Welcome to our February 2026 Compliance Update.

About this update

This dated news record has been reorganised for clear reading and connected to current guidance.

Publication date: February 20, 2026.

Status note: Present-tense statements, market figures, deadlines and program details in the archived record belong to its publication date. Check current official sources before making a decision.

What this article reported

Dear Valued Partners,

This is your February 2026 Compliance Update.

As we settle into 2026, regulators across VEU, ESS, STC and LGC schemes continue increasing their focus on installation quality, documentation integrity, and consumer payment compliance. This month's update outlines key compliance priorities, audit trends, and reminders to help you maintain smooth certificate validation outcomes.

1. VEET Guidelines - Version 14

Key Compliance Changes (Activity 47 - C&I Solar PV)

The updated VEET Guidelines (Version 14) place increased emphasis on specific competency and safety requirements for participants delivering Commercial & Industrial Solar PV (Activity 47).

Accreditation & Competency Requirements

Mandatory Safety Training Requirements

Working at Heights & Construction Induction Requirements (Activity 47 - C&I Solar PV)

All installers undertaking Activity 47 works must meet the following mandatory safety training obligations:

Training Unit All installers must have completed one of the following units of competency:
Working at Heights - Safely Training
VU23631 - Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems, OR VU22744 - Work Safely in the Solar Industry
White Card / Construction Induction Card
CPCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry, OR CPCCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry

These requirements are mandatory prior to commencing any onsite installation works under Activity 47. Participants must retain evidence of competency completion for compliance and audit purposes.

2. Activity 47 Record-keeping requirements (Recap)

Partners and scheme participants must retain evidence of :

Fee Amount
VEEC Creation $2.33 (fee until 31 Dec 2025 $4.35 (fee from 1 Jan 2026)

3. Solar Battery Rebate Changes - Effective 1 May 2026

The Federal Government has announced changes to the Solar Battery Rebate program effective 1 May 2026.

The STC factor determines the number of STCs a system is entitled to create per kWh of useable capacity. It will be adjusted to:

The STC factor will also taper according to the amount of capacity installed:

Keep in mind that STCs are calculated based on the usable capacity of your battery.

Only the first 50kWh of usable capacity are eligible for STCs.

Some STC calculation examples below:

Current From 1 May
10kWh system
(100% x 8.4)
Total 84 STCs 		* 10 kWh (100% x 6.8)
Total 68 STCs
20kWh system
20 kWh (100% x 8.4)
Total 168 STCs 		* First 14kWh (100% x 6.8) = 95.20
* Remaining 6 kWh (60% x 6.8) = 24.48
Total 119 STCs
30kWh system
(100% x 8.4)
Total 252 STCs 		* First 14kWh (100% x 6.8) = 95.20
* Second 14 kWh (60% x 6.8) = 57.12
* Remaining 2 kWh (15% x 6.8) = 2.04
Total 154 STCs

5. 2025 Vintage Submission Cut-Off

Please be advised that the cut-off date for all 2025 Vintage submissions to Northmore Gordon is Friday, 1 May 2026 at 5:00pm.

Any submissions received after this deadline will not be accepted. Partners are strongly encouraged to ensure all documentation is complete and lodged well in advance to avoid missing this final processing window.

6. SAA Special Consideration (Installation Limits)

As per our January edition, the special consideration for relief on installations that occurred between 1 July 2025 to 22 December 2025 is still open.

Special consideration applies only where the installer has substantively complied with all installation limit requirements, except for same-day commissioning or sign-off timing.

If you want to see if you are eligible for a special consideration - please click the Checklist and fill in the Application Form

If you need further information, please contact enquiriesandCPD@saaustralia.com.au.

7. Upcoming SAA & CER Training Modules - Labelling Compliance

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) and the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) have collaborated to develop two new training modules focused on labelling compliance.

These free online courses will be released over the coming months and will provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points upon completion.

Upcoming Course Releases

The modules will address common issues identified through the CER's inspection program and will reference relevant Australian Standards. They will also include practical checklists and online resources designed to help installers avoid frequently observed non-compliance matters.

Please look out on the official SAA website https://saaustralia.com.au/saa-newsletter-january-2026/ for more updates from the 1st of March 2026

Closing Remarks

The Essential Services Commission has recently demonstrated a firm enforcement approach, taking regulatory action against a number of Accredited Persons for compliance breaches. These actions reinforce the importance of maintaining robust internal controls, accurate documentation, and strict adherence to all program requirements.

This serves as a timely reminder that compliance is not optional or administrative in nature - it is fundamental to maintaining accreditation and protecting program integrity. Partners must ensure that all regulatory obligations, installation standards, licensing requirements, and evidentiary processes are fully met at all times.

Northmore Gordon remains committed to supporting our partners in upholding high compliance standards and navigating regulatory expectations with confidence and diligence.

If you require assistance, please contact our Compliance Team on compliance@northmoregordon.com or call us on 03 9046 1914

We look forward to working with you throughout 2026.

Kind regards,
Northmore Gordon Compliance Team

How to use this information now

For current use, confirm the applicable scheme rules, regulator notices, market date and reporting period. Keep historical prices or forecasts separate from present quotes and verified outcomes.

Separate source-reported facts from forecasts, targets and commentary. For a current project, retain the official source, version, effective date, assumptions and decision record in the evidence file.

What are the key compliance changes for solar installations under Victorian Energy Upgrades from February 2026?

From February 2026, Activity 47 (C&I Solar PV) under VEET Guidelines Version 14 requires the Lead Solar System Designer to hold current Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accreditation in either Grid Connected PV (Design Only) or Grid Connected PV (Design & Installation). The Lead Solar System Installer must hold SAA accreditation in either Grid Connected PV (Installation Only) or Grid Connected PV (Design & Installation). These accreditation requirements ensure qualified personnel manage complex solar installations. We can assist by verifying contractor accreditations and ensuring project teams meet these mandatory professional standards before commencing works.

What mandatory safety training must solar installers complete under Activity 47?

All installers must complete two mandatory units: one Working at Heights unit (either VU23631: Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems, or VU22744: Work Safely in the Solar Industry) and one Construction Induction Card unit (either CPCWHS1001 or CPCCWHS1001: Prepare to work safely in the construction industry). Evidence of completion must be retained for compliance and audit purposes. These requirements protect worker safety and ensure project compliance. We help document and verify installer training credentials as part of project preparation, reducing audit risk and ensuring sites meet Victorian Energy Upgrades standards.

How does the VEEC creation fee change affect project economics from 1 January 2026?

The Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificate (VEEC) creation fee increased from $2.33 to $4.35 per certificate effective 1 January 2026, representing an 87% increase. This cost change materially affects investment cases for Victorian projects, reducing net certificate proceeds available to offset project costs. The higher fee applies to all certificates created from that date forward. We can help update project investment cases to reflect the new fee structure, model impacts on payback timelines, and assess whether projects remain commercially viable with revised certificate value assumptions.

What changes to the Federal Solar Battery Rebate program take effect on 1 May 2026?

From 1 May 2026, the Solar Battery Rebate program adjusts the STC (Small-scale Technology Certificate) factor to decline every 6 months at a higher rate. The STC factor also tapers by installed capacity: 100% for 0–14 kWh, 60% for capacity greater than 14 up to 28 kWh, and 15% for capacity greater than 28 up to 50 kWh, with only the first 50 kWh of usable capacity eligible. For example, a 20 kWh system earns 168 STCs currently but only 119 STCs from 1 May 2026. We can model the revised STC economics for battery projects, compare pre- and post-May options, and help assess whether earlier installation or capacity adjustments improve project returns.

What documentation and evidence must be retained for Activity 47 compliance?

Activity 47 record-keeping requires retention of consumer quote and design documentation, invoice/proof of purchase, technical datasheets for installed inverters/PV modules/batteries, geo-tagged photos (pre-, mid- and post-installation), monitoring portal evidence meeting VEU requirements, Certificate of Electrical Safety (CoES), Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI) inspection checklist, Single-Line Diagram (SLD), and DNSP connection approval documentation. Proper documentation protects against audit findings and supports certificate claims. We assist by specifying evidence requirements upfront, developing documentation checklists aligned with current VEU standards, and helping establish data management systems to capture and retain required evidence throughout project lifecycle.

What is the SAA Special Consideration relief for installation timing issues?

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) offers special consideration relief for installations occurring between 1 July 2025 and 22 December 2025 where installers have substantively complied with all installation limit requirements except for same-day commissioning or sign-off timing. Eligible installers can complete the SAA Checklist and Application Form or contact enquiriesandCPD@saaustralia.com.au for more information. This relief provides a pathway for rectifying minor timing compliance gaps. We can review installation records, assess eligibility for the relief program, and prepare applications to SAA where substantive compliance has been demonstrated despite timing issues.

What new SAA and CER training modules on labelling compliance are available in 2026?

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) and the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) developed two free online training modules addressing labelling compliance: Solar Battery Labelling Compliance (available by 1 March 2026) and Solar PV Labelling Compliance (available by 1 April 2026). Both provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points and address compliance issues identified through CER inspections. Completing these modules helps installers and designers understand current labelling requirements and reduces inspection failure risk. We recommend that all solar and battery project team members complete these modules to maintain professional competency and align with regulatory expectations.

How does the 2025 Vintage submission cut-off affect project timelines?

The cut-off date for all 2025 Vintage submissions to we are Friday, 1 May 2026 at 5:00pm. After this date, 2025 Vintage submissions will not be accepted. Projects must complete installation, data collection, measurement and verification, and administrative requirements before this deadline to qualify under 2025 rules. Missing this deadline means projects transition to 2026 Vintage requirements, which may include updated fee structures and compliance standards. We assist by mapping installation timelines against the cut-off date, managing evidence collection schedules, and ensuring projects meet their intended vintage deadline.

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