Getting paid is not the end of an STC claim. The CER can review a claim after the certificates were created, and if it finds a problem it can invalidate them. Your trader’s contract decides whether that loss lands on you or on them.
Rejected after payment
Three models are common.
| Model | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| No recourse | The trader keeps the risk once it has paid. Rare, and often reflected in the rate. |
| Recourse for fault | The trader recovers money only if the problem was your evidence or conduct. |
| Broad recourse | Any invalidation can be recovered, by invoice or by offset against later payments. |
Ask which one you are signing, and whether recovery is capped at the amount paid for the affected certificates.
Clawback windows, including 24 months
Some terms limit recourse to a window, and 24 months is a figure installers see in trader terms. Whether it suits you depends on what else the contract says. A window that starts at lodgement and ends at 24 months is different from one that starts when you are told of a problem. Our general guide to STC clawback and CER take-back explains the regulator’s side.
Rejected after an audit
CER audits look at whether the system was installed as claimed and whether the paperwork supports it. The installer is usually the one holding the proof: photos, serials, the signed assignment form, invoices and licence details. See how STC audits work.
What audit support should look like
A good trader will tell you when a request arrives, help you assemble the pack, check it before it goes back, and tell you in plain language where the gaps are. A weak one forwards an email and reminds you of the recourse clause. Ask for examples of how they have handled audits. Pre-lodgement checks reduce the chance of needing any of this.
What this means for installers
Put the recourse clause, the window and the audit support side by side when you compare traders. Energy Merchants’ compliance desk pre-checks claims before lodging, which is the cheapest audit protection available; the rate is on pricing. More on moving across is on the switch page, and choosing a certificate trader gives a full checklist.