Solar Power Nation suspended from federal solar scheme: what customers need to know

A significant warning for solar customers

Solar Power Nation has been permanently suspended from a key part of Australia’s federal solar incentive scheme, following regulatory concerns and a substantial history of customer complaints. For anyone waiting on an installation, refund or warranty response, this is significant news.

In its 11 November 2026 announcement, the Clean Energy Regulator confirmed that 1 Solar Australia Pty Ltd, trading as Solar Power Nation, can no longer operate as a registered agent under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme or create small-scale technology certificates. Read the regulator’s announcement.

My experience with Solar Power Nation

There is a personal connection here. Solar Power Nation installed my solar panels about five years ago. They were competitively priced, did an okay job and I had no complaints.

My impression at the time was of a marketing machine coordinating lots of contractors, rather than a one-stop shop with one team handling everything. That was my impression as a customer five years ago, and it should be read in that context.

A satisfactory job at my house does not resolve the problems other customers have reported. Buyers need to know who is responsible when something goes wrong, as well as who is selling the system.

What the suspension actually means

The certificates, usually shortened to STCs, underpin the upfront discounts commonly marketed as solar and battery rebates. Customers typically assign their certificate rights to a registered agent in exchange for a lower purchase price. The CER explains how this works.

The regulator says it is no longer satisfied the company meets its fit and proper person requirements. The company has 60 days to request a review.

The announced restriction concerns its participation in the federal scheme. It does not announce a product recall or a general ban on trading, and it should not be read as a finding that every existing system is unsafe. CER announcement.

Why the regulator acted

The CER points to an earlier expulsion from the voluntary New Energy Tech Consumer Code and a South Australian public warning.

The code’s register records the company’s expulsion on 15 December 2025, with breaches involving contracts, financial disclosures, design changes, installation standards and cooperation with the complaints process. NETCC compliance register.

South Australia’s warning, dated 23 July 2026, recorded 94 complaints against the company or related entities between July 2025 and April 2026. Allegations included delayed or undelivered installations, faulty products, ignored customers and unsafe work. The notice described an investigation, not a court finding. It also recorded the company’s explanation that demand associated with rebate reductions had caused scheduling and refund delays. Read the public warning.

Separately, ABC’s August investigation reported more than 240 complaints to Building Commission NSW since 2024. ABC’s earlier reporting.

What the company says

In a public response to earlier ABC coverage, Solar Power Nation disputed the portrayal of its business, pointed to more than 25,000 homes served and said it took genuine concerns seriously. Those are the company’s claims. Company statement.

ABC said it received no response to the suspension before publishing its latest report. ABC’s 11 November report.

What customers should do now

• Waiting for installation: Ask for written confirmation of timing, the agreed price and how any STC discount will be handled. Seek consumer advice before accepting extra charges or changing your contract.
• Chasing repairs or a refund: Keep contracts, receipts, messages and photographs. Complain to the business in writing, then escalate unresolved matters to your state or territory consumer protection agency. The CER’s guide links to each agency. Complaint pathways.
• Concerned about safety: Get a licensed electrician with appropriate solar accreditation to inspect the system. Do not attempt electrical repairs yourself. CER maintenance advice.

Compare accountability alongside the price

Your Australian Consumer Law guarantees are separate from a company’s scheme membership or voluntary warranties. The appropriate remedy depends on the problem and circumstances.

My takeaway is straightforward: compare the installer, accountability and after-sales support alongside the price. A sharp quote matters, but so does someone answering the phone once the panels are on the roof.