Clean Energy Regulator (CER) in partnership with Solar Industry has taken an innovative initiative – Solar Panel Validation. SPV would help to ensure genuine solar panels are mounted across Australia. It is a smart way of addressing the installation of unapproved solar panels under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme(SRES).

Implementation of SPV is of great advantage for all – Consumers, Retailer/Installer and the Government.

Consumers can be sure of the quality of panels getting installed, that the panels

• come with the stated warranty.
• meet the Australian standard for quality and performance.
• are eligible for STC’s

There has been a number of cases where some wrongdoers have brought shame to the solar industry by installing substandard components and hurting customers. Now, the accredited installers are free from the worries of reputational damage.

“SPV supports the industry’s reputation for supplying a quality product and increasing consumer confidence,” states Mr. Parker.

“This is a fantastic example of a partnership between the industry and government to make sure that consumers are protected. It is also about protecting the majority of legitimate businesses from those who are trying to undermine the quality of the system for their own gain,” said Kane Thornton, Chief Executive of the Clean Energy Council.

How SPV works?

The validation process is carried out by a smartphone application. The installer scans the serial number and sends the data for validation via the app. The validation service checks the serial number against the database of serial numbers for approved solar photovoltaic (PV) modules then it sends real-time confirmation that the panels are approved. The installer/agent receives a signed data package which he sends to CER for STC validation.