Fast read
Beware of fraudulent solar installers! A Clean Energy Council-approved installer falsely claimed $60,000 in solar rebates between 2018 and 2020.
Aaron Ware of Pedley’s Electrical Services falsely reported 13 solar installations while being abroad. After a Clean Energy Regulator investigation, Ware faced 13 offences and received a 12-month good behaviour bond. While CEC accreditation is important, it doesn't guarantee good practices.
Ensure your solar installer is not only CEC-accredited but also reputable and trustworthy. Use our vetted company finder for reliable local installers.
Beware of Scammers!
A Clean Energy Council-approved installer recently pleaded guilty to having scammed his way to $60,000 by falsely claiming solar rebates. The Clean Energy Council “accredits individuals in the design and installation of solar and battery energy storage systems” Between 2018 and 2020, Aaron Ware from Pedley’s Electrical Services in Brisbane claimed to have installed 13 solar systems, but, in reality, he was just overseas.
The Clean Energy Regulator’s investigation found that Mr Ware submitted 13 misleading Small-scale Technology Certificate rebate claims (STCs) in addition to certificates of electrical safety to renewable energy certificate agents. Resultantly, 1,637 STCs were created, and overall, Mr Ware amassed $60,000 fraudulently. On August 4th, 2023, Ware pleaded guilty in a Brisbane Court to 13 offences and received a 12-month good behaviour bond.
But the question we should be asking is;
Does a slap on the wrist serve as an appropriate deterrent?
Piet Powell, General Manager of compliance at the Clean Energy regulator says that making false rebate claims can expect even greater penalties after Ware’s actions:
‘Those who now attempt to benefit from making false statements regarding STC eligibility can expect greater penalties than what Mr Ware received. We will continue to remove from the scheme those responsible for providing false and misleading information and, where appropriate, commence criminal prosecutions or civil penalty proceedings.”
This just goes to show that just because you’re an approved installer, there isn’t an assurance or guarantee of good practices therefore regulators need to take steps to ensure widespread compliance.
When going solar, ensure your installer has CEC accreditation. Make sure they are a local, reputable installer who delivers on their promises.
Click here for our company finder where you can find installers we have vetted and approved in your local area.
