Blog updated on 30th April, 2025
Since its formation in 2007, the Clean Energy Council (CEC) has been a leader in Australia’s renewable energy industry, representing businesses and promoting clean energy solutions. The CEC ensures that renewable energy projects meet high safety, quality, and reliability standards, helping the country transition to cleaner energy.
In 2022, renewable energy made up 32.8% of Australia’s electricity generation, and this number continues to grow. The CEC reports that 310,000 new rooftop solar systems were added that year, supporting Australia’s goal of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030.
As more people switch to solar, it’s important to understand why CEC accreditation matters. Choosing CEC-approved retailers, installers, and products means you get better quality, safer installations, and more value from your system.
Let’s look at why picking a CEC-accredited installer can help you save more and make your home or business more energy independent.
TL;DR
CEC-approved installers and retailers ensure quality, reliability, and safety for solar system installations, helping you achieve energy independence and save on electricity bills.
Using CEC-approved equipment comes with great benefits like better efficiency, long-lasting performance, and meeting top safety standards.
It also makes you eligible for government rebates, including STCs and other state-based incentives, when installed by a CEC-approved retailer.
Importance of CEC accreditation guarantees that your solar system meets Australian standards, ensuring eligibility for warranties, rebates, and efficient performance.
Verifying installers is crucial to ensure that your solar installer is CEC-accredited, which guarantees safe, compliant installations and excellent customer support.
Clean Energy Council: Everything You Need to Know
The Clean Energy Council is an independent solar association representing Australia’s clean energy sector and businesses operating in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. CEC is a not-for-profit association based in Melbourne, operating throughout the country.
The association supports all clean energy technologies, including wind, marine energy, solar, solar hot water, hydro, geothermal, cogeneration, and bioenergy.
1. Role of CEC in Promoting Clean Energy
The prime objective of the CEC is to help develop and advocate policies that accelerate the development of different clean energy technologies. The association promotes the renewable energy sector through media, meetings, and social events. Along with developing clean energy resources, the CEC has the following key functions:
Industry Advocacy: The CEC represents its members by advocating for policies and technologies that support renewable energy growth. This includes working with the government, promoting regulatory frameworks, and securing funding for research and infrastructure development.
Certification and Accreditation: The CEC provides certification and accreditation for companies and individuals in the clean energy sector. This covers solar panels, inverters, and modules, as well as solar and battery installers. The CEC offers three types of accreditation: for solar retailers, installers, and other clean energy businesses.
Promoting Clean Energy: The CEC educates its members through training programs and industry events such as seminars, workshops, and conferences. These events focus on policy changes, technological advancements, and industry trends.
Research and Analysis: The CEC conducts research to stay updated on the latest industry trends and technological advancements. This helps their members make informed decisions about clean energy resources.
Overall, the CEC plays a pivotal role in developing and promoting clean energy in Australia. They integrate with government, industry, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies, technological advancements, and initiatives supporting renewable and clean energy growth.
2. Importance of CEC-Approved Installers
When you decide to install a solar system on your rooftop, you will find several installers that claim to be your best solar installer. It is worth mentioning that not all solar installers can deliver the best-intended results.
Make sure to choose the installers that carry out accreditation from the Clean Energy Council (CEC). This approval ensures that your selected installer has the skill and license to complete the job safely and effectively.
Buying solar panels from accredited retailers and hiring CEC-approved solar installers decides the longevity and efficiency of your system. CEC-accredited installers and retailers are trained enough to design and install solar panels, inverters, and other renewable energy systems with greater efficiency.
You will find 8,000+ CEC-accredited solar retailers and installers across Australia, and Solar Power Nation is one of them. You can get an approved CEC installers list from the official website of the Clean Energy Council.
SPN works with only certified installers to guarantee you skilled and quality workmanship. CEC-approved retailers and installers play a significant role in energy independence and clean energy solutions.
3. Benefits of CEC-Certified Solar Retailers
When you choose CEC-accredited retailers and installers, you’re guaranteed they follow a strict ethical code. By buying solar panels or solar inverters from CEC-certified retailers like Solar Power Nation, you can trust you’re working with a company dedicated to excellent customer service and integrity.
The following benefits will encourage you to rely on certified installers and retailers:
System’s Performance Assessment: CEC-approved retailers can assess your solar system’s performance by calculating the number of peak sunlight hours in your area. They provide an estimate based on the Clean Energy Council’s guidelines, tailored to your local conditions.
Whole-of-System Guarantee: When you choose a CEC-certified retailer, you get a full system warranty. If your system doesn’t meet its expected performance, the installer will fix any issues and replace faulty parts at no extra cost.
After-Sales Support: Many solar systems in Australia lose after-sales support because companies go out of business or don’t honor warranties. By choosing a CEC-approved installer, you ensure reliable after-sales support if anything goes wrong with your system.
4. Significance of CEC-Approved Equipment
Buying CEC-approved renewable energy equipment is as important as relying on CEC-certified installers and retailers. If you’re worried about the reliability and longevity of your inverters and panels, then CEC-approved equipment is the perfect solution for you.
Imagine you find an amazing solar deal from a local company. You do careful budgeting and sign all the paperwork. On the day of solar installation, your system is not eligible for STCs. Picture this scene. Can anything be more terrible than this? The Clean Energy Council does not approve your solar system because some parts need to be updated or meet the new safety standards this association sets.
You can only return the product if you’ve completed the paperwork and already paid. You’re stuck with the solar system that won’t be able to receive any accreditation or support from CEC. To avoid this hairy situation, you must buy only CEC-approved inverters and panels. The testing of the Clean Energy Council aims to ensure the compliance, reliability and safety of the approved products with the following:
CEC terms and conditions
CEC certifications
Required product standards
By investing in CEC-approved equipment, you can enjoy the following perks:
Solar Rebates: Solar rebates are financial incentives from the Australian government to encourage people to install renewable energy systems. For example, homeowners in Victoria can get up to $1,400 off when purchasing an accredited solar system. There are also national rebates and interest-free loans available.
Longevity: Good-quality solar systems last for many years when properly installed and maintained. With CEC-approved panels and inverters, you can expect long-lasting performance. The CEC ensures that only reliable and safe equipment gets approved, offering you great value over time.
Increased Efficiency & Safety: CEC-approved solar equipment is tested to meet high safety and efficiency standards. This ensures your system works well in various conditions, minimizing risks like power surges or blackouts that could damage your appliances. It’s the safest and most efficient choice for your home.
5. Process of Finding and Verifying CEC Approved Installers
CEC-accredited installers are trained and certified to ensure your solar system meets all relevant Australian standards and best practices. Such installers get adequate training and fulfil all the prerequisites for designing and installing any kind of clean energy system.
The official website of the CEC has a complete list of certified installers. You can search for an installer by name or search by location if you already know a solar installer. The following steps will help you verify if your selected installer is CEC accredited or not:
Step 1: Research and Gather Information
Being an accredited installer ensures that you will work with a credible company, but it does not necessarily mean the installer will be the perfect choice. Before signing up, research the installers and check how long they have been in the solar industry.
All professional and legit solar providers have a robust online presence. You can visit their social media platforms, read their customers’ reviews, and check testimonials. A CEC-accredited solar installer will always carry a digital accreditation ID card, providing the following information about the installer:
Photo
Accreditation number
Approval date
Expiry date
You can ask your installer to show you the accreditation ID on your phone.
Step 2: Talk About the Installation Process
Ask questions about the grid connections and overall solar installation process. A CEC-accredited solar installer for small-scale renewable energy systems must install the system physically or attend the working site at least three times during the installation process’s beginning, middle, and end.
Step 3: Check for Manufacturer Warranties
Before installing, check for the manufacturer, battery, inverter, and solar panels warranty. CEC-accredited installers should be able to provide accurate information on both system and product warranties.
Step 4: Ask for Paperwork
Certified retailers and installers will give you all the necessary documents for your solar installation. You can ask about system size, components, savings, and return on investment. They will also explain available incentives and rebates. You can check all the provided information to make sure it’s accurate and trustworthy.
6. The Role of CEC in Solar Installation
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation for solar installation has become an important standard, mainly because of its connection to the Federal Government’s Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Since 2009, solar retailers and installers with CEC accreditation have been eligible for the benefits of the SRES. Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSPs) also rely on CEC accreditation for connecting solar systems to the grid.
Both DNSPs and the Federal Government recognize CEC accreditation as proof that installers have the required skills and expertise to design and install quality solar systems. The CEC is also helping reshape the Australian clean energy market by:
Maintaining a complete list of approved solar panels, battery storage systems, and inverters.
Promoting the use of renewable energy sources across the country.
Developing services and initiatives for the Clean Energy Council members to promote the growth of the solar industry.
Collaborating with the Australian government and other stakeholders to improve solar energy product demand.
Developing and implementing effective policy and advocacy measures.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for energy independence and savings on your electricity bills, switching to renewable energy is the best way to achieve both. Choosing CEC-approved solar panel systems ensures you are investing in quality, long-lasting, clean energy solutions.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) plays a crucial role in representing the clean energy sector, hosting educational events, and collaborating with the Australian government to promote solar energy growth. Their rigorous testing ensures that only safe, reliable, and efficient solar equipment is certified, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
By choosing CEC-accredited retailers like Solar Power Nation (SPN), you’re guaranteed not only top-notch products but also excellent after-sales support to ensure the best possible returns on your investment.
Contact Solar Power Nation for the best deals and further queries on Risen solar panels.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Answer: You can find the list of certified solar panel manufacturers on the official website of the Clean Energy Council. You can search for a CEC-accredited solar panel retailer by name or location.
Answer: If solar equipment is CEC-approved, it has passed the safety and quality tests that CEC applies to solar PV panels. This testing ensures that approved products comply with all CEC terms and conditions.
Answer: When a manufacturer decides to have their solar products approved by the Clean Energy Council, they need to complete the following essential steps:
- Test the product to the required Australian standards.
- Get an enhanced listing to guarantee consumers that manufacturers use materials that meet base standards.
- Nominate the importer of the products if they meet the manufacturer’s warranty requirements of the Australian market.
- Get necessary documentation, such as compliance certificates, serial numbers, and technical sales datasheet.
- Fill out the PV module application.
Answer: The CEC-certified retailers and installers get accreditation from the Clean Energy Council. It requires installers and retailers to sign a code of conduct, committing to work with the highest standards during the sales and installation.
Answer: Buying a solar system from a CEC-accredited retailer can help you in the following ways:
- Get a whole-of-system warranty.
- Get an accurate system. performance assessment.
- Enjoy after-sales and excellent customer support.
Answer: The CEC plays a vital role in ensuring that renewable energy projects meet high standards. It collaborates with policymakers to drive the clean energy agenda and provides leadership in fostering a sustainable energy future for Australia.
Answer: You can verify if your installer is CEC-approved by checking the Clean Energy Council’s website or by asking your installer for their accreditation number, which they should be able to provide.
Answer: Choosing a CEC-approved installer ensures that your system is installed to the highest industry standards, offering safety, efficiency, and compliance with Australian regulations. It also guarantees eligibility for government rebates, incentives, and warranties.
Answer: While it is possible to buy solar panels without CEC approval, it is strongly recommended to use CEC-approved installers and equipment to ensure compliance with Australian laws and to be eligible for government rebates and incentives.
Answer: Not using CEC-approved installers or equipment can void warranties, reduce system performance, and make the system ineligible for government rebates. Additionally, there could be safety risks, and the installation may not comply with Australian regulations.
