29 February 2024
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has approved Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) as the new installer and designer accreditation scheme operator (ASO) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). SAA is a new entity established to be able to carry out its functions independently while being accountable to the CER.
The SRES provides a financial incentive for the installation of small-scale solar systems. Systems must be installed by a licenced electrician who has been specifically trained and demonstrated as capable of installing rooftop solar.
A rigorous evaluation process was undertaken to approve SAA as the new accreditation scheme operator. SAA will from today become responsible for the accreditation of electricians who install small-scale solar systems incentivised by the SRES. Accreditation adds an additional level of assurance of quality over and above state and territory requirements for electricians.
The new installer and designer scheme is now in effect. All accredited installers and designers under the scheme must transfer to SAA within 3 months to remain eligible for small-scale technology certificates.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC), the previous accreditation body for installers and designers, performed its role diligently over the past decade and played a strong part in supporting the growth of the small-scale solar industry. The CEC did not apply to be an accreditation scheme operator and its services have now ceased.
The CER’s Renewable Energy Target branch General Manager Matthew Power said we appreciate the way in which both the CEC and SAA worked together and with us to ensure a smooth handover of this function for the benefit of accredited installers, the rooftop solar industry and for consumers.
‘Consumers and businesses who are increasingly turning to rooftop solar to control their energy bills can remain confident that accredited installers and designers have the necessary training and skills.
‘The small-scale rooftop solar sector has been growing in Australia with 3.1 gigawatts (GW) installed in 2023, well up from the 2.8 GW installed in 2022. We believe there is potential for ongoing growth,’ Mr Power said.
We look forward to working with SAA to both maintain and continue to improve the training and performance of accredited installers for high quality installations.
As the accreditation services shift to SAA during the 3-month transition period, the CEC and ourselves will be on hand to support SAA as necessary to ensure existing accredited installers can maintain their accreditation.
Information for installers and designers is available on the CER website.
Contact: media@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au or 02 6159 3448