Welcome to our March 2026 Compliance Update.

About this update

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

Publication date: March 18, 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,

As we move through the month, it is important to remain across current compliance obligations, regulatory expectations, and program updates across the various schemes in which we participate. Below is a summary of key reminders, current focus areas, and important items requiring your attention this month.

1. Activity 47 C&I Solar PV - Key Reminders

For each lead installer, please ensure the following has been provided:

- SAA accreditation
- A-grade electrician licence
- Proof of identity (Australian driver licence or valid passport)
- Statement of Attainment for either
- VU23631 Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems or
- VU22744 Work safely in the Solar Industry
- White Card / Construction Induction evidence for either
- CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry or
- CPCCWHS1011 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry

Please note that the above mandatory trainings are to be completed prior to carrying out Solar PV installations.

Please ensure installation photos are captured across all three stages of the job:

- Pre-installation: installer photographed in front of the property or business signage while holding a photo identification
- Mid-installation: installer photographed with inverter set-up, mounting, panel installation, or racking works visible in the background
- Post-installation / commissioning: installer photographed once panel installation is complete or during pack-down / finalisation works

** Where there are multiple lead installers, attendance evidence must clearly show each installer and the stage of installation they attended

We continue to receive documents that do not adequately demonstrate that the installed system is operational and capable of generating electricity.

While DNSP pre-approval or an email confirming testing has been completed may form part of the evidentiary set, the key document we require is the DNSP reconfiguration or activation agreement confirming the system is fully energised and connected to the grid. This document should also include the system capacity and inverter details.

For more information or need clarification on any of the requirements for Activity 47, please contact one of our friendly Sales Support team via email S.bhalla@northmoregordon.com or m.kaur@northmoregordon.com

2. Gas decommissioning practices (for Activities 1D, 3C and 6)

When decommissioning a gas product, the gas supply pipe must be sealed and/or capped using appropriate materials in accordance with AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 - Gas Installations, Part 1: General Installations.

We remind all partners to refer to the following resources to support compliant practices:

- Water Heating and Space Cooling Activity Guide - decommissioning guidance
- Building and Plumbing Commission guidance on compliant sealing of gas piping
- Solar Victoria free upskill training for licensed plumbers and fourth-year apprentices installing heat pump hot water systems

Click on this LINK for the free upskill training.

3. New solar battery photo requirements now in effect

The new solar battery photo requirements are now in place.

Required photos of labels and equipment

- Meter box (external): photo showing emergency labels, including the green "ES" label (minimum 100 mm with UN battery number), together with any PV or other required label

Source - Figure from page of 5 of the Solar battery photo guide Evidence requirements for solar battery installations Version 1.0 January 2026

- Switchboard / inside meter box: photo showing the warning label "Multiple Mode Inverter Connected - Neutral and Earth Circuits May Be Live...", the emergency shutdown procedure label, backup supply / alternative supply labels, and any other required electrical safety labels

Source - https://www.mjselectricalsupplies.com.au/34-piece-solar-connect-disconnection-point-label-k?srsltid=AfmBOopXR5ApdrXTp39dnJKmchoJGzvX5Hpvi7hU7sLHUdW_lpSTiFLs

- Solar battery unit: photos of the front and sides of the battery, with all warning and hazard labels visible, including toxic fumes, explosion risk, and arc flash warnings

Source - Images from google

Existing photos still required

- Installer selfies during installation stages
- Serial number photos of the battery and inverter

The Bridge Select system and the application has been configured and fully set up to reflect these photo requirements.

So if you have any issues please do not hesitate to contact our Compliance team on compliance@northmoregordon.com for assistance.

For further information, please refer to the Solar Battery Installers and designers guidance and or click here for the full guide.

4. SAA solar battery labelling course available now

Furthermore to the previous heading - Solar Accreditation Australia has released new resources and training to support compliant battery labelling, following the CER's introduction of new labelling photo requirements and increased inspections.

Incorrect labelling remains one of the most common issues identified during SRES inspections. Proper labelling is critical to the safety of installers, emergency responders, and future trades working on battery systems.

Available training

- New battery labelling course - Available now click https://saaustralia.com.au/new-battery-labelling-resources-available-now/ to enrol.

- Solar PV Labelling Compliance modules - available from 1 April 2026

These modules will address common issues identified through the CER inspection program, reference the relevant Australian Standards, and include practical checklists and online resources to help installers avoid frequent non-compliance issues.

5. Vintage 2025 VEEC claims - due date approaching

This is a courtesy reminder that the cut-off date for all 2025 Vintage submissions to Northmore Gordon is Friday, 1 May 2026.

We strongly encourage partners to ensure all documentation is complete and lodged well in advance to avoid missing this final processing window.

6. SAA special consideration (installation limits)

We continue to note that some partners may not be aware of the SAA special consideration process. This exemption process applies to installations completed between 1 July 2025 and 22 December 2025.

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

To check eligibility, please visit SAA Special Consideration. For further information, please contact enquiriesandCPD@saaustralia.com.au

Closing remarks

Recent enforcement actions by the Essential Services Commission against several Accredited Persons demonstrate the regulator's continued focus on compliance across the schemes.

These actions highlight the importance of staying informed of regulatory updates and ensuring that all core scheme requirements are consistently understood and followed. Proactively maintaining compliance with documentation, installation standards, and licensing requirements is essential to maintaining accreditation and supporting the integrity of the programs.

Northmore Gordon remains committed to assisting our partners in understanding regulatory changes and maintaining strong compliance outcomes.

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 is the deadline for submitting Vintage 2025 VEEC claims to Northmore Gordon, and why should partners plan ahead?

The cut-off date for all 2025 Vintage VEEC submissions to we are Friday, 1 May 2026. Partners are encouraged to ensure all documentation is complete and lodged well in advance to avoid missing this final processing window. Early submission allows time for Northmore Gordon to review evidence, identify gaps, and support partners through any corrections before the hard deadline. This staged approach reduces last-minute pressure and improves the quality of certificate applications, protecting both the partner's accreditation standing and the program's integrity.

What mandatory qualifications must lead installers hold for Activity 47 C&I Solar PV registration with Northmore Gordon?

Lead installers must provide: SAA accreditation; an A-grade electrician licence; proof of identity (Australian driver licence or valid passport); a Statement of Attainment for either VU23631 (Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems) or VU22744 (Work safely in the Solar Industry); and White Card/Construction Induction evidence (CPCWHS1001 or CPCCWHS1011). These mandatory trainings must be completed before carrying out Solar PV installations. We verify each requirement to confirm installer competency and legal eligibility under Activity 47 before registration proceeds.

What photographic evidence is required across the three stages of a Solar PV installation under Activity 47?

Installation photos must be captured at three stages: pre-installation (installer in front of property or business signage holding photo identification), mid-installation (installer photographed with inverter setup, mounting, panel installation, or racking works visible), and post-installation/commissioning (installer photographed after panel installation or during finalisation works). Where multiple lead installers are involved, attendance evidence must clearly show each installer and the stage they attended. This staged photographic record establishes installer presence, competency demonstration, and project progression for certificate evidence and compliance verification.

What DNSP documentation is required to confirm a solar system is operational for Activity 47 compliance?

While DNSP pre-approval or completion emails may support the evidence file, the key document required is the DNSP reconfiguration or activation agreement confirming the system is fully energised and connected to the grid. This agreement should include the system capacity and inverter details. This document serves as independent third-party verification that the installation meets network connection requirements and is legally permitted to export or import electricity, establishing operational status beyond installer attestation alone.

What are the new solar battery photo requirements now in effect, and what compliance risks do they address?

New requirements now mandate: external meter box photos showing emergency labels (green 'ES' label minimum 100 mm with UN battery number plus any PV label); switchboard/inside meter box photos showing 'Multiple Mode Inverter Connected' warning, emergency shutdown, backup/alternative supply and electrical safety labels; and front/side battery unit photos showing toxic fumes, explosion risk, and arc flash warnings. Existing installer selfie and serial number requirements remain. These requirements address public and emergency responder safety by ensuring critical hazard information is visible and documented. Recent CER inspection programs have identified labelling non-compliance as a common enforcement issue, making photographic evidence increasingly important for accreditation protection.

How should gas products be decommissioned under Activities 1D, 3C and 6, and what standards apply?

Gas supply pipes must be sealed and/or capped using appropriate materials in accordance with AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 – Gas Installations, Part 1: General Installations. Partners are directed to the Water Heating and Space Cooling Activity Guide and Building and Plumbing Commission guidance for compliant sealing methods. Solar Victoria offers free upskill training for licensed plumbers and fourth-year apprentices installing heat pump hot water systems. Proper decommissioning protects public safety by preventing gas leaks and demonstrates compliance with Australian Standards, reducing liability and supporting certificate eligibility under the relevant activity.

What is the SAA special consideration process, and which installations are eligible?

The SAA special consideration process is an exemption for installations completed between 1 July 2025 and 22 December 2025, applying only where the installer has substantively complied with all installation limit requirements except for same-day commissioning or sign-off timing. Eligibility can be checked via the SAA Special Consideration page or by contacting enquiriesandCPD@saaustralia.com.au. This process provides limited relief for timing issues that do not reflect installation quality or safety concerns, protecting accreditation for partners who otherwise met requirements during a specific transition period.

What training resources has Solar Accreditation Australia released to address battery labelling compliance?

SAA has released a new battery labelling course available for immediate enrolment, following the CER's introduction of new labelling photo requirements and increased inspections. Solar PV Labelling Compliance modules will be available from 1 April 2026, addressing common non-compliance issues identified through the CER inspection program, referencing relevant Australian Standards, and including practical checklists and online resources. These training programs help installers understand and implement the new photographic and labelling requirements, reducing compliance risk and supporting accreditation renewal.

What do recent enforcement actions by the Essential Services Commission indicate about regulatory priorities?

Recent enforcement actions against several Accredited Persons demonstrate the Essential Services Commission's continued focus on compliance across the schemes. These actions underscore the importance of staying informed of regulatory updates and consistently understanding and following core scheme requirements to maintain accreditation and program integrity. Partners should treat regulatory updates as strategic priorities, not optional information. Our knowledge library and compliance guidance help partners stay current with evolving scheme requirements and enforcement patterns, reducing accreditation risk.

How can Northmore Gordon assist partners in preparing compliant Activity 47 submissions?

We provide assessment of installer qualifications, photographic evidence standards, DNSP documentation requirements, and labelling compliance. The company can review opportunity registers, advise on evidence gaps before submission, and support the interpretation of scheme rules and activity-specific requirements. For partners managing multiple installations or installers, we help establish consistent evidence protocols, training schedules, and documentation workflows. Early engagement allows identification of non-compliance risks and structured remediation before the May 1 submission deadline.

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