The renewable energy industry’s peak body has introduced new initiatives that will substantially lift the bar on the quality of solar power products sold in Australia.

Clean Energy Council chief executive Kane Thornton said the changes were the latest in a series of proactive steps by the industry to ensure the absolute highest standards for people buying solar power systems.

“Solar panels and inverters already need to be independently tested and demonstrate the compliance with Australian Standards before they can be sold here, which is an appropriate protection for consumers,” Kane said.

“These products are then included on lists of approved solar power modules and inverters, which are available from the Clean Energy Council’s Solar Accreditation website.

“An independent testing program is being introduced for solar panels and inverters to ensure that the actual performance of products being sold in Australia live up to the marketing claims. Products that are not up to standard will be removed from the Clean Energy Council lists of approved products.

“Likewise, products can now be de-listed if suppliers breach consumer law, such as a failure to honour warranties effectively removing the eligibility for government incentives.

“These changes will improve overall product quality in the solar industry by making sure customers get what they pay for when buying panels and inverters, and by penalising companies that do the wrong thing. Protecting consumers is our highest priority.”

Kane said the introduction of other initiatives by the Clean Energy Council such as the Solar Retailer Code of Conduct and the continuous professional development program for solar installers were also helping to progressively improve standards across the industry.