Apply to join the PV modules list
Find out how to get your solar PV module added to our approved list.
Important notice
For manufacturers, retailers and industry
As of 1 April 2025, only PC modules certified to the 2021 edition of the IEC 61215 series are listed on the CEC Approved PV Module List.
The Clean Energy Council has received reports of some manufacturers and importers presenting PV modules that were manufactured under their IEC 61215:2016 certification as products under a different certification to IEC 61215:2021. Breaches to the PV Module Listing Terms and Conditions will result in enforcement action.
Applying to the PV module list
The Clean Energy Council maintains a list of compliant solar photovoltaic (PV) modules that meet relevant standards and other essential requirements for consumer protection.
State electricity networks and government rebate programs, including the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), require that solar systems use PV modules from this list.
Manufacturers or nominated Australian-based agents can apply to add their PV modules to the list by providing documents including lab tests and certificates which are then reviewed by our product engineers.
Find out more about how to apply below.
Understand the application process
All applications go through a proper and thorough review process to protect the integrity of the list and the safety of consumers. This takes time and requires strong documentation by applicants and timely responses to questions.
There are five steps in the application process:
Watch the video to understand what is involved in the application process.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Application processing times
We are currently experiencing a moderate volume of applications for PV modules.
In July, the time for applications to begin an engineering technical assessment was 4 weeks for PV modules (up from 3 in June). Full accreditation typically takes a further 2 to 6 months, depending on application completeness.
Detail on timelines will be updated here on a monthly basis.
Preparing your PV module application
Ensuring you fill out the application properly and provide all required documents will help reduce the time it takes to approve your application. Your application will be delayed if incomplete or incorrect information is supplied.
Follow these steps to ensure your application is ready.
All PV modules must be tested to IEC 60215:2021/61730 by a test laboratory approved to test PV modules to these standards under the IECEE scheme. The certificate must be issued by a national certifying body associated with that laboratory, who are accredited to certify PV module testing under the IECEE CB scheme. Certificates must be issued after the date of joining the scheme.
The Clean Energy Council will only accept certificates where periodic factory inspections are carried out by the certifying body to ensure ongoing compliance with the international standards.
Enhanced listings: If your modules are certified for a higher standard of quality or are certified for specific environments, they may be eligible to receive an enhanced listing. Read more about enhanced listings further down this page.
The Clean Energy Council requires manufacturers to nominate all importers of their products. Importers are responsible for meeting the manufacturer warranty obligations in Australia.
Importers must keep a record of all serial numbers and make them available to the Clean Energy Council and Clean Energy Regulator on request.
Importers must be a legally identifiable Australian or New Zealand entity, holding an Australian Business Number (ABN) or a New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number.
Download the PV module checklist and find details of all documents you will need to provide in your application including installation manuals, warranty terms and conditions and datasheets.
To assist purchasers in identifying quality products, the Clean Energy Council’s list of approved PV modules highlights products that meet a range of higher standards through enhanced listings. Enhanced listings are possible for:
- VDE Quality Tested
- IEC 61701 Salt mist corrosion resistance
- IEC 62716 Ammonia corrosion resistance
- IEC TS 62804 potential-induced degradation (PID) Resistance
When applying to have a PV module listed with an enhanced listing, please use the Enhanced Listing Checklist to ensure that you include all the required documentation.
Materials will be verified as part of the Clean Energy Council's test program, and non-complying products will be considered to be in breach of the listing Terms and Conditions.
Claims on datasheets of higher standards that are not granted an enhanced listing must be marked 'optional' or 'on request' if the Clean Energy Council has sighted evidence of testing. If no suitable evidence can be supplied, the claim is required to be removed.
After ensuing that you have met all the requirements in the Enhanced Listings Checklist, you can submit the details for consideration of an enhanced listing by email at the time of application.
No additional fee is charged for Enhanced Listings if applying with a PV Module application. Applying for Enhanced Listings for PV Modules already approved by CEC may incur an additional fee.
All applicants must comply with the PV module listing terms and conditions.
The terms and conditions below came into effect from 15 August 2023.
These Terms and Conditions are subject to change with three months’ notice.
If an application is incomplete the CEC Product Manager may request additional information. If three consecutive incomplete applications are received from an Applicant, the CEC Product Manager may require a new application along with payment of a new application fee.
Additional requirements
Building integrated modules may have additional requirements under the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Common errors in applications
Below are some common errors we find in applications which cause delays in processing
Some manufacturers submit incomplete applications, with the belief that they can supply some requirements while the application is in process. For example, some manufacturers apply for EESS registration (a requirement for inverters) after submitting the. We start an administrative check within 10 business days of receiving an application to check all documentation has been supplied. If the application is incomplete it can’t proceed beyond this stage. We’re also updating our application form to stop incomplete applications being submitted.
All documents must be submitted in English. Sometimes, manufacturers use tools to auto-translate these documents from their original application, but these often contain many errors given the technical nature of the documents. Ensuring translations of documents are accurate in English is important.
Often, during the technical assessment we have questions about technical aspects of the product. These are usually resolved more quickly if we have a technical contact at the manufacturer. Please supply a technical contact in the application together with the product manager’s details.
Once we are satisfied your product meets all the requirements, you’ll need to upload the approved documents on the manufacturer’s and importers’ websites. Often, this can take a long time so its useful to find out who is responsible for the websites and brief this in early to avoid delays.
Application fees and refunds
Application fees
On applying, you will be sent an invoice for the following amount. Your application cannot proceed until the invoice is paid.
|
No. of models allowed per application |
Cost per application |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Batteries (energy storage devices) |
Up to 20 models An application can include up to two certificate sets. Extra certificates will require a new application. |
$5,500 + GST |
Refunds
If you decide to cancel your application or if the Clean Energy Council cancels or rejects your application, you may be entitled to a refund as described in the table below.
If you decide to cancel your application or if the Clean Energy Council cancels or rejects your application, you may be entitled to a refund as described in the table below.
Details required for the refund must be provided to Clean Energy Council within four weeks of the application rejection/withdrawal; after this time the application fee is not refundable.
|
Application outcome |
Refund amount |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Clean Energy Council cancels an application* |
85% of the application fee |
|
|
Applicant cancels application† prior to the administrative review |
Refund of application fee, less $250 |
|
|
Applicant cancels application† during the administrative review |
85% of the application fee |
|
|
Clean Energy Council rejects application during the administrative review |
50% of the application fee |
|
|
Applicant cancels application during the engineering review |
15% of the application fee |
|
|
|
Clean Energy Council rejects application during or after engineering review |
No refund |
|
Clean Energy Council rejects application due to non-response¶ |
No refund |
* The Clean Energy Council reserves the right to cancel an application at any time, for reasons including but not limited to applications for products outside the scope of the project listing and duplicated applications.
† Applicants can cancel an application by notifying us on email at products@cleanenergycouncil.org.au.
¶ If an application is rejected due to non-response to requests for additional information or clarification, the applicant is not eligible for a refund. As detailed within our listing Terms and Condition, the Clean Energy Council may reject an application if information is not provided within the specified timeframe. It is the applicant’s responsibility to respond to all communication within the specified timeframe and failure to do so will result in the rejection of the application and forfeiture of any application fees.
Note: If an application has been cloned as two certificate sets were submitted, the application fee cannot be refunded if one of the two applications are already approved.
The Clean Energy Council updated the refund fees on 22 April 2025.
Apply to have your PV module listed
To have your solar PV modules included on the Clean Energy Council approved products list, ensure that your products meet the requirements outlined above, then begin your application.
How we're improving processing times
Safety takes time. Here's what we're doing to improve application processing times without cutting corners.
Since being reappointed by the Clean Energy Regulator as the product accrediting body in October 2024, we have implemented the following improvements:
- expanded our team of engineering specialists and administrators
- introduced an initial review step to ensure all relevant documentation has been provided to support each application
- increased transparency about application progress and wait times
- streamlined internal processes for greater efficiency
We will continue to seek improvements to our processes to improve processing times.
Ensuring your application is complete helps us approve products faster. If you have any questions about applying, please contact us at products@cleanenergycouncil.org.au.