CER SRES Solar Retailer Written Statement and 5 Year Record Compliance Guide: Not Applicable to Pakistan

Key Takeaways

• This guide details compliance requirements for Australian solar retailers under the Clean Energy Regulator's (CER) Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
• The information presented here, including mandatory written statements and record-keeping, does not apply to the Pakistan market.
• Australian retailers must complete a written statement for each solar PV or battery system sold for STC eligibility.
• Australian retailers must keep installation information for at least 5 years.

Is this guide relevant for solar retailers in Pakistan?

No, this guide is not relevant for solar retailers operating in Pakistan. The information presented here pertains exclusively to the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and its Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which are Australian regulatory bodies and frameworks. The compliance requirements, rules, and sanctions discussed are specific to the Australian solar market. We have not verified any equivalent statutory requirements for solar retailers in Pakistan, so we do not publish them here.

What is the Clean Energy Regulator's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)?

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) is an Australian government initiative. It creates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for eligible installations of small-scale renewable energy systems, such as rooftop solar PV and solar battery systems. The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) oversees this scheme.

What is the Mandatory Written Statement Rule for Australian Retailers?

For Australian retailers, a mandatory written statement is required for each system sold. The Clean Energy Regulator states: "When you sell a solar PV or solar battery, you need to complete a written statement for each system. The system won't be eligible for STCs without this statement." This statement is a critical component for the creation of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

How we verified this

We checked the Clean Energy Regulator's official website on 23 August 2026. The information is published under the heading "Rooftop solar and solar battery retailers" on their site.

What is the 5-Year Record-Keeping Mandate for Australian Retailers?

Australian retailers must maintain detailed records related to their solar PV and battery installations. The Clean Energy Regulator mandates: "You must keep this information for at least 5 years." This requirement ensures transparency and accountability within the SRES.

What are the requirements for installers and components under the SRES?

Under the SRES, specific standards apply to both installers and components. The Clean Energy Regulator requires that systems are "designed and installed for the system they’re installing by Solar Accreditation Australia." Additionally, "all systems and components are listed on the Clean Energy Council’s approved list." These provisions aim to ensure the quality and safety of installations.

Who must sign the written statement?

The written statement for STC eligibility must be signed by an authorized individual. The Clean Energy Regulator specifies: "A representative with authority to act on behalf of your business must sign the written statement." This ensures that the commitment made in the statement is legally binding for the retailer.

What are the consequences of false or misleading statements for Australian Retailers?

Australian retailers face significant penalties for providing inaccurate information. The Clean Energy Regulator states: "We may declare you ineligible to make written statements if you make 3 or more false or misleading statements in a 3 year period." The consequence of this ineligibility is severe: "If you're declared ineligible, any solar PV or solar battery you sell won't be eligible for STCs." The CER also maintains a "Public Ineligible List" on its website for consumers and registered agents to view.

How is the written statement handled?

Once completed and signed, the written statement must be provided to relevant parties. The Clean Energy Regulator advises: "You need to give this written statement to registered agents or system owners so they can create STCs." This ensures that the necessary documentation is available for the STC creation process.

Further Australian SRES Guides

While this guide focuses on retailer compliance, other aspects of the Australian SRES are covered in our related guides:

• CER SRES Rooftop Solar PV System Eligibility and STC Rules
• CER SRES Solar Battery Storage Eligibility Guide
• CER SRES STC Calculation and Registered Agent Assignment Guide