A CEC-accredited solar installer is the only tradesperson who can sign off on your solar installation. The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is an Australian regulatory body that promotes and ensures the quality of solar products, retailers and installers. The CEC is the governing council within the clean energy industry.
The sign-off is done by the CEC installer on completion. If you want the system to be eligible for the government solar rebate, you will need to let a CEC-accredited solar installer perform the installation job.
Here we take a closer look at what a solar-accredited CEC installer is and the reasons why it is so important to choose quality solar systems.
How to become a solar-accredited CEC installer?
To become a CEC installer, the installer must go through a complex verification process. This process includes training conducted in RTOs (Registered Training Organisations).
After finishing the training process, the installer can choose to apply for provisional accreditation. This is a temporary certification, and the installer will still not have an accreditation number. You must only use installers with a verified accreditation number.
The installer also needs to go through an online examination to prove their knowledge. The installer will get an accreditation number and become a CEC installer.
Note that CEC installers must also perform a practical installation assessment. Theoretical knowledge is not enough according to the Clean Energy Council. After this, the installer may get full CEC accreditation. Annual renewals of the certificate are compulsory.
A CEC installer ensures quality
All companies or installers who complete solar installations must employ or engage the services of a CEC-accredited solar installer. A Clean Energy Council approved installer has the expertise and knowledge required to install a PV solar system correctly and safely.
In other words, an accredited CEC installer is a business that sells or markets solar panel systems according to national regulations and quality standards.
The retailer will have signed the CEC Code of Conduct, and will therefore commit to the industry’s quality and ethical standards.
How will a CEC-accredited solar installer work?
As the installer company has signed the CEC Code of Conduct, they will have to practise their work in a specific way. This includes documentation, general business, and pre or post-sale activities.
Pre-sale tasks
Consumers are protected if they use CEC-accredited solar installers. This includes safeguards against dishonest or misleading solar products or sales methods.
The installer will ensure that sales representatives are dealing in an ethical manner when dealing with consumers or marketing their products.
The installer will provide consumers with the necessary information about the product they are purchasing.
Post-sale tasks
A CEC-accredited installer will make sure that retailers are respecting the legal rights of their customers. This includes refunds, deposits and similar matters. The consumer has the right to cancel the solar contract, especially if unexpected changes happen after the purchase.
The CEC-accredited solar installer will certify that the solar panel system has been installed correctly. They will apply the CEC guidelines, standards, and national regulations.
The installer will provide a minimum warranty period during which the retailer is responsible for resolving any errors or disputes that may arise. The warranty period will cover the performance of the solar system. During the warranty period, the retailer is held responsible for resolving any errors or disputes.
General tasks
A CEC-accredited solar installer will confirm that the retailer you choose is compliant. They will ensure that the installers are following existing regulations and maintaining good business practices.
Documentation
Using a CEC installer will also make sure that you receive the required documentation after the installation process.
The installer will also ensure that the retailer and customer are aware of who is responsible for the needed documentation.
How to find a solar-accredited CEC installer?
If you are considering getting yourself a solar panel system, it is important to choose a solar-accredited installer. How easy is it to check that the installer is approved? Actually, it is pretty simple! All you need to do is to look for the CEC approval logo.
The retailer will usually display the logo in their marketing, as it is a quality mark. The CEC website lists all approved solar retailers.
Find a CEC-approved solar installer today, and get a high-quality solar panel that will provide you with clean energy and lower electricity bills.