Full list of CEC-approved solar retailers

Find an accredited solar photovoltaic (PV) retailer

What is the Clean Energy Council Code of Conduct?

Back in 2013, the not-for-profit peak body for clean or renewable energy in Australia, the Clean Energy Council (CEC), introduced the Clean Energy Code of Conduct. It was designed as a way to improve industry standards and customer service.

The voluntary program is a way of self-regulating the solar retail industry to build confidence that the retailer will act in compliance with relevant government regulations.

Built around four key subject areas, the code aims to address issues that have historically plagued the industry, ensuring that approved regulators don't do things like make misleading claims about solar PV performance, future electricity bills or government incentives.

Those four key areas are:

• Pre-sale activities. This ensures no dishonest or misleading marketing, as well as making sure customers receive sufficient written information to understand their purchase.
• Post-sale activities. This ensures that customers' legal rights are respected after purchasing a PV system, from cooling-off periods to proper installation guarantees to warranty periods being honoured.
• Documentation. Making sure customers get all the necessary documentation after installation.
• General business. This ensures that if something goes wrong, the retailer adheres to all regulations and legislation around things like complaint handling and cancellation procedures.

Why should I shop with a CEC-approved solar retailer?

Buying a solar PV system can be a complicated process. There's a lot to think about and lots of decisions to make.

By purchasing your solar system through an approved retailer that has signed the CEC Code of Conduct, you are drastically reducing the possibility of being ripped off on your purchase.

All approved retailers have gone through a rigorous process, and are required to offer a standard minimum warranty period of five years on your whole solar PV system.

They are also required to ensure you receive detailed information about the process between installation and network connection.

What's more, some government rebates for solar PV system installations require that the system is installed by a CEC-approved installer. While it is possible to have that happen without working through an approved retailer, the other benefits ensure that taking advantage of the CEC's accreditation process across the whole process is worthwhile.

What if I have a complaint against my CEC-approved solar retailer?

While the process of accreditation should ensure that all approved solar retailers offer a seamless experience, if you do have a complaint about the retailer, there is a recommended process for resolution.

First, you should speak to the retailer directly about your issue. They should try to resolve the problem, but if you find you are still unhappy, you can reach out to your relevant consumer protection agency.

If the complaint is around an accredited retailer not adhering to the code of conduct, the CEC has a complaints process which can result in the retailer being removed as a signatory to the code.

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Nick Broughall

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Nick is the group publisher for tech, telco and utilities at Finder. An award-winning journalist with over 15 years' experience writing about technology, Nick has edited some of the country’s leading tech publications, including Gizmodo, TechRadar and T3 Magazine, as well as contributing to the likes of the Sydney Morning Herald, CNET, Lifehacker, news.com.au and many more. In 2016 he was awarded the Best Reviewer title at the 14th Annual IT Journalism Awards and has been a finalist for Best Reviewer, Best Consumer Technology Journalist and Best News Journalist on multiple occasions. Nick has a Bachelor of Media from Macquarie University and finds joy in solving problems with technology.

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