The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has proposed to grant reauthorisation of a revised Solar Retailer Code of Conduct for five years.
The Clean Energy Council’s Code is a voluntary system that solar retailers can sign up to with the aim of meeting best practice standards for consumers and the industry.
ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said “the solar panel market is evolving, which has led to different business models emerging. While this could lead to greater confusion for customers, signatories to the Code will be required to provide important information to consumers about the nature of the agreement they are entering into.”
The Code sets out to protect consumers by requiring ethical sales practices, increases disclosure to consumers about costs of entering agreements and reduces safety risks by requiring installers to be accredited.
“Household solar panels are a significant purchase for consumers. It is important to ensure that industry participants continue to strive to improve standards of practice. Doing so will increase consumer confidence, enable consumers to make better decisions and enhance compliance as the industry grows,” Ms Rickard said.
The authorisation provided by the ACCC provides statutory protection for conduct that may otherwise raise concerns under provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
The ACCC is seeking submissions from interested parties before making a final decision.