A Clean Energy Regulator investigation has led to the successful prosecution of a 49-year-old Tasmanian solar panel installer in the Launceston Magistrates Court.
Robert Andrew Camplin was convicted of providing false or misleading information for providing a false system owner signature on a Small-scale Technology (STC) Certificate assignment form.
Mr Camplin was sentenced on Wednesday 9 February 2022. Mr Camplin received a conviction for providing false or misleading information. In addition, Mr Camplin has entered into a recognisance of $1,000 to be of good behaviour for 2 years and has to pay court costs of $335.
Mr Camplin’s accreditation as an installer was cancelled by the Clean Energy Council.
The Clean Energy Regulator requires a high level of compliance with Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) obligations and has a range of monitoring and enforcement powers under legislation. Those who wilfully commit acts of fraud or non-compliance with SRES rules will be subject to enforcement actions by the Clean Energy Regulator which can lead to criminal conviction, financial penalties or prison.
In December 2021, amendments to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 passed into law. The amendments address the Australian Government’s response to the recommendations made in the Clean Energy Regulator’s Integrity Review of the Rooftop Solar PV Sector. The new regulations provide the agency additional powers to disqualify installers and designers, retailers and components from participating in the SRES.
The prosecution in this matter was managed by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
