New professional development program for solar installers and designers

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has launched a continuous professional development program to help household solar power system installers and designers stay up to date with new developments in the industry. The CEC says the program lowers the cost of accreditation.

“The solar industry has an excellent track record for installing solar systems that meet high levels of quality and safety,” said Kate Allsop, CEC Accreditation Business Manager.

“The Clean Energy Council’s new professional development program will build on this track record and ensure that installers continue to deliver high-quality work.

“The program is designed to ensure solar installers and designers learn about industry changes as a matter of course as part of their annual accreditation.”

To renew accreditation, installers and designers must complete a minimum level of approved training over 12 months, Allsop said.

Installers and designers can achieve this level by: attending one of the regular expert-run training sessions hosted by the CEC; undertaking e-learning units; doing a course with a registered training organisation; and completing approved courses run by industry experts.

The CEC will also be introducing training via webinars to improve access to quality information for installers in rural and regional locations, Allsop said.

The program will cover topics such as changes to Australian Standard 5033, product information and wiring rules. The CEC says it is working closely with relevant training providers to exchange knowledge and experience and improve the quality of training on offer.

“By streamlining our internal processes and targeting resources to where they’re needed, we’ve also managed to significantly reduce our accreditation fees,” Allsop said.

“These changes are part of the Clean Energy Council’s ongoing work to maintain and improve the skills of household solar power installers and designers, and to support the continuing and sustainable growth of a vibrant industry that has a key role to play across Australia.”