The clean energy industry has come a long way in the last few years and continues to grow at a rapid rate. As with all fast-moving sectors, it’s vitally important to continually improve how we do things to maintain a high level of integrity, trust and reputation with the wider public.
The Clean Energy Council’s Approved Solar Retailer program is just one example of an initiative that has played an important role in continuing to enhance the reputation of the Australian solar industry in recent years. By being part of the program, solar retailers are giving consumers added confidence that they have committed to responsible sales and marketing activities, adhere to solar industry best practice through the use of Clean Energy Council Accredited Installers and provide a five-year, whole-of-system warranty.
In the end, we all want consumers to have a positive experience with our industry, and ensure they are not taken for a ride by an unscrupulous company with dodgy door-knocking or other sales tactics. While there’s often only a few bad eggs, maintaining a good reputation for the industry is vital and we’re glad that this program is playing a part to give consumers confidence.
The Approved Solar Retailer program posted another significant milestone recently, passing the 200 mark in early January. The program has experienced extraordinary growth in recent months, having added 100 new Approved Solar Retailers since September 2018.
Much of the program’s growth can be attributed to a number of government programs requiring or recommending the use of Approved Solar Retailers, including the Victorian Government’s Solar Homes Package and the South Australian Government’s Home Battery Scheme. The prominent position afforded to Approved Solar Retailers in these schemes further endorses the program.
We expect the program to continue to grow strongly throughout 2019. If you are interested in becoming an Approved Solar Retailer, visit our website for more information. Solar businesses must meet strict criteria to be accepted into the program, and the robustness of the application process means that the Clean Energy Council turns back almost as many solar companies as it accepts. With annual fees calculated on a sliding scale based on the amount of solar capacity installed, becoming an Approved Solar Retailer can cost as little as $600 per year.