New Solar Retailer Regulation Promises Higher Standards For Consumers 

A new code of conduct that applies to retailers in the ‘new energy’ market promises to deliver higher standards of quality for consumers in the Australian market. Rooftop solar retailers, battery retailers, electric vehicle charging station retailers and retailers of other new energy products and services are now governed by minimum standards of practice and protection, which promise to provide higher standards of service for consumers. The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) replaces the Approved Solar Retailer (ASR) program in a move designed to expand consumer protections already offered by the solar industry to additional energy products.  

What Does the NETCC Program Govern? 

The NETCC program was launched on February 1st, 2023. It aims to regulate all elements of customer interaction with solar and new energy product retailers, including marketing, finance and transactions, installation, warranties and complaints-handling processes. The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is regulating the program and inaugurated the program due to increasing Australian demand for new energy products. “It is vitally important… that consumers are well protected in this market,” the CEC said. 

At its core, the NETCC program is designed to build upon existing regulations governing quality assurance that are put in place by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Consumer protections were designed by peak industry bodies and consumer bodies. The program is enforced by the NETCC Council, which has ties to the CEC, the Australian Energy Council, the Consumer Action Law Centre, Energy Consumers Australia, Energy Networks Australia, and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and Renew. 

Is the NETCC Program Mandatory? 

While the program is voluntary to join, all approved solar retailers have essentially become new energy technology retailers. The consumer protections offered by the NETCC allow solar retails to easily diversify their inventory and offer other new energy products in the Australian market. Solar retailers approved under the ASR program will have six months from the commencement of the NETCC program to update their business practices to align with NETCC requirements.  

Not only will the code help retailers provide the highest level of service and consumer protection, it will also assist consumers navigate the vast array of new technology products and services on the market. 

Contact Solar Proofing Sydney Today 

Solar retailers and consumers can call Solar Proofing Sydney to set up bird-repellent guards on the perimeter of solar panels installed at commercial or residential properties. Our solar guards keep panels clean from avian droppings and loose plumage. We encourage all of our customers to subscribe to a regular cleaning routine too: twice per year. Call us on 0468 433 829 to chat about how we can make sure your solar panels save you as much money as possible this year.