Imported solar panel documentation improvements in Australia | Panel background image : CharlesMJames
In order to maintain CEC Approved Product status, solar panel importers will soon need to maintain an Australian website providing end-consumers and solar installers access to important product documentation.
One of the problematic aspects of solar panels, and this really applies to all imported equipment, can be a lack of proper documentation – in English. Even if the information is available, locating it can be a challenge.
A recent update from Australia’s Clean Energy Council (CEC) notes a solution it has put in place to help resolve the issue. As of August 10, importers and local manufacturers will be required to maintain an Australian web presence that includes documentation as supplied to the CEC as part of the importer/manufacturer’s application for the Approved Products List.
Documentation to be made available on these web sites will include datasheets for panels, the installation manual and warranty details.
Aside from the convenience of having accurate general information close at hand, solar customers will be able to refer to installation documentation to ensure issues such the manufacturer’s clamping zone information has been observed by the installer – an aspect that has reportedly been somewhat of a problem.
Section 7.6.3 of the CEC Install and Supervise Guidelines for Accredited Installers states:
When using clamps solar panel manufacturer’s installation instructions shall be followed.
Other changes to the CEC PV module listing Terms and Conditions include all importers being required to provide a declaration agreeing to the T&C’s and the associated importer responsibilities, of which the Australian website is one.
The full revised terms and conditions for including a PV module on the CEC Approved Product List that comes into force on 10 August 2017 can be viewed here (PDF).
The new terms and conditions are a part of the CEC’s continuing efforts to help ensure only quality products are (and continue to be) part of the Approved Products List. Among the T&C’s, the CEC also reserves the right to carry out on- site factory audits for verification of quality standards and procedures.
As we mentioned recently, checking the Approved Products List is an important part of due diligence when considering purchasing a solar power system.
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Hello Michael
Have you done a review of the Jolywood bifacial modules
Info at http://www.jolywood.cn
regards
Fred
Looking them up I see it’s a big company, but they have no Australian office and I don’t know anyone who uses them. If I start hearing about people using them I’ll happily look into them.
Does anyone know who imports ET Solar Photovoltaic Modules in Australia, or who was the importer in 2016. Any help would be appreciated as I am trying to source some replacement panels.