The New Energy Technology Code of Conduct (NETCC) is currently undergoing an independent review, and if you’ve ever felt like the solar industry’s “gold standard” is more of a “gold-plated tax,” now is the time to speak up.
While the organization was likely founded with the best of intentions, the reality for retailers and consumers is far less noble. Here is why the NETCC is facing a crisis of credibility and why the current review needs to hear some hard truths.
1. A Badge You Buy, Not Earn
The most glaring issue with the NETCC is the barrier to entry—or lack thereof. While some vetting processes in the industry involve dozens of hours of financial audits, license checks, and reputation reviews, the NETCC application is famously brief.
The 20-Minute Hurdle: Their own website suggests an application can be finished in 20 minutes.
The Pay-to-Play Model: Critics argue that once the check clears, the “blue tick” follows. If you’re rejected? A $750 fee often gets your application reconsidered.
The Turnover Tax: Fees aren’t flat; they scale with your company’s revenue, making it feel less like a regulatory body and more like a commission on your hard work.
2. All Bark, No Bite
A code of conduct is only as strong as its enforcement. Currently, the NETCC has almost no power to actually penalize “cowboy” operators.
Zero Financial Teeth: They cannot issue meaningful fines or enforceable undertakings.
The “Airlock” Problem: The only real punishment is removal from the scheme. For a rogue retailer, this is a minor inconvenience rather than a business-ending deterrent.
Redundant Protection: For the average homeowner, the NETCC offers almost nothing that Australian Consumer Law doesn’t already cover. It’s marketing masquerading as a safety net.
3. Open Doors for “Shonks”
Perhaps most frustratingly, the NETCC has failed to take a hard stance against the industry’s most predatory practices.
Door Knocking: While some state bodies (like Solar Victoria) have banned door-to-door sales to protect the vulnerable, the NETCC has kept the door open.
Dodgy Finance: By failing to crack down on high-interest “Buy Now, Pay Later” schemes, the code effectively greenlights predatory lending under the guise of “innovation.”
The Comparison: Reality vs. Rhetoric
| Feature | NETCC Code | High-Standard Independent Vetting |
| Vetting Time | ~20 Minutes | 10+ Hours |
| Focus | Revenue-based fees | Compliance & Performance |
| Penalty | Removal from list | Loss of Guarantee & Legal Action |
| Goal | Industry Marketing | Consumer Trust |
The Bottom Line
The NETCC was meant to replace the old “Approved Solar Retailer” (ASR) scheme, which became so synonymous with poor quality that the industry nicknamed it “ARSE.” Unfortunately, changing the name hasn’t changed the nature of the beast.
By making NETCC membership a prerequisite for government rebates, authorities are forcing quality installers to pay a “tax” to a body they don’t respect, all while giving “shonky” operators the same badge of approval as the masters of the craft.
