source: Clean Energy Regulator
Introducing the Solar Panel Validation initiative
The Clean Energy Regulator has partnered with industry to develop and implement the Solar Panel Validation Initiative to address the installation of unapproved solar panels under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This joint initiative is aimed at strengthening the integrity of industry and the scheme, and protecting consumers by making the identification of unapproved panels easier.
Solar panel validation is now available for all scheme participants to begin using existing apps and start validating solar panels for participating manufacturers.
What is Solar Panel Validation
Solar panel validation is made up of two parts - an app for installers to use on a mobile device and a database of verified serial numbers for solar panels, received directly from manufacturers. Installers use the app to scan solar panel serial numbers, which are then checked against a database to ensure they are approved.
Solar panel validation aims to protect the integrity of the SRES, the industry and consumers by providing an easy way to check and confirm that panels are genuine and approved panels, meaning they are backed by manufacturer warranties, meet Australian standards for quality and performance and are eligible for small-scale technology certificates.
It is important to participate early as an industry leader to protect your industry, brand and reputation. Start using solar panel validation by contacting one of our solar panel validation partners. If you are a retailer, installer or registered agent you can start using solar panel validation as an app user by contacting our solar panel validation partners via the details on Solar Panel Validation Initiative on our website.
Why you should use Solar Panel Validation
Applications to create small-scale technology certificates (STC) submitted with validated solar panels are likely to be processed more quickly – typically within 48 hours, subject to the application successfully meeting all eligibility requirements under the scheme. STC applications submitted without validated solar panels may undergo a more detailed assessment.
Registered agents benefit from, and play a critical role in, protecting the integrity of the SRES. It is the responsibility of the agent submitting a small-scale technology certificate application to be sure information in the application is correct. Solar panel validation reduces the risk of agents creating small-scale technology certificates for unapproved panels. The use of unapproved solar panels detected under the SRES will have a broad range of compliance and enforcement options applied.
A list of manufacturers and retailers already participating in solar panel validation is available on our website
More information
Find out how you can become involved, visit Solar Panel Validation Initiative and watch one of our short solar panel validation videos.
Solar Panel Validation with Trade In Green
Retailers/Installers automatically get the benefit of solar panel validation if using the Trade In Green Formbay platform and the APP. When you scan the serials numbers for panels into the App and the panels are from participating manufacturers, the solar panel validation process is automatic.
For more information emails Trade In Green at
