The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has outlined a limited process for installers who wish to seek special consideration after breaching maximum daily installation limits under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
According to the CER, the relief pathway will only apply to installations that occurred between 1 July 2025 and 22 December 2025, and will be considered under very specific circumstances.
The process is intended for cases where installers have substantially complied with installation limits, with the only breach relating to the sign-off or commissioning date.
Installers or retailers seeking relief must submit an application for special consideration.
The Clean Energy Regulator said approval of a special consideration request does not guarantee that the associated small-scale technology certificate (STC) claim will be approved.
All STC claims will continue to be assessed for eligibility, the CER stated, noting that applicants may be required to provide full documentation relating to each installation as part of the assessment process.
Daily installation limits remain in force
The Clean Energy Regulator also reiterated that accredited installers must comply with daily installation limits set by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) in order to claim STCs.
Under the current requirements, installers can complete no more than two installations per day, which may include:
- Two solar battery installations
- Two solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
- One solar PV system and one solar battery installation.
These limits apply to individual installers and form part of the compliance framework supporting the integrity of the SRES.
Transitional arrangements concluded
The CER reminded the sector that previous transitional arrangements administered by SAA ended on 31 August 2025.
Since that time, installers have been required to follow the updated installation limits outlined in SAA’s accreditation requirements, which cap installations at two systems per installer per day.
The CER also confirmed that there will be no further consideration for systems deemed ‘ready to commission,’ with commissioning dates now counting toward the daily installation limit.
Installers seeking flexibility outside the standard requirements may request an exemption from SAA, which is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Further information about the special consideration process and installation requirements is available through the CER and SAA website.
