When investing in solar panels, a home battery, or an EV charger, the installer you choose matters just as much as the products you select. One of the most meaningful ways to identify a trustworthy installer is to check whether they are an NETCC Approved Seller - and here is why that distinction is important.
The Problem with the Solar Industry
Australia has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar adoption in the world, but this rapid growth has come with a significant downside. The industry has attracted thousands of high-volume, low-quality operators who prioritise speed and cost over installation quality and long-term customer support. The result is a growing number of homeowners with underperforming systems, voided warranties, and no one to call when things go wrong.
Government regulators and industry bodies have responded by developing consumer protection frameworks. The most comprehensive of these is the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC).
ACCC Authorisation Sets the NETCC Apart
Many industry codes are self-regulated - the industry sets its own rules and monitors its own compliance. The NETCC is different because it is authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This means the Code’s standards have been independently assessed by Australia’s competition and consumer protection regulator and found to deliver genuine benefits for consumers.
ACCC authorisation means independent standard-setting, oversight by a separate compliance panel, formal complaints processes with real consequences, and the ability for the ACCC to take enforcement action if systemic issues emerge.
What Protections Do You Get?
Choosing an NETCC Approved Seller gives you protections across the entire customer journey. Before you buy, the business must advertise honestly and provide accurate performance estimates. During the sale, you receive transparent, itemised quotes with clear terms. During installation, work must meet Australian Standards and be performed by qualified personnel. After installation, the business must honour warranties, provide accessible support, and maintain a transparent complaints process.
How to Check if Your Installer is NETCC Approved
You can verify any installer’s NETCC status at newenergytech.org.au/approved-sellers. We recommend checking this alongside other credentials such as CEC accreditation, electrical contractor licensing, and Google reviews.
Carlin Co Electrical is an NETCC Approved Seller, CEC Accredited Installer (S8099714), Tesla Certified, Master Electricians member, and Registered Electrical Contractor (REC 33210). We hold these credentials because we believe Melbourne homeowners deserve better than the industry average.
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