What is the difference between a Clean Energy Council Member, a CEC Accredited Installer and a CEC Approved Solar Retailer?
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is the peak body representing Australia’s clean energy sector.
Clean Energy Council Accredited Installer
A CEC Accredited Installer is an individual who has completed the necessary training and assessment to become accredited by the CEC. They have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the technical and safety requirements for solar and battery storage systems installation. By choosing a CEC Accredited Installer, consumers can have confidence that their solar PV or battery storage system will be installed to the highest standards of safety and quality.
Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer
A CEC Approved Solar Retailer is a company that has been approved by the CEC for their professional standard and quality of service in the solar retail industry. The CEC Approved Solar Retailer program was launched in 2013 to provide consumers with confidence when making a decision to invest in a solar system by ensuring that approved retailers adhere to a strict code of conduct.
In summary, a CEC Member supports the clean energy industry, a CEC Accredited Installer has met the high standards of the CEC for installation and safety of solar and battery storage systems, and a CEC Approved Solar Retailer adheres to a strict code of conduct for quality of service in the solar retail industry.
Clean Energy Council Memberships
A CEC Member is a company that has joined the CEC and supports the development of the clean energy industry.
Membership is open to all companies with an interest in the renewable energy sector: small and large-scale solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy, electricity retailers etc. Members help the Clean Energy Council advocate for better renewable energy policy.
- A Clean Energy Council accredited installer (or designer) is a tradesperson who has demonstrated competence in the design and/or installation of solar PV systems.
Please note that only individuals are eligible for accreditation – there is no such thing as an accredited company, although many accredited installers run their own businesses. - A Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer is a company that sells complete solar PV systems and has signed the Solar PV Retailer Code of Conduct.
- Authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Code of Conduct is a voluntary scheme that aims to bring about a better standard of service in the solar industry.
- An Approved Solar Retailer has formally committed to following our high standards for marketing, documentation and ethical business practices. They use accredited installers and high-quality components, and provide all customers with a minimum five-year whole-of-system warranty.
Further References
- Clean Energy Council website: https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/
- CEC Accredited Installers search tool: https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/consumers/find-an-installer
- CEC Approved Solar Retailers list: https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/industry/approved-solar-retailers
- CEFC website: https://www.cefc.com.au/
- Renewable Energy Target (RET): https://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET
- Australian Energy Regulator (AER): https://www.aer.gov.au/
- Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC): https://www.aemc.gov.au/
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): https://www.accc.gov.au/
- Australian Solar Council: https://www.solar.org.au/
- International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): https://www.irena.org/
