Dear Valued Partners,
This is your February 2026 Compliance Update.
As we settle into 2026, regulators across VEUVictorian Energy Upgrades is a Victorian government energy efficiency program that gives every Victorian household and business the opportunity to receive rebates or discounts on energy saving products., ESSThe NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides financial incentives to install, improve or replace energy savings equipment and appliances in NSW households and businesses. The ESS was established in 2009. Financial incentives are in the form of tradeable certificates, called energy savings certificates (ESCs). Generally, householders and businesses who fund energy savings activities transfer the right to create ESCs to Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) in return for a discount on the cost of the energy savings activity. The MWh savings from the project determines the number of ESCs that can be created. The ESS works by allowing ACPs to create and register ESCs for energy savings that are supported with appropriate evidence. ESCs are then purchased each year by mainly electricity retailers operating in NSW to meet their share of a legislated annual energy savings target., STC and LGCLarge-scale Generation Certificate under the Australian Renewable Energy Target. More 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. VEETVictorian Energy Efficiency Target, under the VEET Act 2007 Guidelines – Version 14
Key Compliance Changes (Activity 47 – C&I Solar PVSolar Photovoltaic)
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
- The Lead Solar System Designer must hold current Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accreditation in:
- Grid Connected PV (Design Only), or Grid Connected PV (Design & Installation)
- The Lead Solar System Installer must hold current SAA accreditation in:
- Grid Connected PV (Installation Only), or Grid Connected PV (Design & Installation)
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 :
- Consumer quote & design documentation (system components, warranties, performance, price, and consumer payment)
- Invoice/proof of purchase (installation details, incentives applied, and amount paid by the consumer)
- Technical datasheets for installed inverter(s), PV module(s), and battery(s) (if applicable)
- Geo-tagged photos (pre-, mid- and post-installation, installer onsite, and installed system components)
- Monitoring portal evidence meeting VEU requirements
- Certificate of Electrical Safety (CoES)
- Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI) inspection checklist
- Single-Line Diagram (SLD) (system layout, configuration, and components)
- DNSP connection approval documentation
- Reflect updated VEU program fees effective from 1 January 2026
| Fee | Amount |
| VEECVictorian Energy Efficiency Certificate 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 STCsSmall-scale Technology Certificate under the Australian Renewable Energy Target. More a system is entitled to create per kWh of useable capacity. It will be adjusted to:
- decline more frequently (every 6 months)
- decline at a higher rate.
The STC factor will also taper according to the amount of capacity installed:
- from 0 kWh up to 14 kWh (inclusive) > STC factor applied at 100%.
- every kWh greater than 14 and up to 28 kWh (inclusive) > STC factor applied at 60%.
- every kWh greater than 28 and up to 50 kWh (inclusive) > STC factor applied at 15%.
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 RegulatorThe Clean Energy Regulator is the Australia Government body responsible for accelerating carbon abatement for Australia through the administration of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, Renewable Energy Target and the Emissions Reduction Fund. More (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
- Solar Battery Labelling Compliance à Available by 1 March 2026
- Solar PV Labelling Compliance à Available by 1 April 2026
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
