Regulatory oversight of Australia’s distributed energy sector has again come into focus, with Solar Victoria publishing a summary of completed compliance enforcement actions taken under the Solar Homes Program.
The update outlines how retailers and installers participating in the program are required to comply with strict terms and conditions; including, consumer protection obligations, installation standards and program guidelines. Solar Victoria confirmed it actively monitors compliance and may suspend or cancel retailers and installers from the program where breaches are identified.
According to the regulator, enforcement actions are applied following investigations, audits and compliance reviews, with outcomes published once matters are finalised. The latest update covers breaches relating to both solar photovoltaic (PV) and hot water installations.
Solar PV enforcement actions
In the solar PV category, one retailer was cancelled from the Solar Homes Program after breaches relating to consumer protection requirements. As part of the enforcement action, the retailer’s officers were disqualified from participating in the program for a period of two years. Solar Victoria also rejected an application from a related entity seeking to join the program as a result of the decision.
Non-compliant installations were also addressed through enforcement measures. One retailer received a three-month suspension for repeatedly installing systems that did not meet program requirements. In addition, a second retailer and two installers were issued reprimands and warnings after multiple instances of non-compliant installations were identified.
Solar Victoria said the breaches were detected through its audit program, which assesses installation quality, compliance with technical standards and adherence to program rules across approved retailers and installers.
Hot water enforcement actions
Enforcement activity also extended to hot water installations. An installer received an immediate three-month suspension after Solar Victoria identified non-compliant installations under the Solar Homes Program.
The installer is currently under investigation by the Essential Services Commission in relation to similar compliance issues under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, prompting the regulator to take precautionary action.
Maintaining program integrity
Solar Victoria reiterated that participation in the Solar Homes Program is conditional on compliance with all program requirements, including terms and conditions, Notices to Market and associated guidelines. The regulator said enforcement action plays a key role in maintaining consumer protections, safeguarding public funding and ensuring the quality and safety of installed systems.
The regulator encouraged industry participants to remain vigilant about compliance obligations, noting that audits and investigations will continue as part of ongoing program oversight.
For more information, visit the Solar Victoria website.