The Clean Energy Council (CEC) de-listed eight Smart Lifestyle inverter and battery models on 17 September 2026. They had been suspended since 17 June, when their eligibility for small-scale technology certificates (STCs) ended.
The CEC says Smart Lifestyle Australia Pty Ltd entered liquidation on 16 March and is no longer operating or contactable. Its 17 September confirmation explicitly says the decision was not based on a product recall or an identified safety issue.
This bulletin records the CEC notices of 11 and 17 September 2026. Check current product listings and installation requirements before new work.
Eight affected models
The notice identifies these models under the SMART LIFESTYLE brand:
| Inverters (AS 4777.2:2020) | Batteries |
|---|---|
| SLA-HB-S1-3.8kW1P | SLA-ESS-S1-5kWh |
| SLA-HB-S1-5kW1P | SLA-ESS-S1-10kWh |
| SLA-HB-S1-6kW1P | SLA-ESS-S1-15kWh |
| SLA-ESS-S1-20kWh | |
| SLA-ESS-S1-30kWh |
Correction: The CEC's 11 September notice incorrectly referred to PV modules. Its 17 September update confirms that only inverters and batteries were de-listed. An earlier version of this bulletin also wrongly described that heading as standard wording.
Eligibility ended in June
Use 17 June 2026 when checking installation records. A job completed between that date and 17 September falls within the suspension period.
The CEC's listing rules (opens in a new tab) exclude suspended products from STCs throughout their suspension and de-listed products after de-listing. September was the formal removal date, not the start of the eligibility loss.
- 1Before CEC suspension16 Mar 2026 to 17 June 2026
- 2Suspended: no STC eligibility17 June 2026 to 17 Sept 2026
Dates recorded in the CEC's 11 and 17 September 2026 notices. STC eligibility ended when suspension began on 17 June.
Data table
| Event | From | To | Precision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before CEC suspension | 16 Mar 2026 | 17 June 2026 | Exact |
| Suspended: no STC eligibility | 17 June 2026 | 17 Sept 2026 | Exact |
| Liquidation recorded by CEC | 16 Mar 2026 | Point in time | Exact |
| CEC suspension begins | 17 June 2026 | Point in time | Exact |
| Intended de-listing notice | 11 Sept 2026 | Point in time | Exact |
| De-listing confirmed | 17 Sept 2026 | Point in time | Exact |
Suspension became de-listing
A suspension gives a supplier time to meet outstanding listing requirements. The 11 September notice allowed for remedial action, but the CEC confirmed removal on 17 September. It reported no active website, responsible-supplier registration or contactable supplier.
The CEC allows de-listed products to reapply once they meet its requirements. This notice does not establish a route or timetable for Smart Lifestyle to do so. The separate NEOVOLT bulletin concerns different listing issues and deadlines.
Supplier liquidation
The CEC attributes the 16 March liquidation to Smart Lifestyle Australia Pty Ltd. Cyanergy's own group description (opens in a new tab) also names Smart Lifestyle Australia among its businesses.
In a separate action, Victoria's Essential Services Commission (opens in a new tab) suspended Cyanergy's Victorian Energy Upgrades accreditation from 19 March and cancelled it on 17 June. It records that Cyanergy entered external administration and stopped operating. That accreditation action and the CEC product de-listing are separate decisions.
New and existing systems
New work: Check the exact model against the current approved list before installation. A listing shown on an earlier quote is not enough.
Existing systems: The notice concerns listing status and support; it is not a finding that every installed unit is unsafe or faulty. Keep the invoice, model and serial numbers, installation date and commissioning records together. These help establish the relevant eligibility date and support options for that particular job.
Limited Hiconics support
The CEC's 17 September update identifies Hiconics Eco-energy Drive Technology Co., Ltd as a co-licensor of the affected products. It reports three forms of assistance, considered case by case:
This is a best-effort service offer. Hiconics says it has not assumed the original warranty and does not offer free replacements or full warranty coverage for these products.
For assistance, call 1300 457 098 or email solar_service_au@midea.com. Confirm the proposed work and charges before proceeding.
Records and support
- Check the job record. Match the model and installation date to the suspension that began on 17 June. Refer uncertain STC claims to the certificate agent or regulator.
- Separate service from warranty. Hiconics is a technical-support contact. Consumer claims should also go to the retailer that sold the system; claims against the failed supplier may need to go to its liquidator.
- Keep the response on file. Record the fault, advice received, proposed charges and any agreed work.
The ACCC explains that consumer guarantees are separate from a manufacturer's warranty (opens in a new tab). A retailer must assess its own obligations rather than direct the customer to the manufacturer. The remedy depends on the circumstances.
For listing questions, contact compliance@cleanenergycouncil.org.au or 03 9929 4149. Quote 00041762 for inverters or 00041763 for batteries.
Check the supplier
Alongside the model listing and certificate dates, check who can provide support and meet the supplier's obligations. Keep that contact in the job file. A product's listing and its supplier's ability to respond need separate checks.
