Solar installer convicted for false claims

The Clean Energy Regulator released the following statement: 

Following a Clean Energy Regulator investigation, an electrician in South Australia has been convicted and fined for providing false or misleading documents in the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). 

The electrician pleaded guilty to charges relating to 62 solar photovoltaic system installations. He falsely claimed to have installed or supervised these installations. In doing so, he submitted false or misleading small-scale technology certificate (STC) assignment forms, along with certificates of electrical safety, to renewable energy certificate agents. The agents relied on this information to improperly create STCs for these installations. 

On 3 April 2025, after more than 3 years of legal proceedings, the electrician was convicted and received a reduced fine of $3,500 due to his personal circumstances. He likely incurred costs associated with his legal representation. Receiving such a conviction can severely damage professional reputation and future career prospects. Additionally, it may lead to loss of licenses, exclusion from industry associations, restrictions on international travel and diminished trust from clients.

Registered agents, installers and designers have significant compliance obligations under the SRES. We will continue to monitor and enforce those obligations to ensure integrity in the scheme.
We have zero tolerance for fraud. Those who do not comply with their obligations will see enforcement action taken against them where it is warranted under our Compliance, Education and Enforcement Policy.

We encourage scheme participants and the public to report fraud or wrongdoing in our schemes. These reports can me made anonymously using our online reporting tool or by emailing referrals@cer.gov.au.