The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have proposed a voluntary code to set standards for the marketing and sale of solar power systems for retail businesses.

The ACCC plans to grant authorisation for five years to the Clean Energy Council for a code of conduct for solar photovoltaic (PV) retail businesses. Under the arrangement the Council would have the power to penalise any installer that fails to install a PV system to the relevant Australian Standard. Sub-contracted installers are not currently covered by a mandatory standard other than existing consumer protection legislation.

ACCC Deputy Chair Michael Schaper says, “The purchase of solar PV systems is generally a one off but can be complicated and may involve dealing with a number of different parties... the code will promote consumer confidence in the PV sector by providing consumers with information to assist in purchasing decisions and also promote compliance by PV retailers through sanctions and public reporting mechanisms.”

The ACCC are currently seeking input and responses to their draft plan, available online.