Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Accreditation
About SAA Accreditation
What accreditation classes and types are available under the SAA Accreditation Scheme?
There are three accreditation classes:
Grid Connected Photovoltaic (GCPV) Systems
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.
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).
Standalone 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).
Each accreditation class has three types of accreditation:
- Design only
- Install only
- Design and Install.
How do I become accredited with SAA?
The Accreditation Process Steps are:
- Submit all the required documentation and training evidence
- Pay the Application fee
- Complete Mandatory Courses (if applicable) and pass the Accreditation Exam
- Complete the Registration process in the SAA Portal to receive Accreditation
Before submitting your application, please ensure you’ve reviewed the Accreditation Pathways and confirmed that your training meets the eligibility criteria.
What documentation do I need to provide when I complete an accreditation application form?
New applicants
To successfully submit your application, all new applicants must provide the following documents:
- A clear photo of your current government-issued photographic ID
- A selfie (photo of yourself)
- A copy of your Statement of Attainment certificate (with the date of completion being within 2 years of the application date) and the name of your Registered Training Organisation.
- A current insurance certificate of currency
- Employer held insurance is acceptable if you are covered under the policy.
- Installers are required to provide a Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency (minimum value of $5 million).
- Individuals accredited for Design Only can provide a Professional Indemnity Insurance Certificate of Currency (minimum value of $1 million).
Additional requirements for Accreditation “Install” applicants (not required for “Design” applicants):
- Electrical licence number and expiry date
- Working Safely at Heights certification (not required for “GCBS” applicants)
Existing accredited professionals
If you already hold SAA accreditation, login to the SAA Accreditation Portal and select “Additional Accreditation Types” from the Menu on the left of screen. Application requirements are similar to those outlined above. However, you must apply via the portal to ensure your new accreditation class or type is connected to your existing accreditation.
Why do I need to have SAA Accreditation?
SAA accreditation is required to be eligible to claim for small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Accreditation holders can participate in other state-based rebate programs.
How do I maintain an SAA accreditation?
Accreditation is issued for 12 months. While existing accredited professionals hold up to a 3-year accreditation, they will transition to a 12-month accreditation at their next renewal. Accredited professionals need to fulfil the requirements of accreditation, including:
- 100 CPD points every 12 months
- complete mandatory modules
- respond to and address SAA compliance notices and requests for rectification.
Maintaining your accreditation is important for staying compliant with industry requirements and ensuring you stay informed about ongoing changes and advancements in the industry.
Accreditation services
What accreditation fees are payable?
Fees for gaining accreditation are outlined on the Applications page of this website.
Fees for renewal of accreditation are detailed on the Renewals web page.
How do I renew my accreditation with SAA?
SAA will contact you at your nominated email address roughly one month before your accreditation renewal due date. Further information about renewals will be available on our Renewals web page. You’ll be able to see specific requirements and any necessary actions in the Accreditation Portal one month before your renewal is due.
What happens if I let my accreditation lapse (either to take time away from industry or I was slow to renew)?
If your accreditation expired less than 12 months ago, you can renew your accreditation in the SAA Portal of our website, providing your accreditation is not suspended for any other reason, and you have no outstanding accreditation requirements. If your accreditation expired 12 months ago or longer, you need to come back to SAA through the Accreditation Pathway.
How can I sign off on more than 2 installations per day?
Installers need to read the SAA Technical Requirements sections 3.4 and 3.5 for details on the installation limits, sign off per day rule and exemptions to make sure they understand all the requirements. (SAA’s Technical Requirements document is available on the Scheme Administration web page.) Information is also available on our Installation Limits web page.
How do I update my contact details?
Please send your updated details to enquiriesandcpd@saaustralia.com.au and we will make changes in our system.
Can I get a copy of the installer list?
We do not provide installer lists. Instead, you can search by installer name or accreditation number to find the information you need.
Continuing Professional Development
About CPD
What is CPD and why do I need it?
Continued professional development (CPD) provides ongoing training and professional development for installers and designers to stay up to date with advancements in technology and any changes to standards and regulations.
All accreditation holders need to complete CPD as part of their accreditation with us.
What are the CPD requirements?
- 100 CPD points every 12 months
- Complete mandatory modules
- CPD must be completed by the due dat
Where CPD courses are completed through a third-party provider, rather than through SAA’s CPD Hub, you need to submit certificates of completion in the SAA Portal to receive CPD points towards accreditation.
Mandatory modules
Current mandatory courses include:
- Essential Learning Module on AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 – All individuals who were accredited before 30 September 2025 must complete this module. More information.
- Program Parallel Earth & Neutral Connections and Fire Barrier Requirements & Habitable Rooms – ALL GCBS and SPS accreditation holders were required to complete these ocurses by 30 June 2026.
Where can I find a list of CPD training available?
Accreditation holders can access the following courses in the CPD Hub:
- Parallel Earth & Neutral Connections (5 CPD pts)
- Fire Barrier Requirements & Habitable Rooms (15 CPD pts)
- How to Conduct a Battery Risk Assessment (20 CPD pts)
- SAA Essential Learning Module AS/NZ 4777.1:2024 (20 CPD pts)
- SAA Battery Labelling Module (20 CPD Points)
- SAA PV Labelling Module (20 CPD Points)
More CPD courses are available through training providers and a list can be found on the CPD Courses Page of the SAA website.
CPD Points
How do I know how many CPD points I have and how many more I need to get?
You can view the status of your CPD points and the due date for achieving 100 CPD points in the SAA Portal.
I submitted my CPD points the day before they were due, will they get processed in time?
CPD points processing can take 2 to 3 business days for CPD points to show up in the Portal. Please make sure you allow enough time for us to process them before your CPD due date.
If you complete CPD courses in the CPD Hub, the points are added to your SAA Portal automatically and will appear within 24 hours.
What does it mean if my accreditation is suspended?
If accreditation is suspended, you are not eligible to claim STCs and please also note that where there is an intention to claim STCs on an installation, no work can occur on that installation whilst in a suspended status.
I submitted my CPD certificates, why did my accreditation still get suspended?
It may be due to CPD certificates submitted the day before the due date and we are still processing them. If your accreditation has been suspended while you submitted your CPD points by the due date and your certificates are then approved, we will lift your suspension automatically.
I completed a CPD course but don’t have a certificate, can I still receive CPD points?
You should contact the training provider where you completed the course and ask for a certificate. Certificates of completion are usually not issued automatically and may take up to a week to be processed. After receiving your certificate, you can submit it for CPD points.
What if 100 CPD points and mandatory courses are not achieved during your CPD year?
Meeting the CPD requirement is important to continue to stay up-to-date with industry requirements and regular updates. The accreditation will be temporarily suspended if the requirement is not met until enough CPD points are completed, and accreditation is re-activated.
How do I upload certificates of completion to get CPD points?
We encourage accreditation holders to submit their CPD certificate upon completion of the course to receive CPD points towards your SAA accreditation.
- Click here and log in to the Accreditation Portal.
- Select the relevant training course from the drop-down list.
- Enter the course completion date (the course selected and the completion date need to match the CPD certificate uploaded).
- Upload the CPD certificate and click submit.
CPD points processing can take 2 – 3 business days for CPD points to show up in the Portal.
CPD courses completed in the CPD Hub will have points automatically added to the SAA Portal and you don’t need to do anything.