Solar installer faces court for fraud
A man from Western Australia is set to appear in court in Perth after being accused of providing false or misleading information to access renewable energy certificates under the federal rooftop solar rebate scheme.
The Clean Energy Regulator has brought nine charges against the individual following an extensive investigation involving the Federal Police, which included the execution of a criminal search warrant in 2021.
Allegations of Providing False Information
It is alleged that between 23 May 2018 and 12 February 2021, the man intentionally provided inaccurate information that was used to generate small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
STCs are granted as part of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, a government initiative to subsidise rooftop solar system installations.
Court Proceedings and Compliance Measures
The case was brought before the Perth Magistrate Courts on 28 June 2024, with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions handling the prosecution. The matter has been adjourned until 9 August 2024 for further proceedings.
The Clean Energy Regulator has been vigilant in monitoring compliance with the SRES, particularly after a review highlighted the need for stricter regulations in the retail and installation of rooftop solar systems.
One significant rule change now mandates that CEC accredited installers must be present at the site during the entire process of setting up, installing, and commissioning rooftop solar systems. They are also required to provide evidence of their presence through selfie photographs.
Enforcement Against Non-Compliance
The regulator emphasised its commitment to collaborating with federal and state authorities to utilise all available powers to identify and address serious breaches of compliance.
Emphasising a zero-tolerance policy towards deliberate fraud, the CER stated that enforcement actions would be taken against those failing to meet their obligations under the Compliance, Education, and Enforcement Policy.
Instances of non-compliance, such as the case of a Canberra installer who was penalised and stripped of accreditation in 2022 for being absent during installations, serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to regulations.
Sophie Vorrath, the editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of Renew Economy, has been actively reporting on clean energy for over a decade.
