Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach towards dodgy operators in the renewable energy sector, releasing its latest compliance update detailing convictions, suspensions, and bans under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
CER Chair Tony Chappel said maintaining strict regulatory oversight is vital to safeguarding consumer safety and protecting the integrity of the nation’s clean energy transition.
While reassuring the public that systemic fraud does not exist within the SRES, Chappel warned that bad actors who cut corners will face firm enforcement action.
“Australians can have confidence in the schemes we administer. They are safe, successful and backed by strong regulatory oversight,” Chappel said.
“We remain satisfied that there is no systemic fraud in the SRES, but there are a few bad players, which are being dealt with.”
The compliance report for the July to September 2026 quarter highlights several major disciplinary actions.
In Victoria, installer Toby Payne was convicted and fined AU$10,000 for intentionally submitting false statutory declarations to generate small-scale technology certificates (STCs), claiming to have attended Melbourne installation sites while physically interstate.
Additionally, accredited installer Sandeep Laxman Shinde received a three-year ban from installing solar systems or batteries under the scheme.
A CER investigation uncovered multiple breaches across 24 separate installations, including failure to meet mandatory on-site attendance rules, failure to supply required electrical safety certificates, and issuing false installer statements.
Another installer, Shunqi Sun, was declared ineligible to participate for 12 months following an investigation into 10 installations that revealed serious compliance failures, including breaches of mandatory electrical standards and false reporting.
The regulator also took firm action against corporate entities, permanently suspending Emerging Environmental Group Pty Ltd from the SRES after determining the company no longer satisfied the fit and proper person requirements needed to create renewable energy certificates.
The CER stated it will continue working alongside partner regulatory authorities and consumer law agencies to investigate breaches, ensuring Australian households and businesses can remain confident in the safety and quality of installed solar and battery systems.
“We’re sending a clear message to the solar industry that we’ve got zero tolerance for those who are cutting corners,” Chappel said.
