What does NETCC Approved Seller mean?

You’ll see “NETCC Approved Seller” or “New Energy Tech Approved Seller” on quotes and websites. It’s one of the most useful signs a solar or battery business can show you, as long as you know what it covers.

What the Code is

The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) sets standards for businesses that sell new energy technology to households: rooftop solar, battery storage, EV chargers and more. Peak industry and consumer bodies have worked on it together since 2017. Signing it is voluntary, but some government programs require it.

What Approved Sellers promise

These sit on top of your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, which apply whether or not a business has signed the Code. For example, the consumer guarantees still give you a remedy when a product or service has a problem.

How the Code is enforced

The Code’s Administrator and its Code Monitoring and Compliance Panel monitor Approved Sellers. When an investigation finds a breach, the Code acts against the business, with different actions for minor and major breaches, and it publishes regular updates on breaches and suspensions.

If you have a problem with an Approved Seller, raise it with the business in writing first. If that doesn’t resolve it, you can lodge a complaint under the Code.

What changes on 1 December 2026

The ACCC has authorised an updated version of the Code, which applies from 1 December 2026. The core promises stay the same. The main changes for households:

• Misleading claims: the ban covers everything a business tells you, not only its advertising.
• Fees on quotes: quotes for custom designs have to say what fees apply and when they’re refundable.
• Refunds and cancelling: clearer refund and termination terms, including which non-refundable fees can come out of a refund.

What the badge doesn’t cover

• The installer. Solar Accreditation Australia accredits the people who design and install systems. Check them on SAA’s accreditation status check.
• The products. The Code doesn’t approve panels, inverters or batteries. For the federal battery discount, the battery has to be on the Clean Energy Council’s approved list.
• The price. Approved Seller status says nothing about whether a quote is good value. Compare at least three.

Approved Sellers and Solar Victoria

In Victoria, a retailer has to be an Approved Seller, and stay one, to be authorised for Solar Victoria’s solar panel rebates. A business that loses its Approved Seller status can’t keep offering those rebates. Our guide to the Solar Victoria solar panel rebate covers the rest of the rules.

How to check a business

Search the Approved Seller list, or use our accreditation checker, which also shows Solar Victoria authorisation and when the business joined each list. Our guide on how to check a solar company covers the installer and ABN checks too.

This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rules, rebates and prices change, so check the linked sources before you decide. Facts checked 21 October 2026.