Section 3: Requirements for all solar PV rebates

3.1 Solar PV retail business and workforce requirements

The following retail business and workforce requirements apply to all solar PV system rebates for owner-occupiers, renters and community housing. They aim to enhance safety and quality by maintaining rigorous standards and developing a level playing field within the industry.

3.1.1 Solar PV retailers – mandatory retail business requirements

Mandatory: 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 PV retailer under the Solar Homes Program.
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 PV 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 PV 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:
  - New Energy Tech Consumer Code
  - Become an authorised solar retailer or installer
Mandatory: Solar PV retailers must have 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: Solar PV retailers must confirm that all their 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).
- VU23631 Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems unit certification (previously obtained VU22744 Work Safely in the Solar industry accredited unit of competency is still valid).
See Work safely in the solar industry
Why:
- 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 the Solar Homes Program.
Mandatory: Solar PV retailers must confirm that all their workers engaged to install systems have successfully completed training and/ or mentoring as required by Solar Victoria from time to time.
Why:
- Training and mentoring mandated by Solar Victoria is/ will be industry validated and customised for the solar industry in consultation with subject matter experts.
- Training and 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 mentoring on its website at Training and workforce development.
Mandatory: Solar PV retailers, or parties acting on behalf of the retailer, must not conduct sales of eligible systems as part of the Solar Homes program using door-to-door or telemarketing sales techniques.
The ban:
- prohibits ‘cold-call’ telemarketing and door-to-door sales techniques to all types of consumers
- prohibits telemarketing and door-to-door sales to prospective or previous customers from being outsourced to contractors or marketing companies
- only permits marketing or sales calls at the request of the consumer or with their express permission, and only within three months or a timeline specified when the consumer opts into calls, and only in accordance with the New Energy Tech Consumer Code.
- permits calls to notify a previous customer of a product default or recall that affects them.
Why:
- This protects consumers, particularly vulnerable cohorts, from persistent, unsolicited or nuisance calls and pressure sales tactics.
- This prevents contacting consumers who are listed on the ‘Do Not Call Register’.
- This aligns with the Victorian Energy Upgrades program marketing ban administered by the Essential Services Commission.
- This prevents reputational harm to the Solar Homes Program by being associated with nuisance telemarketing and door-to-door marketing techniques.
Note: the telemarketing prohibition came into effect under the Solar Homes program on 1 May 2024 and door-to-door sales prohibition commenced on 1 September 2021 via the Retailer Terms and Conditions (see Instruction issued 30 April 2024).
Mandatory: Solar PV retailers must maintain a record of all eligible solar PV systems installed under the Solar Homes Program. The record shall include the make, model, serial numbers, the time, date, and address of installation, for each system.
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: Solar PV retailers must provide solar PV system customers with a financial performance estimate.
Why:
- Typically, customers purchase solar PV systems to reduce their electricity bills. However, under current Australian Standards, customers 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.
Mandatory: Solar PV retailers are responsible for removing replaced solar PV systems, or system components (for example, PV panels, inverters and cabling) from the premises, unless expressly requested not to do so by the customer.
Why:
- The Victorian Government banned e-waste from entering landfill in Victoria, effective 1 July 2019.
- Retailers are best placed to manage the appropriate removal of solar PV systems.
- Applies to the retailer who is providing the new system.
Mandatory: Solar PV retailers must comply 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 electromagnetic 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, inverters and energy storage equipment.
- More information: Managing e-waste.
Mandatory: Solar PV retailers must provide a minimum five year whole-of-system warranty for all eligible systems, including any solar sharing technology, under the Solar Homes Program (including quality of work).
The warranty commencement date is to be the date the system is handed over to the customer.
Retailers are responsible for ensuring that products are procured and installed so that product warranties are not voided.
The customer must not be required to pay upfront nor incur any expenses associated with a successful warranty claim, including:
- parts or materials
- labour
- inspections or tests to investigate, support or prove the claim
- freight, transport, insurances or customs clearances
- removal, installation or re-installation
- disposal
Retailers must also provide the customer with documentation confirming the terms and conditions of the whole-of-system and product warranties, and who to contact in the event of a system or product failure.
The system must be serviced as per the product manufacturer’s requirements to maintain the warranty.
This warranty is in addition to any customer guarantees that apply automatically under the Australian Consumer Law.
Why:
- Solar Victoria is aiming to improve program controls to protect consumers and meet compliance requirements.
- This supports the terms and conditions for retailers to participate in Solar Victoria programs.
- For more information on consumer guarantees and warranties, visit Consumer Affairs Victoria.

3.1.2 Solar PV retailers – recommendations for retail business

Recommended: Solar PV retailers should be 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 Certificates of Electrical Safety 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: The main business location of the solar PV retailer should be listed as “Victoria” according to the Australian Government’s Australian Business Register.
Why:
- A key element of the Solar Homes Program 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: Solar PV retailers should confirm that workers engaged to install solar PV systems have attained 22657VIC Working Safely on Rooftop Renewable Energy Systems (previously obtained 22515VIC Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry is still valid).
See Work safely in the solar industry.
Why:
- Retailers have a responsibility to ensure workers are appropriately trained to perform high-risk work.
- Working Safely on Rooftop Renewable Energy Systems 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 PV systems.
- Training content includes VU23631 Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems (a training unit developed and customised for the solar industry), White Card/construction induction training, first aid and working at heights.
Recommended: Solar PV retailers should confirm all their workers engaged to install solar PV systems have attained CPCCCM2012 (or RIIWHS204) Work Safely at Heights accredited unit of competency.
See Work safely in the solar industry.
Why:
- Retailers are responsible for ensuring workers are appropriately trained to perform high-risk work.
- 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: Solar PV retailers should complete training pertaining to whole-of-system design and/or systems thinking.
Why:
- Systems and products are becoming more complex and integrated, and so retailers and installers are required to undertake more upfront design work.
- This supports holistic thinking and futureproofing when designing and installing energy solutions as customers continue to electrify their homes.
Recommended: To comply with the Victorian Government's ban on electronic waste to landfill under the Environment Protection Regulations 2021 (EP regulations), solar PV retailers should keep records and evidence of ‘lawful place’ disposal during replacement of solar PV systems, or system components (for example, PV panels, inverters and cabling).
Why:
- The Victorian Government banned e-waste from entering landfill in Victoria, effective 1 July 2019.
- Retailers are best placed to manage the disposal of solar PV systems.
- A producer of waste must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the waste is received at a ‘lawful place’ authorised to receive that type of waste in order to comply with ban.
- Documenting the disposal of solar PV systems demonstrates compliance with the EP regulations.
- For more information about ‘lawful place’, see the Environment Protection Authority Victoria website.
Recommended: Solar PV retailers should offer end-of-life management programs, during replacement or disposal, with service provider/s certified to AS/NZS 5377.
Why:
- The Solar Homes Program aims to support Victoria’s emerging circular economy by encouraging best practice approaches and outcomes for solar PV products and materials at the end of their lifecycle.
- AS/NZS 5377 establishes Australia’s best practice benchmark for the collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.
- Solar Victoria recognises the national stewardship approach underway for solar PV products and materials at the end of their lifecycle.
- See How to manage end-of-life solar PV.
Recommended: Prior to completing commissioning, solar PV retailers should advise the customer of the benefits of properly maintaining and servicing their solar PV system.
If requested by the customer, retailers should provide information on their solar PV system servicing offering.
Servicing should only be performed by a licenced electrician who holds Accreditation Scheme Operator (ASO) installer accreditation, and as a minimum include panel cleaning, visual inspection, electrical safety checks and testing, and performance testing.
The frequency should be based on site-specific factors such as local weather and environmental conditions, and the service history, but typically should not be at intervals greater than every 2 years.
Why:
- Regular servicing of the solar PV system helps to maximise the amount of electricity it generates, extend the lifespan of the panels and system components, and maintain warranties by:
  - Ensuring the panels are operating at peak efficiency.
  - Identifying and addressing potential issues early, like damage, corrosion, or loose connections, before they become major problems.
  - Checking the system is safe and functioning correctly.
- For information for customers, see How to clean and maintain solar panels and the Energy Safe Victoria website.
Recommended: Solar PV retailers should advise customers of the Victorian Energy Compare website and to utilise the solar saver tool prior to installing a solar PV system.
Why:
- The Victorian Energy Compare website is a Victorian Government initiative that includes a solar savings calculator using NMI (National Metering Identifier) specific data.
- The solar calculator can be used by homeowners to compare the proposed solar PV system to their actual usage and tariff structure.
- Solar Victoria refers customers to the Victorian Energy Compare website to calculate how much money they could save on energy bills by installing solar panels. This includes via our:
  - Householder e-newsletter
  - Solar Hub including Buyers Guides
  - consumer education and customer service activities, including events.
- Victorian Energy Compare and the solar calculator can be accessed at compare.energy.vic.gov.au.

3.1.3 Solar PV installers – mandatory workforce requirements

Mandatory: Solar PV installers must hold installer accreditation for grid connected photovoltaic systems under the accreditation scheme offered by the Accreditation Scheme Operator (ASO).
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: Solar PV installers must hold an unrestricted (A Grade) electrical licence issued by Energy Safe Victoria or hold an equivalent Australian interstate electrical licence with mutual recognition by Energy Safe Victoria.
Why:
- In accordance with the Electricity Safety (Installations) Regulations 2019 and the 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: Solar PV installers must have 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 protects 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: Solar PV installers must have attained the CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry accredited unit of competency (White Card / construction induction card).
See Work safely in the solar industry.
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: Solar PV installers must have attained the VU23631 Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems (previously obtained VU22744 Work Safely in the Solar industry accredited unit of competency is still valid).
See Work safely in the solar industry.
Why:
- Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems is a tailored safety training unit which includes customised working at heights, lockout and energisation requirements, identification and reporting on asbestos, etc.
- A sector advisory group identified a skills gap in the solar industry and developed this training unit. The advisory group was led by the Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner and included representatives from WorkSafe Victoria, Solar Victoria, the Electrical Trades Union, the CEC, the Plumbing Pipes Trades and Employee Union, Master Plumbers, the National Electrical and Communications Association and multiple solar retailers.
- Completion of Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems is a work health and safety control measure.
Mandatory: Solar PV installers must ensure they and all their on-site workers engaged to install systems have successfully completed training and/or mentoring as required by Solar Victoria from time to time.
Why:
- Training and mentoring mandated by Solar Victoria is/will be industry validated and customised for the solar industry in consultation with subject matter experts.
- Training and 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 mentoring on its website at Training and workforce development.
Mandatory: Solar PV systems must be installed in compliance with AS/NZS 5033.
Why:
- Solar PV installations are required to conform to AS/NZS 5033, a standard explicitly relating to the safe installation of modern solar PV systems.
- Installers must also take into consideration the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Mandatory: Solar PV inverters must be configured to comply with Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) connection agreements, including the power quality response mode being set to “Australia A”.
Why:
- DNSPs have mandated unified power quality response mode settings, defined by the “Australia A” configuration mode within AS/NZS 4777.2.
- All installations must comply with DNSP connection agreements.
- See guidance on How to correctly configure inverter settings.
Mandatory: To support emergency backstop and flexible connection arrangements, the solar PV system must be connected to the internet as part of commissioning, where practicable to do so.
In cases where a reliable internet connection is not present, the installer must connect temporarily via a mobile device (i.e. hotspot) during commissioning to register the system.
Why:
- Examples of where it is considered not practicable to connect the eligible system to the internet include:
  - there is no reliable connection available (including new builds); or
  - it is cost prohibitive to do so.
- Supports:
  - the rollout of emergency backstop, which enables network operators to curtail excess solar generation when required.
  - the future implementation of flexible connection arrangements by DNSPs, enabling more roof top solar to be installed and the possibility to participate in future energy markets.
For more information, see Requirements for Distributed Solar – Victoria’s Emergency Backstop Mechanism, Supporting guidance for industry.
- Supports compliance with DNSP connection agreement.
- Enables retailers / manufacturers to provide software updates to resolve safety and performance issues.
- Allows customers to monitor performance of their solar PV system.

3.1.4 Solar PV installers – recommendations for workforce

Recommended: Solar PV installers should attain 22657VIC Working Safely on Rooftop Renewable Energy Systems accredited course (previously obtained 22515VIC Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry is still valid).
See Work safely in the solar industry.
Why:
- Working Safely on Rooftop Renewable Energy Systems 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 PV systems.
- Training content includes VU23631 Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems (a training unit developed and customised for the solar industry), White Card/construction induction training, first aid and working at heights.
Recommended: Solar PV installers should attain CPCCCM2012 (or RIIWHS204) Work Safely at Heights accredited training unit.
See Work safely in the solar industry.
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: Solar PV installers should complete training pertaining to whole-of-system design and / or systems thinking.
Why:
- Systems and products are becoming more complex and integrated, and so retailers and installers are required to undertake more upfront design work.
- This supports holistic thinking and futureproofing when designing and installing energy solutions as customers continue to electrify their homes.
Recommended: Solar PV installers should complete any training offered by the manufacturer on the specific solar PV solution that is being installed.
Why:
- Installation requirements are specific to individual manufacturers, and warranties may require the installer to be accredited by the manufacturer in addition to receiving basic solar PV installation training.
- Specific training increases the competence of installers across the sector and provides greater assurance for the safety of installations.
Recommended: Solar PV installers should attain 22679VIC Course in Decommissioning Solar PV for Safe Reuse or Recycling.
Why:
- The Solar Homes Program aims to support Victoria’s emerging circular economy by encouraging best practice approaches and outcomes for materials at the end of their lifecycle.
- Retailers are responsible for removing replaced solar PV systems, or system components from the premises, and this training supports retailers to effectively manage e-waste and consider options other than disposal.
- System retailers have a responsibility to ensure workers are appropriately trained to perform high-risk work.
- Course in Decommissioning Solar PV for Safe Reuse or Recycling is an accredited training program and provides vocational outcomes for persons wishing to gain the skills and knowledge required for decommissioning solar PV systems.
Recommended: Solar PV installers should offer end-of-life management programs, during replacement or disposal, with service provider/s certified to AS/NZS 5377.
Why:
- The Solar Homes program aims to support Victoria’s emerging circular economy by encouraging best practice approaches and outcomes for solar PV products and materials at the end of their lifecycle.
- AS/NZS 5377 establishes Australia’s best practice benchmark for the collection, storage, transport and treatment of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.
- Solar Victoria recognises the national stewardship approach underway for solar PV products and materials at the end of their lifecycle.
See How to manage end-of-life solar PV.
Recommended: Solar PV installers should advise customers of the Victorian Energy Compare website and how to utilise the solar saver tool prior to installing a solar PV system.
Why:
- The Victorian Energy Compare website is a Victorian Government initiative that includes a solar savings calculator using NMI (National Metering Identifier) specific data.
- The solar calculator can be used by homeowners to compare the proposed solar PV system to their actual usage and tariff structure.
- Solar Victoria refers customers to the Victorian Energy Compare website to calculate how much money they could save on energy bills by installing solar panels. This includes via our:
  - Householder e-newsletter
  - Solar Hub including Buyers Guides
  - consumer education and customer service activities, including events.
- Victorian Energy Compare and the solar calculator can be accessed at compare.energy.vic.gov.au.

3.1.5 All other on-site solar PV workers – mandatory workforce requirements

Mandatory: On-site solar PV workers must have 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: On-site solar PV workers must have attained the VU23631 Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems accredited unit of competency (previously obtained VU22744 Work Safely in the Solar industry accredited unit of competency is still valid).
See Work safely in the solar industry.
Why:
- Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems is a solar-specific safety training unit which includes customised working at heights, lockout and energisation requirements, identification and reporting on asbestos, etc.
- A sector advisory group identified a skills gap in the solar industry and developed this training unit. The advisory group was led by the Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner and included representatives from WorkSafe Victoria, Solar Victoria, the Electrical Trades Union, the CEC, the Plumbing Pipes Trades and Employee Union, Master Plumbers, the National Electrical and Communications Association and multiple solar retailers.
- Completion of Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems is a work health and safety control measure.
Mandatory: On-site solar PV workers engaged to install systems must 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.

3.1.6 All other on-site solar workers – recommendations for workforce

Recommended: On-site solar PV workers should attain 22657VIC Working Safely on Rooftop Renewable Energy Systems accredited course (previously obtained 22515VIC Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry is still valid).
See Work safely in the solar industry.
Why:
- Working Safely on Rooftop Renewable Energy Systems 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 PV systems.
- Training content includes VU23631 Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems (a training unit developed and customised for the solar industry), White Card/construction induction training, first aid and working at heights.
Recommended: On-site solar PV workers should attain CPCCCM2012 (or RIIWHS204) Work Safely at Heights accredited training unit.
See Work safely in the solar industry.
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.

3.2 Solar PV system and product requirements

The following system and product requirements apply to all solar PV rebates for owner-occupiers, renters and community housing. They aim to enhance safety and quality by maintaining rigorous standards and ensuring products are future-fit.

3.2.1 Solar PV inverters – mandatory requirements

Mandatory: Solar PV inverters must be 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 the Solar Homes program.
Mandatory: Solar PV inverters must be listed on the Clean Energy Council approved inverters list.
Why:
- This listing confirms, via certified evidence, inverters meet minimum product standards for use in Australia.
- Listing is a requirement to participate in the Federal Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Mandatory: Solar PV inverters must comply with AS/NZS 4777.2.
Why:
- AS/NZS 4777.2 includes 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.
- AS/NZS 4777.2 requires that a set of operational instructions are to be provided to view inverter settings in read-only mode for verification. This assists LEIs to verify compliance of installations, including power response mode setting, and supports Solar Victoria’s assurance program.
Mandatory: Solar PV inverters must have internet capability (the ability to share data via the World Wide Web).
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 flexible connection arrangements.
Mandatory: To support emergency backstop and flexible connection arrangements, solar PV inverters must be listed on Clean Energy Council approved inverter list to conform to IEEE 2030.5 and Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia (CSIP-AUS).
Compliance with this requirement can be achieved via direct inverter integration, an external control system or vendor cloud (or equivalent).
Why:
- Industry adoption of IEEE 2030.5 and CSIP-AUS inverters supports:
  - the rollout of emergency backstop, which enables network operators to curtail excess solar generation when required.
  - the future implementation of flexible connection arrangements by DNSPs, enabling more rooftop solar to be installed and the possibility to participate in future energy markets.
- Exceptions apply for battery inverters, due to the time required for industry to be ready.
- For more information, see Requirements for Distributed Solar – Victoria’s Emergency Backstop Mechanism, Supporting guidance for industry.
Effective from 1 September 2025. As a transitional provision until then, the 2024-25 Notice to Market product warranty requirement remains in place.
Mandatory: Solar PV inverter manufacturers must provide a minimum five year product warranty for all eligible inverters under the Solar Homes Program.
The warranty commencement date is to be the date the system is handed over to the customer.
The warranty must cover all components supplied by the manufacturer, including:
- inverters
- external measurement devices and gateways
The customer must not be required to pay upfront nor incur any expenses associated with a successful warranty claim, including:
- parts or materials
- labour
- inspections or tests to investigate, support or prove the claim
- freight, transport, insurances or customs clearances
- removal, installation or re-installation
- disposal
The product must be serviced as per the manufacturer’s requirements to maintain the warranty.
This warranty is in addition to any customer guarantees that apply automatically under the Australian Consumer Law.
Why:
- Solar Victoria is aiming to improve program controls to protect consumers and meet compliance requirements.
- This allows retailers and manufacturers to jointly determine the most appropriate commercial arrangements to provide the required warranty coverage to the customer.
- This supports the terms and conditions for retailers to participate in Solar Victoria programs.
- For more information on consumer guarantees and warranties, see the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.
Effective from 1 September 2025. As a transitional provision until then, the 2024-25 Notice to Market product warranty requirement remains in place.
Mandatory: Solar sharing technology suppliers must provide a minimum five-year product warranty for all eligible solar sharing technologies under the Solar Homes program.
The warranty commencement date is to be the date the system is handed over to the customer.
The warranty must cover all components supplied by the supplier, including:
- inverter power sharing device
- smart controllers
- external measurement devices, gateways and WiFi dongles
The customer must not be required to pay upfront nor incur any expenses associated with a successful warranty claim, including:
- parts or materials
- labour
- inspections or tests to investigate, support or prove the claim
- freight, transport, insurances or customs clearances
- removal, installation or re-installation
- disposal
The product must be serviced as per the manufacturer’s requirements to maintain the warranty.
This warranty is in addition to any customer guarantees that apply automatically under the Australian Consumer Law.
Why:
- Solar Victoria is aiming to improve program controls to protect consumers and meet compliance requirements.
- This allows retailers and manufacturers to jointly determine the most appropriate commercial arrangements to provide the required warranty coverage to the customer.
- This supports the terms and conditions for retailers to participate in Solar Victoria programs.
- For more information on consumer guarantees and warranties, see the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.

3.2.2 Solar PV inverters – recommendations

Recommended: Solar PV inverters should only have the power quality response mode region settings listed in AS/NZS 4777.2, 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:
- DNSPs have mandated unified power quality response mode settings, defined by the “Australia A” configuration mode within AS/NZS 4777.2.
- All installations must comply with DNSP connection agreements.
- Removal of old grid settings and having “Australia A” as the default setting reduces the chance of the incorrect setting being used.
- This supports LEIs to easily check that the correct setting has been selected.
Recommended: End users should be 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’ connected to their Smart Meter. Alternatively, consumers can request this data the day after (not live) from their DNSP.
Recommended: Solar PV inverters should be able to supply a single socket outlet in the event of a grid outage where another energy source is available. The supply is limited to the energy source available, such as the connected solar PV array and / or battery.
Why:
- During an extended power outage it will provide households with access to basic provision of electricity to power and / or charge small devices such as phone batteries and radios.

3.2.3 Solar PV modules – mandatory requirements

Mandatory: Solar PV modules must be listed on the Solar Victoria solar PV product list.
Why:
- This listing confirms solar PV modules meet the requirements, above minimum industry standards, to be eligible to participate in the Solar Homes program.
Mandatory: Solar PV modules must be listed on the Clean Energy Council approved modules list.
Why:
- This listing confirms, via certified evidence, solar PV modules meet minimum product standards for usage in Australia.
- Listing is a requirement to participate in the Federal Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Mandatory: The solar PV retailer must ensure the solar PV system is designed and installed such that it is eligible for the creation of STCs.
This includes ensuring that the serial number of each solar PV module supplied as part of the solar PV system is listed in the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) solar panel serial number ledger, and the number is valid.
If requested by the customer, retailers must also ensure the customer is provided with documentary evidence to support a STC claim.
Why:
- A valid listing in the serial number ledger provides assurance that the solar PV module is:
  - genuine (e.g. not counterfeit)
  - approved as per the CEC approved products list
  - backed by manufacturer’s warranties
  - compliant with Australian Standards
  - eligible for Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and rebates under the Solar Homes program.
- A customer can either assign their STC rights to a registered agent or pursue creation of STCs themselves. For the latter case, the customer will need to submit the documentary evidence required by CER to support their claim.
Effective from 1 September 2025. As a transitional provision until then, the 2024-25 Notice to Market product warranty requirement remains in place.
Mandatory: Solar PV module manufacturers must provide a minimum five year product warranty for all eligible modules under the Solar Homes Program.
The warranty commencement date is to be the date the system is handed over to the customer.
The warranty must cover all components supplied by the manufacturer, including:
- photovoltaic modules
- module junction box and accompanying cabling and connectors.
The customer must not be required to pay upfront nor incur any expenses associated with a successful warranty claim, including:
- parts or materials
- labour inspections or tests to investigate, support or prove the claim
- freight, transport, insurances or customs clearances
- removal, installation or re-installation
- disposal
The product must be serviced as per the manufacturer’s requirements to maintain the warranty.
This warranty is in addition to any customer guarantees that apply automatically under the Australian Consumer Law.
Why:
- Solar Victoria is aiming to improve program controls to protect consumers and meet compliance requirements.
- This allows retailers and manufacturers to jointly determine the most appropriate commercial arrangements to provide the required warranty coverage to the customer.
- This supports the terms and conditions for retailers to participate in Solar Victoria programs.
- For more information on consumer guarantees and warranties, see the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.

3.2.4 Solar PV modules – recommendations

Recommended: Solar PV module manufacturers should be listed by the CER as a participating brand in the industry-led Solar Panel Validation Initiative.
Why:
- Participation in this initiative:
  - makes it easier for manufacturers/importers to upload serial number data to the ledger.
  - gives installers onsite confirmation of a solar panel's eligibility.
  - helps agents to create STCs.
  - enables CER to process STC claims faster.
Recommended: Solar PV retailers should ensure that customers are provided with an electronic customer record confirming installed solar PV modules are verified as part of the industry-led SPV Initiative.
Why:
- Validation via this initiative provides customers with an electronic record that confirms their installed solar PV modules 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.
Recommended: Solar PV module manufacturers should provide a performance warranty that panels will deliver 90 per cent production at 10 years and 80 per cent at 25 years.
The warranty commencement date should be the date the system is handed over to the customer.
Why:
- This supports customers to receive high quality products that do not suffer from a significant drop in production over their lifetime.

Updated 18 July 2025