills. However, under current Australian Standards, system owners are only required to receive an electricity performance estimate with no consideration of estimated cost savings.
- Greater transparency of the financial benefits of installing solar PV systems empowers customers to make informed decisions.
Recommended: All workers engaged to install solar PV systems have attained CPCCCM2010B (or RIIWHS204) Work Safely at Heights accredited unit of competency.
Why:
- System retailers are responsible for ensuring workers are appropriately trained to perform high-risk work.
- The Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry is an accredited training program and provides vocational outcomes for persons wishing to gain the skills and knowledge required for the safe installation of solar systems.
Recommended: Undertake free business mentoring sessions from Solar Victoria’s approved provider. See Business mentoring and support.
Why:
- Experienced business consultants have been engaged to help participants in our programs make informed decisions to improve their business through tailored and confidential one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Recommended: We recommend that panels are guaranteed to deliver 90 per cent production at 10 years and 80 per cent at 25 years, in line with industry standard PV panel performance warranties.
Why:
- To ensure households receive high quality products that do not suffer from a significant drop in production over their lifetime.
- Solar Victoria to explore methods to promote industry testing capabilities, with industry and consumers.
Recommended: We recommend that solar PV retailers advise system owners of the Victorian Energy Compare website and how to utilise the solar saver tool prior to installing a solar system.
Why:
- The Victorian Energy Compare website is a Victorian Government initiative that includes a solar savings calculator using NMI (National Mering Identifier) specific data.
- The solar calculator can be used by homeowners to compare the proposed solar system to their actual usage and tariff structure.
- Solar Victoria informs all rebate recipients in their welcome pack to use the Victorian Energy Compare website to calculate how much money they could save on energy bills by installing solar panels.
- Other ways Solar Victoria promotes use of the Victorian Energy Compare include:
- Householder e-newsletter
- Buyers Guides
- consumer education activities, including events.
- Victorian Energy Compare can be accessed at compare.energy.vic.gov.au and the solar calculator at Solar Savings Calculator.
4.1.3 All solar PV installers – mandatory workforce requirements
Mandatory: Holds current Clean Energy Council accreditation.
Why:
- Accreditation confirms an individual has undertaken industry specific training relevant to the installation of solar PV systems.
- The accreditation scheme includes continuous professional development requirements and a compliance regime.
- Accreditation is currently a requirement under the Federal Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Mandatory: Holds an unrestricted (A Grade) electrical licence issued by Energy Safe Victoria or holds equivalent Australian interstate electrical licence with mutual recognition by Energy Safe Victoria.
Why:
- In accordance with the Electricity Safety (General) Regulations 2019 and Electricity Safety Act 1998, complete installation of a grid-connected solar PV system qualifies as prescribed electrical installation work and must therefore be done by a licensed electrician.
Mandatory: Has no prosecutions under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and/or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (or equivalent legislation/ regulations in other Australian jurisdictions) resulting in a plea of guilty or a finding of guilt in the past three years.
Why:
- Compliance with relevant occupational health and safety acts and regulations protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and other people at work.
- Confirming compliance with relevant occupational health and safety acts and regulations aims to ensure that the health and safety of employees and the public are not put at risk by work activities.
Mandatory: Inverters must be set to comply with Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) connection agreements, including but not limited to, being correctly configured with the “Australia A” setting prior to connection and on-going utilisation.
Why:
- Victorian DNSPs have mandated unified power quality response mode settings, defined by the “Australia A” configuration mode within AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 - Grid connection of energy systems via inverters, Part 2: Inverter requirements.
- All installations must comply with DNSP network connection agreements.
- See Energy Network Australia’s publication Power Quality Response Mode Settings.
Mandatory: Has attained the VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry accredited unit of competency.
Why:
- Work safely in the solar industry is a solar-specific safety training unit including customised working at heights, lockout and energisation requirements, identifying and reporting on asbestos, etc.
- A sector advisory group identified a skills gap in the solar industry and developed this training unit. The advisory groups was led by the Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner and included representatives from WorkSafe, Solar Victoria, the Electrical Trades Union, the Clean Energy Council, the Plumbing Pipes Trades and Employee Union, Master Plumbers, the National Electrical and Communications Association and multiple solar retailers.
- Completion of Work safely in the solar industry is a work, health and safety control measure.
Mandatory: Has attained the CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry accredited unit of competency (White Card/construction induction card).
Why:
- White Card training sets out requirements for performing safe work practices, identifying risks and satisfying work requirements.
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 state that construction induction training must be undertaken by workers engaged in construction and the installation of electricity services.
- Completion of White Card training is a work, health and safety risk control measure.
Mandatory: Confirmation all workers engaged to install systems have successfully completed training and/or mentoring as required by Solar Victoria from time to time.
Why:
- Solar Victoria’s training and technical mentoring are industry validated and customised for the solar industry in consultation with subject matter experts.
- Training and technical mentoring mandated by Solar Victoria will be available to complete prior to the mandatory completion date set by Solar Victoria.
- Solar Victoria will provide reasonable notice of mandatory training and/or technical mentoring on its website at Training and Workforce Development.
4.1.4 All solar PV installers – recommendation for workforce
Recommended: Has attained CPCCCM2010B (or RIIWHS204) Work Safely at Heights accredited training unit.
Why:
- This training sets out the requirements to work safely on construction sites where the work activity involves working above 1.5 metres from ground level and where fall protection measures are required.
- Completion of Work Safely at Heights training is a work, health and safety risk control measure.
Recommended: Has attained 22515VIC Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry accredited course.
Why:
- The Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry is an accredited training program and provides vocational outcomes for persons wishing to gain the skills and knowledge required for the safe installation of solar systems.
- Training content includes Work safely in the solar industry (a training unit developed and customised for the solar industry), White Card/construction induction training, first aid and working at heights.
Recommended: Install ‘Non-load break DC disconnection points’ where appropriate, in lieu of rooftop DC isolators, in accordance with AS/NZS 5033:2021 - Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
Why:
- Non-load break disconnection devices’ may in certain cases provide increased consumer safety outcomes over rooftop DC Isolators.
- Rooftop DC isolators if installed incorrectly (or damaged over time) can suffer from internal arcing due to water ingress and subsequent fire risks.
- AS/NZS 5033:2021 offers a choice to installers to either instate a rooftop DC isolator or a DC ‘disconnection point’ according to the requirements set out in the Standard.
Recommended: We recommend that solar PV installers advise system owners of the Victorian Energy Compare website and how to utilise the solar saver tool prior to installing a solar system.
Why:
- The Victorian Energy Compare website is a Victorian Government initiative that includes a solar savings calculator using NMI (National Mering Identifier) specific data.
- The solar calculator can be used by homeowners to compare the proposed solar system to their actual usage and tariff structure.
- Solar Victoria informs all rebate recipients in their welcome pack to use the Victorian Energy Compare website to calculate how much money they could save on energy bills by installing solar panels.
- Other ways Solar Victoria promotes use of the Victorian Energy Compare website include:
- Householder e-newsletter
- Buyers Guides
- consumer education activities, including events.
Victorian Energy Compare can be accessed at compare.energy.vic.gov.au and the solar calculator at Solar Savings Calculator.
Recommended: Retailers and/or installers offer end-of-life management programs, during product replacement or disposal, with service provider/s certified to AS 5377:2022 - Collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.
Why:
- Solar Victoria’s programs aim to support Victoria’s emerging circular economy by encouraging best practice approaches and outcomes for materials at the end of their lifecycle.
- AS 5377:2022 establishes Australia’s best practice benchmark for the collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.
- Future eligibility and installation requirements will be updated periodically. In particular, Solar Victoria recognises the national stewardship approach underway for PV products and materials at the end of their lifecycle.
4.1.5 Other on-site solar PV workers – mandatory workforce requirements
Mandatory: Has attained the VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry accredited unit of competency.
Why:
- Work safely in the solar industry is a solar-specific safety training unit including customised working at heights, lockout and energisation requirements, identifying and reporting on asbestos, etc.
- A sector advisory group identified a skills gap in the solar industry and developed this training unit. The advisory groups was led by the Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner and included representatives from WorkSafe, Solar Victoria, the Electrical Trades Union, the Clean Energy Council, the Plumbing Pipes Trades and Employee Union, Master Plumbers, the National Electrical and Communications Association and multiple solar retailers.
- Completion of Work safely in the solar industry is a work, health and safety control measure.
Mandatory: Has attained the CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry accredited unit of competency (White Card/construction induction card).
Why:
- White Card training sets out requirements for performing safe work practices, identifying risks and satisfying work requirements.
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 state that construction induction training must be undertaken by workers engaged in construction and the installation of electricity services.
- Completion of White Card training is a work, health and safety risk control measure.
Mandatory: Confirmation all workers engaged to install systems have successfully completed training and/or mentoring as required by Solar Victoria from time to time.
Why:
- Solar Victoria’s training and technical mentoring are industry validated and customised for the solar industry in consultation with subject matter experts.
- Training and technical mentoring mandated by Solar Victoria will be available to complete prior to the mandatory completion date set by Solar Victoria.
- Solar Victoria will provide reasonable notice of mandatory training and/or technical mentoring on its website at Training and Workforce Development.
4.1.6 All other on-site solar workers – recommendations for workforce
Recommended: Has attained CPCCCM2010B (or RIIWHS204) Work Safely at Heights accredited training unit.
Why:
- This training sets out the requirements to work safely on construction sites where the work activity involves working above 1.5 metres from ground level and where fall protection measures are required.
- Completion of Work Safely at Heights training is a work, health and safety risk control measure.
Recommended: Has attained 22515VIC Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry accredited course.
Why:
- The Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry is an accredited training program and provides vocational outcomes for persons wishing to gain the skills and knowledge required for the safe installation of solar systems.
- Training content includes Work safely in the solar industry (a training unit developed and customised for the solar industry), White Card/construction induction training, first aid and working at heights.
4.2 Solar PV system and product requirements
The following system and product requirements apply to all solar PV rebate streams for owner-occupiers, renters, community housing and eligible businesses. They aim to enhance safety and quality by maintaining rigorous standards and ensuring products are future-fit.
4.2.1 Solar PV inverters – mandatory requirements
Mandatory: Listed on the Solar Victoria inverter product list
Why:
- This listing confirms inverters meet additional requirements, above minimum industry standards, to be eligible to participate in Solar Victoria’s programs.
Mandatory: Listed on the Clean Energy Council’s Approved Inverter List.
Why:
- This listing confirms, via certified evidence, inverters meet minimum product standards for usage in Australia.
- Listing is a requirement under the Federal Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Mandatory: Inverter(s) must have internet capability (the ability to share data via the World Wide Web) and an on-board communication port that can be used for a physical connection to another device (e.g. via ethernet, USB or RS-232).
Further, if an inverter can communicate wirelessly in a manner similar to an on-board communication port (for example by providing a secure Application Programming Interface or API over Wi-Fi) that can be used for a connection to another device, this may be utilised in lieu of a physical communication port.
Why:
- Internet capability and an on-board communication port (or equivalent) are minimum infrastructure requirements to enable communication between inverter energy systems and third parties.
- Systems with these minimum requirements may participate in future energy markets and/or dynamic connection arrangements.
Effective from 1 March 2024
Mandatory: Solar PV inverters shall be listed on Clean Energy Council’s Approved Inverter list to conform to IEEE 2030.5-2018 and Australia's Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP)-AUS.
Compliance with this requirement can be achieved via direct inverter integration, an external control system or via a vendor cloud - or equivalent.
This requirement excludes battery inverters which will be considered for inclusion in 2024. Exceptions for off-grid systems will be provided on a case- by-case basis.
Why:
- Industry adoption of IEEE 2030.5-2018 and Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP)-AUS inverters will allow for the future implementation of dynamic exports by Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSPs), enabling more rooftop solar to be installed.
- The lack of dynamic export functionality within the grid may require DNSPs to prevent more rooftop solar PV from being installed and throttle the solar industry.
- Exceptions apply for battery inverters, due to the time required for industry to be ready.
Mandatory: To provide a minimum five year whole-of-product warranty on all major components listed as:
- Inverters.
The systems must be serviced as per the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain warranty.
Why:
- Solar Victoria is aiming to improve program controls to protect consumers and meet compliance requirements.
- Updates to the terms and conditions for participation in Solar Victoria’s programs requires retailers to:
- express the warranty requirement as simply as possible and make it available on their website
- state that the warranty and responsibilities about installation continue to operate after a retailer is suspended or otherwise ceases to participate in Solar Victoria’s programs.
Mandatory: Inverter(s) must comply with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 - Grid connection of energy systems via inverters, Part 2: Inverter requirements.
Why:
- The latest release of AS/NZS 4777.2 includes key new inverter capabilities related to increased grid support features, disturbance ride-through capabilities and test procedure clarity, as well as product requirements for inbuilt DC isolation devices.
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee EL-042, Renewable Energy Power Supply Systems and Equipment, to supersede AS/NZS 4777.2:2015 - Grid connection of energy systems via inverters, Part 2: Inverter requirements.
- The latest release of AS/NZS 4777.2 includes key new inverter capabilities related to increased grid support features, disturbance ride-through capabilities and test procedure clarity, as well as product requirements for inbuilt DC isolation devices.
4.2.2 Solar PV inverters – recommendations
Recommended: Includes remote monitoring (proprietary or third party) via secure connection.
Why:
- Monitoring facilitates greater consumer energy management and engagement.
- Monitoring facilitates system fault and performance analysis.
Recommended: The inverters should only have the power quality response mode - region settings listed in AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 - Grid connection of energy systems via inverters, Part 2: Inverter requirements, with “Australia A” listed as the default setting.
A user should also be able to easily view the current setting on the inverter’s digital display or software portal.
Why:
- Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSPs) have detected that many new inverter installations are not set to the correct region setting.
- Removal of old grid settings and having “Australia A” as the default setting reduces the chance of the incorrect setting being used.
- Visibility of the power quality response region settings will allow for inspectors to easily check that the right setting has been selected.
Recommended: Ensure consumers are able to view both solar generation and energy consumption via a software solution supplied as part of the installation of the solar PV system.
Why:
- Solar Victoria wants to ensure consumers (and their authorised agents) can freely and easily access data from their meter, locally so that they can optimise their generation and consumption to reduce their bills.
- If consumers can’t access this via their PV or battery inverter app, they can use an ‘In-Home Display’ e.g., Powerpal or Emerald Planet connected to their Smart Meter. Alternatively, consumers can request this data the day after (not live) from their Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP).
Recommended: Retailers and/or installers offer end-of-life management programs, during product replacement or disposal, with service provider/s certified to AS 5377:2022 - Collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.
Why:
- Solar Victoria’s programs aim to support Victoria’s emerging circular economy by encouraging best practice approaches and outcomes for materials at the end of their lifecycle.
- AS 5377:2022 establishes Australia’s best practice benchmark for the collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.
- Future eligibility and installation requirements will be updated periodically. In particular, Solar Victoria recognises the national stewardship approach underway for PV products and materials at the end of their lifecycle.
Recommended: The installed system should include an open communication protocol.
Why:
- Open communication protocols support third party (e.g. aggregator, platform provider, distribution network service provider, distribution service operator, etc) visibility, communication and orchestration.
- Systems with open communication protocols may participate in future energy markets and/or dynamic connection arrangements.
Recommended: Inverter energy system capable of switching external loads (via inverter or third-party device).
Why:
- The functionality to switch loads facilitates increased self-consumption of generated solar power resulting in better financial outcomes for households and optimises integration with the grid.
Recommended: Arc Circuit Fault Interruption (ACFI) to IEC 63027:2019 - DC arc fault detection and interruption in photovoltaic power systems where a string inverter is installed.
Why:
- Arc fault protection can reduce the likelihood of sustained arcing through early detection and protection increasing safety outcomes.
- The IEC 63027:2019 standard applies to equipment used for the detection and optionally the interruption of electric DC arcs in photovoltaic (PV) system circuits.
4.2.3 Solar PV modules – mandatory requirements
Mandatory: Listed on the Solar Victoria solar PV product list.
Why:
- This listing confirms PV modules meet the requirements, above minimum industry standards, to be eligible to participate in Solar Victoria’s programs.
Mandatory: Listed on the Clean Energy Council’s Approved Module List.
Why:
- This listing confirms, via certified evidence, solar PV modules meet minimum product standards for usage in Australia.
- Listing is currently a requirement under the Federal Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Mandatory: Listed by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) as a participating brand in the joint CER and industry Solar Panel Validation (SPV) Initiative.
Why:
- Participation in this initiative is a precursor to validation. Validation confirms PV modules are:
- genuine (e.g. not counterfeit)
- approved as per the Clean Energy Council’s approved products list
- backed by manufacturer’s warranties
- meet Australian Standards
- eligible for Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and rebates under Solar Victoria’s programs.
- At least 64 manufacturers and importers participate in the validation initiative.
- Participation in this initiative is a precursor to validation. Validation confirms PV modules are:
Mandatory: To provide a minimum five year whole-of-product warranty on all major components listed as:
- Photovoltaic Modules
The systems must be serviced as per the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain warranty.
Why:
- Solar Victoria is aiming to improve program controls to protect consumers and meet compliance requirements.
- Updates to the terms and conditions for participation in Solar Victoria’s programs requires retailers to:
- express the warranty requirement as simply as possible and make it available on their website
- state that the warranty and responsibilities about installation continue to operate after a retailer is suspended or otherwise ceases to participate in Solar Victoria’s programs.
4.2.4 Solar PV modules – recommendations
Recommended: Provision of an electronic customer record confirming installed solar PV modules are verified as part of the joint Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and industry Solar Panel Validation Initiative.
Why:
- Validation provides customers with an electronic record of confirmation that their installed solar panels are verified as part of the initiative.
- The record includes information such as the make and model of the solar PV modules, serial numbers, the time and date of installation and the location.
- Validation via this initiative confirms solar PV modules are genuine, approved (as per the Clean Energy Council’s approved products list), backed by manufacturers warranties, meet Australian Standards, and are eligible for Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and rebates under Solar Victoria’s programs.
Recommended: VDE Quality Tested or Certified to IEC 62941:2019 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Quality system for PV module manufacturing
Why:
- VDE quality tested and IEC 62941:2019 certified solar PV modules are those that have demonstrated a higher degree of quality assurance, predominately in the manufacturing process.
Recommended: Certified to IEC 62804 - Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Test methods for the detection of potential-induced degradation – Part 1: Crystalline silicon.
Why:
- Certification to IEC 62804 ensures solar PV modules offer greater durability against forms of accelerated degradation resulting in better long-term performance and reliability.
- This standard only applies to crystalline solar PV modules. That is, other topologies (technology types) are not covered. This standard is especially relevant in higher voltage solar PV arrays.
Recommended: We recommend panels are guaranteed to deliver 90 per cent production at 10 years and 80 per cent at 25 years, in line with industry standard PV panel performance warranties.
Why:
- To ensure households receive high quality products that do not suffer from a significant drop in production over their lifetime.
- Solar Victoria will also explore methods to promote industry testing capabilities, with industry and consumers.
Recommended: Retailers and/or installers offer end-of-life management programs, during product replacement or disposal, with service provider/s certified to AS 5377:2022 - Collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.
Why:
- Solar Victoria’s programs aim to support Victoria’s emerging circular economy by encouraging best practice approaches and outcomes for materials at the end of their lifecycle.
- AS 5377:2022 establishes Australia’s best practice benchmark for the collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.
- Future eligibility and installation requirements will be updated periodically. In particular, Solar Victoria recognises the national stewardship approach underway for PV products and materials at the end of their lifecycle.
Updated