The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has suspended 21 solar companies from the small-scale solar rebate scheme, moved to ban a retailer for falsely claiming installations were complete, and issued a warning to installers over fake verification photos.
Why Did The CER Suspend Solar Companies?
All 21 companies have been permanently suspended from the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which supports Australia’s solar rebate. They no longer meet the “fit and proper person” requirements.
The CER stated that the “main impetus for this action is that these companies were deregistered by ASIC and are, as a result, not legal persons.”
Installers, retailers, and similar businesses must always meet this legal standard to stay compliant. These requirements are ongoing – anyone registered to create Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which fund the rebate, must maintain good standing.
In short, this is simply the removal of companies that can no longer trade STCs. The enforcement update follows a February crackdown on poor battery installations.
These actions are detailed in the CER’s Quarterly Compliance Update for April to June 2026.
Asun Solar Suspended for a Separate Compliance Issue
Asun Solar Pty Ltd was suspended for a more significant issue. The CER cancelled its registration under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 after the company failed to comply with a statutory notice. Asun Solar could not demonstrate the capability, skills, and business practices expected of a registered agent.
Retailer Faces Ban For Incomplete Installations
The most serious action in this update is against an unnamed solar retailer. The CER has issued a notice that could make this retailer ineligible to sign the written statements required to support STC claims.
Early findings show the retailer made false or misleading statements, claiming several solar PV systems were “complete and capable of generating electricity” when they were not. If the ban goes ahead, the retailer will not be able to support STC creation for up to three years.
According to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001, a solar system only qualifies for the rebate if it is finished and generating power, not just installed in name.
CER Acting Chair Carl Binning says the message to the industry is clear:
“False statements and incomplete work will not be tolerated.”
AI Now Checks Battery Label Photos
Battery labels such as those shown above are now subject to AI checks.
This update also confirms that the AI-assisted image checker mentioned in the CER’s February battery inspection is now in use. It helps CER officers find missing labels and check the metadata on geotagged, timestamped label photos of battery installs that installers have been required to submit since 1 March 2026. Officers still make all compliance decisions themselves – the tool only flags cases for review.
Binning says the standard remains the same, but the ability to check it has improved:
“We’re warning installers that we will fail their applications and send them back to site if things aren’t done properly the first time.”
Installers Warned About Fake Verification Selfies
A job verification photo by SolarQuotes’ in-house installer Anthony Bennett – a legitimate example of the mandatory selfie that other installers are faking.
The CER has also sounded the alarm on installer on-site verification (IOV) selfies that do not actually show the accredited installer for the job. In June, installers, retailers, and agents were reminded that all evidence for STC creation must accurately show what happened on site.
Providing false or misleading evidence can lead to compliance action against both the installer and the registered agent.
How This Affects Customers
If your installer or retailer has been suspended, you may be concerned about your rebate. Usually, this doesn’t affect it.
A suspension means the company cannot create new STCs. It does not remove any certificates you already have. The CER also says it will not cancel valid STCs if an agent is later re-assigned or loses registration.
If you are having solar or a battery installed, ask your installer for the same labelling and verification photos that the CER now checks. Only sign off once your system is fully commissioned and generating power.
For practical tips on how to sus out your installer’s work, read our articles on what to look for before your solar installer leaves and the five tests to run before your battery installer departs.
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