The Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) revised Approved Solar Retailer scheme has been given an official boost, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announcing it has granted reauthorisation of the scheme for five years.
The code is a voluntary system that solar retailers can sign up to and meet best practice standards including ethical sales practices and a standard five-year warranty on products and workmanship.
It was recently revised and expanded to include financial products like solar leasing and solar power purchase agreements, with new requirements around the disclosure of information to consumers about the nature of the agreement they are entering into.
CEC Code of Conduct Manager Anna Sexton said the scheme aims to improve standards in the solar industry.
“The Clean Energy Council introduced the Approved Solar Retailer scheme almost two years ago to help raise the bar in the solar industry and give consumers peace of mind and confidence when buying from participating businesses,” said Ms Sexton.
ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard emphasised the importance for consumers of improving industry standards of practice, because solar panels are such a significant purchase for households.
“Achieving higher standards in the industry will increase consumer confidence, enable consumers to make better decisions and enhance compliance as the industry grows,” said Ms Rickard.
