Forward Photovoltaic modules – compliance to AS/NZS 5033

PV modules installed in Australia must be certified and approved to AS/NZS 5033 photovoltaic installations regardless of whether a rebate is sought. This standard is called up by AS3000 which is legislated in each state. Section 4 states that modules shall be compliant with IEC/EN 61730 AND either IEC/EN 61215 or IEC/EN 61646. This was enforced effective 1 June 2009. PV systems above 50 volts (open circuit) or 240 Watts must meet Application Class A of IEC/EN61730.

NOTE: From 16th July 2013 PV modules installed on roofs must be compliant with IEC 61730 only, and must be certified as Fire Class C or better.

Roof integrated modules may have additional requirements under the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

PV Systems less than 50 volts (open circuit) or 240 Watts do not need IEC/EN 61730 Class A however they should have Class C. Please note Class B modules are not to be used in Australia. Class C modules will be added to the database, but will not be shown on the website listing.

The Clean Energy Council maintains the database and website listing of AS 5033 compliant PV modules. The list shows the licence holder, model number and power rating of each approved module. This should correspond directly with the module label. The modules should be advertised and sold under the same name and model numbers. Brand names which are owned by the certificate holder can be shown in brackets on the website listing. Brand names should only be used in association with the certificate holder name.

The modules are always listed on the AS5033 compliant modules list under the certificate holder name, and the model numbers shown on the certificate. Importers or distributors branding OEM products must obtain a certificate in their own name showing their product numbers, as offered for sale in Australia.

Module testing laboratories

Module testing must be performed by a test laboratory approved to test PV modules to these standards under the IECEE CB scheme (CBTL). The certificate must be issued by a National Certifying Body (NCB) associated with that laboratory, who are accredited to certify PV Module testing under the IECEE CB Scheme.

Module testing and certification is accepted only from the following organisations

Note: some CBTLs or NCBs may be recently approved for PV module testing under the IECEE CB Scheme. Certificates must be issued after the date of joining the scheme, and an additional declaration is required if testing was done before the approval date.

Periodic factory inspections

From 1 March 2011 certificates will be accepted only where periodic factory inspections are carried out by the Certifying Body to ensure ongoing compliance with the international standards. Those modules approved before this date will continue to be listed, however the validity of the approval will be reduced to a maximum of three years from the certificate date.

Fire Class C

After 16th July 2013 all new installations on roofs in Australia must use PV modules compliant with IEC 61730, including the Fire Test MST-23, with a rating of Fire Safety Class C or higher. The CEC list will show this information.

Module listing process

If your modules are compliant and you wish them to be added to the Clean Energy Council database

You will need to upload:

1. .pdf copies of the compliance certificates for each module
2. Sample of manufacturer's data suitable for the end-use customer (eg sales brochure or install manual showing certificate holder name)
3. An image of a representative module rating label (must show certificate holder name)
4. Application fee* of AU$320 + GST if application is from Australia, or AU$350 if the application is from outside Australia.

*Please note the application fee is non-refundable. The fee covers the application processing, not the approval.

The Application fee covers up to 80 models/power ratings only. You may use multiple application forms. If you have multiple certificates, these should be entered on separate forms. No additional fee is required.

A further fee applies for each additional 80 models applied for.

The CEC will verify the certificates with the issuing NCB and add the data to the database. You will be notified whether the modules are approved and the pdf download file will be updated fortnightly.

Note: The website listing is for Application Class A modules only. Therefore the Certificate for IEC/EN61730 must show that the modules are suitable for "Application Class A".

Certificates will be verified against the NCB's website listing, or by email. To avoid delays, please ensure your certificate is listed before submitting your application.

Removal and re-listing

If no expiry date is shown on the certificate, the modules will be listed for expiry 3 years from the date of the certificate. Modules will be removed from the list without notice if the certificate on which approval is based is no longer valid, or on the expiry date shown on the web listing.

Periodic reviews are conducted to ensure certificates are still valid. Removal will be notified wherever possible to the applicant or the certificate holder. If new certificates are issued for modules, a new application form and fee is required for continued listing.