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 PVSolar Photovoltaic – Key Reminders
- Scheme participant registration requirements
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.
- Installer photo requirements
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
- DNSP approvals versus pre-approvals
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
• 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 SRESSmall-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme 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 VEECVictorian Energy Efficiency Certificate 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
