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Welcome to our February 2026 Compliance Update.

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Dear Valued Partners, 

This is your February 2026 Compliance Update.

As we settle into 2026, regulators across VEUVictorian Energy Upgrades is a Victorian government energy efficiency program that gives every Victorian household and business the opportunity to receive rebates or discounts on energy saving products., ESSThe NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides financial incentives to install, improve or replace energy savings equipment and appliances in NSW households and businesses. The ESS was established in 2009. Financial incentives are in the form of tradeable certificates, called energy savings certificates (ESCs). Generally, householders and businesses who fund energy savings activities transfer the right to create ESCs to Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) in return for a discount on the cost of the energy savings activity.  The MWh savings from the project determines the number of ESCs that can be created. The ESS works by allowing ACPs to create and register ESCs for energy savings that are supported with appropriate evidence. ESCs are then purchased each year by mainly electricity retailers operating in NSW to meet their share of a legislated annual energy savings target., STC and LGCLarge-scale Generation Certificate under the Australian Renewable Energy Target. More schemes continue increasing their focus on installation quality, documentation integrity, and consumer payment compliance. This month’s update outlines key compliance priorities, audit trends, and reminders to help you maintain smooth certificate validation outcomes. 

1. VEETVictorian Energy Efficiency Target, under the VEET Act 2007 Guidelines – Version 14  

Key Compliance Changes (Activity 47 – C&I Solar PVSolar Photovoltaic) 

The updated VEET Guidelines (Version 14) place increased emphasis on specific competency and safety requirements for participants delivering Commercial & Industrial Solar PV (Activity 47). 

Accreditation & Competency Requirements 

Mandatory Safety Training Requirements 

Working at Heights & Construction Induction Requirements (Activity 47 – C&I Solar PV) 

All installers undertaking Activity 47 works must meet the following mandatory safety training obligations: 

Training Unit  All installers must have completed one of the following units of competency: 
Working at Heights – Safely Training 

 		 VU23631 – Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems, OR VU22744 – Work Safely in the Solar Industry 
White Card / Construction Induction Card 

 		 CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry, OR CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry 

These requirements are mandatory prior to commencing any onsite installation works under Activity 47. Participants must retain evidence of competency completion for compliance and audit purposes. 

2. Activity 47 Record-keeping requirements (Recap) 

Partners and scheme participants must retain evidence of : 

Fee  Amount 
VEECVictorian Energy Efficiency Certificate Creation  $2.33 (fee until 31 Dec 2025 $4.35 (fee from 1 Jan 2026) 

3. Solar Battery Rebate Changes – Effective 1 May 2026 

The Federal Government has announced changes to the Solar Battery Rebate program effective 1 May 2026. 

The STC factor determines the number of STCsSmall-scale Technology Certificate under the Australian Renewable Energy Target. More a system is entitled to create per kWh of useable capacity. It will be adjusted to: 

The STC factor will also taper according to the amount of capacity installed: 

Keep in mind that STCs are calculated based on the usable capacity of your battery. 

Only the first 50kWh of usable capacity are eligible for STCs. 

Some STC calculation examples below: 

Current  From 1 May 
10kWh system 

(100% x 8.4) 

Total 84 STCs 		 * 10 kWh (100% x 6.8) 

Total 68 STCs 
20kWh system 

20 kWh (100% x 8.4) 

Total 168 STCs 		 * First 14kWh (100% x 6.8) = 95.20  

* Remaining 6 kWh (60% x 6.8) = 24.48 

Total 119 STCs 
30kWh system 

(100% x 8.4) 

Total 252 STCs 		 * First 14kWh (100% x 6.8) = 95.20 

* Second 14 kWh (60% x 6.8) = 57.12 

* Remaining 2 kWh (15% x 6.8) = 2.04 

Total 154 STCs 

5. 2025 Vintage Submission Cut-Off 

Please be advised that the cut-off date for all 2025 Vintage submissions to Northmore Gordon is Friday, 1 May 2026 at 5:00pm. 

Any submissions received after this deadline will not be accepted. Partners are strongly encouraged to ensure all documentation is complete and lodged well in advance to avoid missing this final processing window. 

6. SAA Special Consideration (Installation Limits) 

As per our January edition, the special consideration for relief on installations that occurred between 1 July 2025 to 22 December 2025 is still open. 

Special consideration applies only where the installer has substantively complied with all installation limit requirements, except for same-day commissioning or sign-off timing. 

If you want to see if you are eligible for a special consideration – please click the Checklist and fill in the Application Form  

If you need further information, please contact enquiriesandCPD@saaustralia.com.au.  

7. Upcoming SAA & CER Training Modules – Labelling Compliance 

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) and the Clean Energy RegulatorThe Clean Energy Regulator is the Australia Government body responsible for accelerating carbon abatement for Australia through the administration of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, Renewable Energy Target and the Emissions Reduction Fund. More (CER) have collaborated to develop two new training modules focused on labelling compliance. 

These free online courses will be released over the coming months and will provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points upon completion. 

Upcoming Course Releases 

The modules will address common issues identified through the CER’s inspection program and will reference relevant Australian Standards. They will also include practical checklists and online resources designed to help installers avoid frequently observed non-compliance matters. 

Please look out on the official SAA website https://saaustralia.com.au/saa-newsletter-january-2026/  for more updates from the 1st of March 2026 

Closing Remarks 

The Essential Services Commission has recently demonstrated a firm enforcement approach, taking regulatory action against a number of Accredited Persons for compliance breaches. These actions reinforce the importance of maintaining robust internal controls, accurate documentation, and strict adherence to all program requirements. 

This serves as a timely reminder that compliance is not optional or administrative in nature — it is fundamental to maintaining accreditation and protecting program integrity. Partners must ensure that all regulatory obligations, installation standards, licensing requirements, and evidentiary processes are fully met at all times. 

Northmore Gordon remains committed to supporting our partners in upholding high compliance standards and navigating regulatory expectations with confidence and diligence. 

If you require assistance, please contact our Compliance Team on compliance@northmoregordon.com or call us on 03 9046 1914 

We look forward to working with you throughout 2026. 

Kind regards, 

Northmore Gordon Compliance Team

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Who authored the Northmore Gordon February 2026 Compliance Update?

The February 2026 Compliance Update was authored by Meipo Anitema and published on February 20, 2026.

What accreditation must the Lead Solar System Designer hold under VEET Guidelines Version 14 for Activity 47 (C&I Solar PV)?

Under VEET Guidelines Version 14, the Lead Solar System Designer must hold current Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accreditation in either Grid Connected PV (Design Only) or Grid Connected PV (Design & Installation).

What accreditation must the Lead Solar System Installer hold for Activity 47 works?

The Lead Solar System Installer must hold current SAA accreditation in either Grid Connected PV (Installation Only) or Grid Connected PV (Design & Installation).

What mandatory safety training must installers complete before starting Activity 47 works?

All installers must complete one Working at Heights unit of competency—either VU23631 (Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems) or VU22744 (Work Safely in the Solar Industry)—and one White Card/Construction Induction Card unit—either CPCWHS1001 or CPCCWHS1001 (Prepare to work safely in the construction industry). Evidence of completion must be retained for compliance and audit purposes.

What is the new VEEC creation fee effective from 1 January 2026?

The VEEC (Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificate) creation fee increased from $2.33 (fee until 31 Dec 2025) to $4.35 from 1 January 2026.

What changes to the Solar Battery Rebate program take effect on 1 May 2026?

Effective 1 May 2026, the Federal Government's Solar Battery Rebate program will adjust the STC factor to decline more frequently (every 6 months) and at a higher rate. The STC factor will also taper by installed capacity: 100% for 0–14 kWh, 60% for capacity greater than 14 up to 28 kWh, and 15% for capacity greater than 28 up to 50 kWh, with only the first 50 kWh of usable capacity eligible for STCs.

How does the STC calculation compare for a 20kWh battery system before and after 1 May 2026?

Currently, a 20kWh system earns 168 STCs (100% x 8.4 factor). From 1 May 2026, the same system would earn 119 STCs total: the first 14kWh at 100% x 6.8 = 95.20, plus the remaining 6kWh at 60% x 6.8 = 24.48.

What is the cut-off date for 2025 Vintage submissions to Northmore Gordon?

The cut-off date for all 2025 Vintage submissions to Northmore Gordon is Friday, 1 May 2026 at 5:00pm, after which submissions will not be accepted.

What is the SAA Special Consideration relief regarding installation limits?

The special consideration for relief applies to installations that occurred between 1 July 2025 and 22 December 2025, and applies only where the installer has substantively complied with all installation limit requirements except for same-day commissioning or sign-off timing. Eligible installers should complete the Checklist and Application Form, or contact enquiriesandCPD@saaustralia.com.au for more information.

What new SAA and CER training modules on labelling compliance are being released in 2026?

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) and the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) developed two free online training modules on labelling compliance: Solar Battery Labelling Compliance, available by 1 March 2026, and Solar PV Labelling Compliance, available by 1 April 2026. Both provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points and address issues identified through the CER's inspection program.

How can partners contact Northmore Gordon's Compliance Team for assistance?

Partners requiring assistance can contact Northmore Gordon's Compliance Team via email at compliance@northmoregordon.com or by calling 03 9046 1914.

What documentation must be retained as evidence under Activity 47 record-keeping requirements?

Partners must retain evidence including consumer quote and design documentation, invoice/proof of purchase, technical datasheets for installed inverters/PV modules/batteries, geo-tagged photos (pre-, mid- and post-installation), monitoring portal evidence meeting VEU requirements, Certificate of Electrical Safety (CoES), Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI) inspection checklist, Single-Line Diagram (SLD), and DNSP connection approval documentation.

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