The Clean Energy Council is shifting its focus from rooftop installer accreditor to providing quality access to training and support services for installers.
The news comes following the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) opening an application to explore all operator options.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has operated the Installer Accreditation Scheme for over 16 years to support the responsible growth of the rooftop solar sector across Australia.
From February 2024 onwards, there will be a new installer and designer accreditation scheme operator (ASO).
The CER announced on Tuesday, November 21 that as part of its application evaluation process for a new ASO, it has refused one ASO application and is on track to approve another application in February 2024.
The regulator also expects to announce one ASO but cannot provide details until its decision in February 2024.
CEC Chief Executive Kane Thorton said the CEC is focused on the transition to clean energy for all Australians and believe rooftop solar and household batteries are central to that mission.
“We are proud of the role that we play in regulating the rooftop solar and household battery industry and will continue to operate the NETCC and Product Assurance programs that are crucial to driving quality outcomes for customers and lifting the bar for the industry,” he said.
Thorton has confirmed the CEC will assist the regulator where necessary to support successful transition to a new operator(s).
The Regulations have established a three-month period for all CEC accredited persons to transition to the new ASO from the date the new ASO is approved.
If they do not transition, the CEC accreditation won’t be recognised three months after the CER’s date of decision, or earlier if the CEC accreditation expires beforehand.
The CER has been working closely with the CEC and new ASO to ensure a smooth transition. The CER has confirmed the following:
- Accredited persons will need to transition their CEC accreditation to the new ASO within the three-month transition period to remain eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs). There is no fee to transition your accreditation.
- The new ASO will honour CEC accreditation expiry dates and fees paid. An accreditation renewal fee will be due on expiry of your existing CEC accreditation.
- If your accreditation expires on or after the CER has made and announced its decision, you must accredit yourself with the new ASO to remain eligible for STCs. This will attract a fee. The CER will work with accredited persons, CEC and the new ASO to smoothly transition affected persons.
- There are no immediate proposed changes to accreditation requirements, including relevant training units. The new ASO will recognise continuous professional development completed under the CEC’s accreditation scheme.
The CEC has released information to assist CEC accredited persons to prepare for the transition to the new ASO. This includes details on CEC application cut off dates and revised fee structures.