About accreditation
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has recently made significant changes to the accreditation process, impacting all Accredited Installers and Designers.
On 29 February 2024, the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) announced that Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) were the new Accreditation Scheme Operator.
From 29 of May 2024, only SAA Accredited designers and installers will be eligible to interact with the CER’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
Supporting Australia to reduce, offset and track our emissions | Clean Energy Regulator.
SAA is now accepting new applications for Grid Connected PV (GCPV), Stand Alone Power (SPS) and Grid Connect Battery Storage (GCBS) accreditation.
Accreditation requirements, including training units, remain unchanged initially. SAA will acknowledge CPD previously completed under CEC’s Accreditation scheme.
Important documents
Who should get accredited?
Any individual who wishes to design or install Grid Connected PV systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Systems (GCBS) or Stand Alone Power Systems (SPS), must be accredited under the SAA Scheme in order to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
In addition, many state-based rebate programs require the installer to be an Accredited Person.
Accreditation provides a high level of quality assurance, ensuring appropriately licenced, and skilled persons are accredited. SAA requires accredited persons to continue their training and professional development, ensuring that their knowledge and skills remain current with respect to new technologies, and changes to Standards and Regulations.
To learn more about the Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) here.
Types of accreditation
The first thing to know about accreditation is that there are different types – establish which one best applies to you and the work you want to undertake.
GRID CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS (GCPV)
This is an energy generation system that is connected to the grid. Photovoltaic (PV) modules (Solar panels) generate DC electricity that is turned into AC electricity using an inverter. The energy produced is used to power homes with any surplus energy sent back to the grid.
The GCPV accreditation is a certification for installing PV modules, inverters, and connecting them to the grid.
The following accreditation types are available:
- Design only
- Install only
- Design and Install
STAND ALONE POWER SYSTEMS (SPS)
SPS is an independent energy generation and storage system that has no connection to the grid. The system combines solar panels, energy storage and a backup energy source. It functions independently of the grid, providing power to homes or other types of buildings.
Under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a battery system that forms part of a Stand-alone Power System must be designed & installed by a SPS accreditee, to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
The following accreditation types are available:
- Design only
- Install only
- Design and Install
Apply for a SPS Accreditation here.
If you’re already an SAA accreditation holder, click the “Apply for Additional Accreditation Types” button in your SAA Portal.
GRID CONNECTED BATTERY SYSTEMS (GCBS)
This is a form of energy storage that is connected to the grid. Under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a battery system connected to the grid/network must be designed & installed by a GCBS accreditee, to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
The following accreditation types are available:
- Design only
- Install only (note: this Accreditation Type is only available as an ‘Additional Accreditation Type’ to an existing GCPV Design & Installation accreditation (i.e. not as a first accreditation). Note the prerequisite units required).
- Design and Install
Apply for a GCBS Accreditation here.
If you’re already an SAA accreditation holder, click the “Apply for Additional Accreditation Types” button in your SAA Portal.
WIND ENDORSEMENT (small scale)
HYDRO ENDORSEMENT (micro/small scale)