Help and resources for solar energy consumers in Perth
Buying a solar system in Perth means dealing with more than just installers and suppliers. The organisations below are the real government agencies, industry bodies and dispute-resolution services that oversee accreditation, licensing and consumer rights for solar in Western Australia. Use this list if you need to check credentials, lodge a complaint, or find out where a dispute should be directed.
Government & regulatory
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Clean Energy Regulator (CER)
Australian Government statutory authority that administers the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), under which solar customers claim Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). It also led the 2020 review into rooftop solar sector integrity and appointed Solar Accreditation Australia as the new scheme operator for installer and designer accreditation.
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Building and Energy (Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, WA)
The Western Australian state regulator for electrical safety and licensing of solar installations. It handles concerns about the safety and technical compliance of installed solar PV systems.
Visit website → Phone: 1300 489 099 -
Energy Policy WA
WA state government body that advises on feed-in tariffs and other energy policy matters relevant to solar customers.
Visit website → Phone: (08) 6551 4600
Industry & professional associations
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Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)
The national accreditation body for solar and battery installers and designers, having taken over this role from the Clean Energy Council in 2024. Anyone designing or installing grid-connected or stand-alone solar and battery systems must be accredited under the SAA scheme to be eligible for STCs.
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Clean Energy Council (CEC)
Australia's peak renewable energy industry association, working to help the industry and residents transform energy systems. It no longer accredits installers directly but handles complaints involving breaches of the Accreditation Rules, Code of Conduct or relevant Australian Standards, registered via its consumer complaints page.
Consumer protection
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Consumer Protection (Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, WA)
WA's consumer affairs regulator, giving advice on solar warranties, contract terms, workmanship quality and overselling of benefits. Consumers who can't resolve a solar PV issue with their retailer or manufacturer can lodge a complaint online with this office.
Visit website → Phone: 1300 30 40 54 -
Energy and Water Ombudsman Western Australia (EWOWA)
Independent, free dispute-resolution service for electricity, gas and water complaints in WA, including solar-related billing or connection disputes. It can only take complaints against licensed energy and water providers that are members of the scheme.
Visit website → Phone: (08) 9220 7588 or 1800 754 004
Legal help
This is general information, not legal advice. Speak to a qualified professional about your specific situation.
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Legal Aid Western Australia
State legal aid body providing free information on consumer rights, including disputes with utility and energy providers. It advises consumers to first use a provider's internal complaints process before escalating to the Energy and Water Ombudsman WA.
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