Clean Energy Regulator SRES: Commercial Protections for Installers and Retailers (August 2026)

Key Takeaways

• Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) have a capped price of $40 from the clearing house (August 2026).
• Installations must be installed or supervised by an SAA-accredited installer who signs the written statement of eligibility.
• Contracts with registered agents must establish who bears the risk if STCs are not approved.
• The Clean Energy Regulator does not intervene in commercial contract disputes between retailers and registered agents.

Understanding Clean Energy Regulator Commercial Protections for SRES

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) provides guidance on "Commercial protections: installers and retailers" for participants in the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This guidance outlines key responsibilities and considerations for solar retailers and installers in Australia (August 2026). These protections aim to ensure fair practices and clarify obligations within the STC creation process.

We have reviewed the CER's guidance to highlight critical aspects for your business operations.

Installer Accreditation and Supervision Requirements

When contracting installers, retailers must ensure specific accreditation and supervision standards are met. The CER mandates that "the installation will be installed or supervised by an installer who is accredited by SAA and will sign the written statement of eligibility." This ensures that qualified professionals oversee the work.

Furthermore, if an accredited installer supervises the work, "they agree to meet on-site attendance requirements." This means the accredited supervisor must be physically present as required by SAA guidelines. The CER also specifies that "the person who will perform electrical work is fully licenced and meets state or territory electrical requirements."

Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) Pricing and Risk

The value of STCs is a critical commercial consideration. The CER states that "STCs can be purchased at a capped price of $40 from the clearing house." This provides a benchmark for STC transactions. The Regulator also issues a warning: "Caution should be exercised with payment prices above this cap." This advises you to be wary of offers significantly exceeding the clearing house price.

When assigning STC rights, your contract with a registered agent is crucial. The CER advises clarifying "who bears the risk if we do not approve the STCs." Once STC rights are assigned, "your recourse for payment is through your contract with the registered agent."

Regulator's Role in Disputes and Complaints

It is important to understand the limits of the Clean Energy Regulator's involvement in commercial matters. The CER explicitly states: "We are not a party to your contract and have no statutory powers to intervene in contract disputes between you and the registered agent." This means you must rely on your contractual agreements for dispute resolution.

However, the Regulator does provide a channel for specific concerns. "You can make a complaint to us if you believe a registered agent's behaviour is not fit and proper." This process addresses professional conduct, but the CER clarifies: "This does not include being able to recover bad debts for you." For broader guidance on contracting, the CER points out that "The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission provides guidance on contracting."

Related CER Guides

For agent operational compliance, see our CER SRES Registered Agent Obligations and Re-Assignment Rules. To review accreditation standards, explore our CER SRES Registered Agent Application Guide and CER SRES STC Creation Evidence Guide. Before pricing solar quotes with certificate discounts, verify STC values using our solar sizing tool.