The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has banned 21 solar companies from the small solar rebate scheme, banned a retailer for falsely claiming installations were complete and warned installers for fake confirmation photos.
Why did the CER suspend solar companies?
All 21 companies have been permanently banned from the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which supports Australia’s solar rebate. You no longer meet the “Fit and Proper Person” requirements.
The CER explained that “the main reason for this action is that these companies have been deregistered from ASIC and are therefore not legal entities”.
Installers, retailers and similar businesses must always adhere to this legal standard to remain compliant. These requirements still apply – anyone registering to create Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that fund the rebate must maintain good standing.
In short, it is simply the removal of companies that can no longer trade STCs. Enforcement update follows a crackdown in February on poor battery installations.
These measures are described in detail in the CERs Quarterly compliance update for April to June 2026.
Asun Solar suspended over a separate compliance issue
Asun Solar Pty Ltd has been suspended due to a more significant issue. The CER has canceled its registration in accordance with the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 after the company failed to comply with a statutory notice. Asun Solar failed to demonstrate the skills, abilities and business practices expected of a registered agent.
Retailer faces ban due to incomplete installations
The most serious action in this update is against an unnamed solar retailer. The CER has issued a notice that could result in this retailer no longer being authorized to sign the written statements required to support STC claims.
Initial 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 into effect, the retailer will not be able to support STC creation for up to three years.
According to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001A solar system is only eligible for reimbursement when it is finished and generating electricity and not just installed in name.
Acting CER Chairman Carl Binning says the message to the industry is clear:
“Incorrect information and incomplete work will not be tolerated.”
AI now checks photos for battery labels
Battery labels like those shown above are now subject to AI checks.
This update also confirms that the AI powered image checker mentioned in the CERs Battery inspection in February is now in use. It helps CER officials find missing labels and verify the metadata on geotagged and timestamped label photos of battery installations that installers have been required to submit since March 1, 2026. Officials continue to make all compliance decisions themselves – the tool only flags cases for review.
According to Binning, the standard remains the same, but the ability to verify it has improved:
“We warn installers that if things aren’t done right the first time, we will fail their applications and send them back to the jobsite.”
Installers warn about fake verification selfies
A job confirmation photo of Anthony Bennett, SolarQuotes’ in-house installer – a legitimate example of the obligatory selfie that other installers fake.
The CER also sounded the alarm Installer On-Site Verification (IOV) selfies. which do not actually show the installer accredited for the job. In June, installers, retailers and agents were reminded that any evidence used to produce STC must show exactly what happened on site.
Providing false or misleading evidence may result in compliance action against both the installer and the registered agent.
How this affects customers
If your installer or dealer has been suspended, you may be worried about your discount. Normally this doesn’t affect it.
A suspension means the company cannot create new STCs. No existing certificates will be removed. The CER also states that it will not cancel valid STCs if an agent is later reassigned or loses registration.
If you are having a solar system or battery installed, ask your installer for the same identification and verification photos that are now being verified by the CER. Do not log out until your system is fully operational and generating electricity.
For practical tips on how you can support your installer’s work, read our articles on What to look for before your solar installer leaves and the Five tests must be performed before your battery installer sets off.
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