I noticed that some companies don't appear to be "accredited installers" with the Clean Energy Council. Is there a particular reason for this, and if the companies are not "accredited" what mechanism is there to get any faulty work rectified?

I'll answer this question in two parts.  First I'll explain about Clean Energy Council accredited installers and then I'll go over steps you can take to get faulty work rectified.

There Are No CEC Accredited Companies

Individuals can become Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers but companies cannot.  There are no companies that are CEC accredited installers, but a company can employ people who are. 

You can be very confident that anyone working as a solar installer is CEC accredited.  This is because it's necessary to claim the STCs that lower the cost of solar and make up the “solar rebate”.  But if you are concerned, you can ask for proof of accreditation.

While there are no CEC accredited companies, in the past, solar installation companies could become CEC Approved Retailers.  However, this scheme ended in February 2023 and CEC Approved Retailers no longer exist.  It was replaced with the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) scheme, administered by the CEC.  The scheme is voluntary and companies are free to join or not join as they choose.  You can read about the scheme here:

• What Is The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC)?

Companies that join are called NETCC Approved Sellers.

Getting Faulty Work Rectified

The best way to avoid a faulty solar system is to use a good installer who takes pride in their work.

But if you get a solar system installed and there is a problem - and you're unable to reach a satisfactory resolution after raising the issue with the solar installer - there are a range of steps you can take.

Firstly, if the installer is an NETCC Approved Seller you can complain to the NETCC Council.  They will listen to your complaint and hopefully help resolve it. But they do not guarantee you’ll reach an outcome that you will find satisfactory.

Whether or not the installation company is an NETCC Approved Seller, you still have the normal options for redress you would have for any major electrical work, such as having an air conditioner installed.

You are covered by Australian Consumer Guarantees which provide extensive protection. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission also provides support which includes this complaints letter writing tool:

• ACCC Complaint Letter Tool

Sending a letter using this tool is often enough to resolve issues. But if you’re unable to reach a satisfactory resolution you can contact Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs in your state or territory for assistance.  Contact details can be found here:

• ACCC Where To Go For Consumer Help Page

But if you found your installer through us, then you’ll have additional protection. Your installation will usually be covered by the SolarQuotes Good Installer Guarantee. This guarantees you will receive the system you were promised, even if we have to arrange it with another installer at our expense:

• The SolarQuotes Good Installer Guarantee

But if a solar company in the SolarQuotes network does a bad job, they get a phone call from me which usually results in a quick resolution! Thankfully, I don't have to do this very often.