The approved product lists of the Clean Energy Council (CEC) are large. Really big. Discover how many products are listed, the number of rejected applications as well as other related facts and numbers.
The Clean Energy Council is the gatekeeper for solar products in Australia and lists solar modules, inverters and batteries that meet the Australian standards. Without the consent stamp of the CEC, the National Solar Subject and the Battery discount for house batteries cannot be claimed and the network connection is likely to be rejected. In order to calculate this incentives and a network connection, the product must be enclosed at the time of installation and not to buy CEC.
The certification must be renewed every three years. If the certification is not renewed, it does not mean that the product suddenly works or must be uninstalled. Only that new installations of this product are not permitted, unless it is a similar replacement under certain conditions.
So how many products are on the lists? Like at the end of July 2025:
- Sun collectors: 2,685
- Inverter: 1,755
- Batteries: 825
These are not only models, but also variants between models. Sigenergy from Sigenstor’s modular battery is a good example. A battery system itself, many variations and individual components as well as more than 100 individual lists. The listing was undoubtedly a nightmare for Sigenergy (and the CEC on this matter), but it would have been a decent earner for the council.
The CEC loads 5,500 USD + GST per application, which can contain up to 10 battery or inverter models or up to 20 solar panel models. But pose the money does not guarantee a list. First there is an administrative review and then a technical review. And if the CEC rejected an application until it does not react to the technical review phase or due to the non -anti -word of the applicant within a certain time frame, there is no reimbursement.
Further information on the product list process and the fee structure can be found here.
How many applications are rejected?
Based on applications processed in the last financial year (July 2024 – June 2025), a significant part did not make a grade.
- Panels: 185 applications / 28 rejected (~ 15%)
- Solar inverter: 212 applications / 17 rejected (~ 8%)
- Batteries: 154 applications / 22 rejected (~ 14%)
The rejection does not necessarily mean that the product itself is crap, but the application or the supporting documentation may have been.
How long does the CEC permit last?
This is a painful point for manufacturers and installers and for many years. There were symptoms regarding the time frame to list new equipment as long as the Clean Energy Council was commissioned with permits. In 2024, the Australia Clean Energy Regulator of the CEC announced that it would have to raise their game and to bring the organization more resources.
At the beginning of the last month we published figures how long it took for the CEC to start the technical evaluation process for technical evaluation. The following updated numbers compare May compared to July and remember that this should only start this process. Depending on the completeness of the applications, the full approval can take an additional 2 to 6 months (and in some cases longer).
- Sun collectors: 3 weeks in May and 4 weeks in July.
- Inverter: 11 weeks in May and the same in July.
- Batteries: 12 weeks in May and 9 weeks in July.
CEC approval does not always mean great products
The approved product lists of the Clean Energy Council can be a practical instrument for consumers to confirm what they are considering approved. But they are not a * guarantee * The product is suitable for their circumstances, of good quality or well supported.
Some IFFY equipment is still through and while the product quality, customer support and documentation may be in order at the time of the list. It can worsen afterwards. The CEC blocks or delist that she finds are no longer up to date, but especially with the latter it can be the case that the gate is closed well after the horse has been snapped. And no matter how good a product is, the bad installation can turn it into a problem.
Online tools such as the Solarquotes review center and the recommended solar brands can help prevent the countless selections of components (and installers). And if you have referred an installer solar quotes via our free quotation service, our good installer guarantee is available.
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