"New era" for Aust solar installers and designers

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has recently appointed Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) as the new solar installer and designer accreditation scheme operator under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

The SRES is an Australian Government program based on tradable certificates called small-scale technology certificates (STCs). Eligible installations of rooftop solar PV are entitled to STCs, creating a subsidy for households and businesses that install these renewable energy technologies.

“This is a significant milestone in our shared commitment to enhancing standards, transparency and accountability across the solar energy sector,” said Stephen Robertson, Chair of SAA.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Australia’s dedicated and highly skilled solar installers and designers, with the launch of an independent, not-for-profit and single-purpose entity to support compliance and raise standards across the industry. SAA is committed to ensuring integrity, accountability and responsible practices within our industry,” he said.

The SAA stated that it will work collaboratively with industry, government bodies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the accreditation scheme promotes best practice, encourages continuous professional development and supports a growing workforce to deliver smart energy solutions for Australian households and businesses.

The CER’s announcement was welcomed by industry organisations including the Smart Energy Council (SEC) and Master Electricians Australia (MEA).

“The industry wanted to see a collaborative whole-of-industry approach to accreditation delivered by a separate and independent body,” said John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Smart Energy Council. “That is what SAA is delivering … to support the federal government’s ongoing commitment to program integrity.”

Master Electricians Australia President Peter Matthews said the MEA was pleased to support the creation of a new independent solar designer and installer accreditation service provider.

With the SAA’s accreditation scheme now in effect, the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) accreditation services have ceased. Accredited persons must transfer their CEC accreditation to SAA by 29 May 2024 to maintain their accreditation and STC eligibility.

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