A key role the Clean Energy Council undertakes is maintaining a list of approved inverters, batteries and PV modules that meet Australian and international standards.
The products lists are a requirement of several electricity grid operators (DNSPs) and Federal and State Government rebate programs, including the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
Achange to approved PV modules is coming into effect soon and its important the industry is ready.
From 1 October 2024, all new solar installations will need to use modules that meet 2021 standards. It’s a big change to navigate which is why we’ve set a long changeover period and introduced extension requests to help businesses that may be facing stock surpluses.
The CEC is accepting extension requests for review on a case-by-case basis until 15 July 2024 to support industry with 2016 stock clearance.
Find out everything you need to know to prepare for the change below.
Requesting an extension
If an extension is required, manufacturers or agents acting on behalf of a manufacturer, will need to submit an extension request online by 15 July 2024 for the CEC to review. If you have submitted an application or received an outcome, please inform your customers.
If you are an importer, stock keeper or retailer exploring options to manage 2016 stock, please talk to the manufacturer or agent to understand whether they are applying for an extension. If your manufacturer or agent is not applying and you require an extension, please notify the CEC via the same online form. Please note this is not considered an application in the first instance. the CEC will also contact the manufacturer before taking any further action.
The CEC may consider extensions for products listed to the 2016 version that can show compliance to the 2021 version. The CEC will offer an estimated time for completion once we start receiving the applications from the industry.
Further information is available at cleanenergycouncil.org.au/moduleschange.
Manufacturer or agent acting on behalf of manufacturers
You must apply for re-certification as soon as possible, as it can take two to three months. Once recertified, you must submit your application with the CEC with a valid certificate for PV modules to remain on the CEC Approved Products list effective 1 October 2024 as per IEC 61215:2021.
Work closely with your supply chain to clear obsolete stock when importing PV modules certified to IEC 61215:2016.
Importer, retailer, installer or stock-keeper
You must continue to clear existing stock certified to the 2016 version of IEC 61215. No additional stock should be imported or purchased unless you are certain it can be installed prior to the expiry date.
If the PV module label shows the module is compliant to the 2016 version of IEC 61215, then the module must be installed before the CEC listing expiry date for the 2016 version. Check the expiry date of your modules at cleanenergycouncil.org.au/moduleslist. If you are unsure of which standard the module is compliant with, please contact your supplier/ manufacturer.
If you are exploring options to manage 2016 stock, talk to your manufacturers to understand whether they are applying for an extension. If your manufacturer or importer is not applying for extension and you require support, you may submit an extension request by 15 July 2024.
Electrical workers in various jurisdictions must ensure that products installed are compliant with the electrical safety legislation specific to each jurisdiction. If you have concerns about the acceptability of a product, you should seek clarification from the local regulator.
Understanding the standards change and support
When AS/NZS 5033:2021 was published and became mandatory in May 2022, it brought changes to the requirements for solar panels (PV modules) that aimed to align with international standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission. AS/NZS 3000 references AS/NZS 5033 but does not reference an edition of IEC 61215 and IEC 61730, which is why we must adhere to the latest edition of the Standard.
In most cases, following publication of Australian Standards for installation there is a six-month transition period. After consultation with regulatory bodies and testing labs, it was clear that six months did not provide industry with enough time. It was decided that it would be in the best interest of the industry to wait until the testing labs were ready following which the industry was given 14 months’ notice of the standards change. We recognise that there has been a significant shift across the Australian and international solar industry and that the 1 October deadline may still create significant challenges for some, which is why we have introduced the option for individual extensions requests to the CEC.
For more information, email products@cleanenergycouncil.org.au