Clean Energy Regulator exposes RACV Solar’s false rebate claims
RACV Solar, a prominent player in Australia’s rooftop solar, home storage, and EV charging sector, has come under fire from the Clean Energy Regulator for submitting misleading information under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
The Clean Energy Regulator recently disclosed that it had initiated “compliance action” against RACV Solar and Formbay Trading, a Sydney-based entity responsible for a platform used in generating small-scale technology certificates.
False Statements and Enforcement Actions
During the period from 1 July 2021 to 5 August 2022, RACV Solar allegedly provided inaccurate details to Formbay regarding the installation of 28 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. These submissions falsely claimed that the installations were overseen by a specific Clean Energy Council accredited installer, whereas they were actually carried out by another individual.
As a result of these deceptive statements, Formbay issued 1,945 small-scale technology certificates based on erroneous information.
Both RACV Solar and Formbay have cooperated with the regulator to address the issue. They have offered enforceable undertakings, agreeing to implement compliance programmes to inspect and rectify the solar PV systems involved in the non-compliant activities.
Resolution and Further Developments
The Clean Energy Regulator concluded its investigation into RACV Solar and Formbay on January 7, following a previous press release on December 11. The earlier release mentioned a monitoring warrant executed at a Melbourne-based business involved in solar retail, installation, and renewable energy certificate creation.
While the connection between these two events remains unclear, RACV Solar has significantly expanded its presence in the solar industry, acquiring several regional solar companies in recent years.
Since acquiring Gippsland Solar in late 2019, RACV Solar has continued its growth through additional purchases, including Great Ocean Solar and Electrical, Pacific Solar’s Merrimbula branch, and Cola Solar based in Bendigo.
Furthermore, the parent company, a Victoria-based insurance and motoring firm, has ventured into the home energy market with its retail electricity offering, Arcline by RACV.
Compliance and Regulatory Reminder
Despite RACV Solar’s clean compliance record prior to this incident, the regulator emphasised that the company failed to adhere to compliance requirements, leading to the improper issuance of certificates under the SRES.
The Clean Energy Regulator underscored the importance of solar retailers maintaining proper procedures to mitigate the risk of regulatory breaches. It warned that any involvement in fraudulent activities or non-compliance could result in enforcement actions against solar retailers.
Ensuring the integrity of the scheme is paramount, and the regulator remains vigilant in addressing instances of fraud and misconduct within the industry.
