Clean Energy Regulator

SRES Inspections Program

Each year as required by law, the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) inspects a statistically significant sample of PV systems which have had small-scale technology certificates (STCs) created against them under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) for conformance with Australian standards and any other requirements relevant to the creation of certificates.

CER Inspectors

The CER engages service providers around Australia to provide expert inspection services in relation to grid-connected PV system installations. These Service Providers engage CER appointed inspectors to conduct the inspections. The CER appointed inspectors must:  

  • have had sufficient training to maintain their accreditation with the accreditation scheme operator (ASO)  
  • aware of their responsibilities as an inspector  
  • hold an unrestricted electrical license in the state or territory they are conducting inspections  
  • have sufficient experience and knowledge of the Act and Regulations to critically examine system installations and prepare inspection reports  
  • maintain a good reputation within their industry and act with honesty and integrity. 

For further information please visit the CER SRES website.

Inspections by Checklist

Under the SRES Inspections program, CER inspectors use a checklist for on-site inspection and reporting. The checklist was developed with industry experts and consolidates items from regulations, standards, and industry requirements. 

The checklist uses the following categories to rate Inspection Reports:

Adequate: 

  • minor and medium non-compliance may be sighted. Does not pose a safety risk. 

Substandard: 

  • Does not meet key clauses in the standards and requirements for installation and may lead to premature equipment failure or other issues  
  • Does not pose an imminent safety risk, however the installation work and/or the equipment should be improved to meet relevant standards and industry guidelines  

Unsafe:

  • has a safety hazard which poses an imminent risk to a person or property

Non-compliance points structure for SRES Inspection Reports

SAA Category 

CER Inspection Category 

SAA Non-Compliance Points 

Description 

Unsafe 

Unsafe 

10 

The system poses an imminent risk of damage to property or persons. The system had to be shut down and made safe. 

Needs Rectification 

Needs Rectification 

6 

The system has failed to meet key requirements and poses a high risk that may lead to premature equipment failure or other issues. 

Medium non-compliance 

Medium non-compliance 

2 

The system has failed to meet requirements and poses a medium risk. 

Minor non-compliance 

Minor non-compliance 

1 

The system has failed to meet requirements and poses a low risk. 

Non-compliance points and demerit points

The total number of non-compliance points (per report) are used to establish Demerit Points against the installer’s accreditation in line with the table below:  

Non-compliance Points (per report) 

Demerit Points 

1 to 5 

1 

6 to 10 

2 

11 to 15 

3 

16 to 20 

4 

21 to 25 

5 

26 to 30 

6 

31 to 35 

7 

36 to 40 

8 

41 to 50 

9 

51 or more 

10 

 

Rectification of SRES Inspection Reports

SAA Compliance manages the process of rectification for Unsafe and Substandard SRES Inspection reports.