For solar PV to create STCs the products have to be approved. The approval itself is held by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), which runs the approved products program and publishes lists of solar modules, inverters and batteries that meet the relevant standards. Checking the list before you sell or buy is quick and avoids a nasty surprise at claim time.
How to search the panel list
- Find the CEC’s approved products program page and open the approved solar modules list.
- Search by manufacturer and by the exact model name or number, for example including the wattage suffix.
- Open the entry and check the status, the listing dates and any conditions or notes.
- Match the model on your invoice, the panel label and the registry entry letter for letter.
- Save a screenshot or PDF with the date.
The same steps apply to the CEC approved inverter list: search the manufacturer, match the exact model, and check the listing status and dates.
What to match
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Model number | Exactly as on the list, including suffixes and series codes |
| Manufacturer | The listed legal or brand name, since similar names exist |
| Listing status | Current on the installation date |
| Inverter and panel pairing | Both individually on their lists |
| Installer | Accredited with Solar Accreditation Australia for the work |
| Standards | Installation to AS/NZS 5033 and 4777 where applicable |
Panel and inverter list pitfalls
- Slightly different model codes for different markets: one is approved and the near-twin is not.
- A listing that has expired or been suspended, which a search result shows but a casual glance misses.
- Microinverter or optimiser systems, where the components to check include the power conversion equipment as well as the panels.
- Substitution on the day. If the crew installs a different model than quoted, check that model before the job is claimed.
- Panels bought from a wholesaler with the same name but a non-listed variant.
Why it matters
The STC value for a typical solar job is a large part of the discount, so an ineligible model can cost the job its profit. A claim that fails because a product was not approved is hard to fix after the fact. The CER’s rules on photos and serial numbers also expect the serials to match product data.
What this means for you
Installers should build the list check into quoting and the pre-install checklist. Homeowners can ask their installer to show the list entries for the panels and inverter on the quote. See which systems are eligible for STCs, the CEC battery list answer and what the SAA does. Use the STC calculator to see the value, the STC trading page for process and pricing for rates.