Get accredited in Grid Connected Battery Systems (GCBS)

What is GCBS accreditation

This accreditation demonstrates your expertise and technical competency in installing home battery systems. Under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, the battery must be installed by an SAA accredited person with a GCBS ‘install and design’ accreditation, to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs). The Cheaper Home Battery Program is delivered through the SRES administered by the Clean Energy Regulator.

How to Apply:

New to the Accreditation Scheme:

Apply Here​

Existing SAA Accreditation Holder:

Apply here

Applicants will need to provide the following documents as part of the application process:

  • Photo of ID
  • Photo of yourself/Selfie
  • Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency including the Expiry Date (Design Only applicants can alternatively provide Professional Indemnity Insurance Certificate of Currency including the expiry date)  
  • Statement of Attainment (SOA) from an RTO for relevant accreditation type, with the date of completion within 2 years of the application date. The SOA needs to show that the required units of competency (see below section on pre-requisite training requirements) have been obtained.

 

Processing times and Accreditation Process 

Our application processing times are 5 to 10 business days to review and confirm your documentation. 

Once your application is approved, we will send you a confirmation email. 

Applicants are then required to sit the Accreditation Exam and complete other mandatory training in the CPD Hub as part of the accreditation process.  

It takes approximately 60 – 90 minutes complete the Accreditation Exam (with a pass of 80% or above) and 90 minutes to complete the mandatory training – Essential Learning Module AS/NZS 4777.1:2024. 

Accreditation is given once you pass the exam and meet mandatory training requirements.  

Pre-requisite training for different accreditation levels

Those applying for the GCBS accreditation need have completed prerequisite units of competency (within 2 years of application date) and submitted evidence as part of the accreditation application in a Statement of Attainment.  

There are three GCBS accreditation types, each with different pre- requisites training units and license requirements: 

GCBS TypeElectrical LicensePre-requisite Units 
Design & Installation✅ Required

 

Most current: UEERE0054, UEERE0061, UEEEL0012 and UEEEL0039 (met with an Unrestricted Electrical License completed within 2 years) 

PLUS  

one of the following groups: 

1.UEERE0060 and UEERE0077 and UEERE0078 (most current) 

2.VU22123 and VU22125 and UEERE4001 

3.UEERE4001 and UEERE5001

 

See list of RTOs that provide this training
Design Only❌ Not required

 

Most current: UEERE0054, UEERE0061, UEERE0051

or

UEEEL0039, UEERE0060, VU22123 and VU22125 (met with an Unrestricted Electrical License completed within 2 years)

 

See list of RTOs that provide this training
Installation Only✅ Required

 

Most current: UEERE0054, UEEEL0012, UEERE0077, UEERE0078

or

VU22123 and UEERE4001 

Only available as an add-on to existing Grid-Connect PV Design & Install Accreditation

 

See list of RTOs that provide this training

SAA Technical Requirements for battery installers

Daily Installation Limits

Installation limits are designed to protect consumers and ensure high-quality, safe installations by preventing poor or dishonest practices within the industry.  

 

Installation limit from 1 July to 1 August 2025 

Battery systems installed before the CHBP launch date of 1 July 2025 can be commissioned and signed off from 1 July under an altered two a day requirement. 

 

During the period of 1 July to 1 August 2025, battery systems can be commissioned and signed off within one of the following: 

  • 2 solar systems, 
  • 2 battery systems, 
  • 1 solar system and one battery system, 
  • 1 solar system and two ‘ready to commission’ battery systems, 
  • 1 battery system and two ‘ready to commission’ battery systems or, 
  • 4 ‘ready to commission’ battery systems 

 

This flexibility allows accreditees to manage workflow and complete installations of battery systems. 

 

Installation limit from 2 August 2025 

Where an accredited installer is undertaking all stages of an installation or supervising an installation by others, they can’t sign off on more than 2 installations per day.  

 

This limit applies to both solar and battery systems. Accreditees who install both system types may structure their installations as follows: 

  • 2 solar systems, 
  • 2 battery systems or, 
  • 1 solar system and 1 battery system 

 

Exemption applications may apply  

Accredited installers may request an exemption when installing multiple systems, either in phases or at a single site. This exemption from Clause 3.4 allows installers to sign off on up to TEN systems per day. This can include: 

  • an apartment block, 
  • a retirement village or, 
  • a factory development 

 

Installers need to read the SAA 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.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Battery systems installed before the CHBP launch date of 1 July 2025 can be commissioned and signed off from 1 July under an altered two a day requirement.

During the period of 1 July to 1 August 2025, battery systems can be commissioned and signed off within one of the following: 

• 2 solar systems, 

• 2 battery systems, 

• 1 solar system and one battery system, 

• 1 solar system and two ‘ready to commission’ battery systems, 

• 1 battery system and two ‘ready to commission’ battery systems or, 

4 ‘ready to commission’ battery systems 

Accredited installers can’t sign off on more than 2 installations per day.  

 

This limit applies to both solar and battery systems. Accreditees who install both system types may structure their installations as follows: 

• 2 solar systems, 

• 2 battery systems or, 

• 1 solar system and one battery system 

Accredited installers can apply for an exemption to sign off up to ten systems per day when installing multiple systems at once, such as in an apartment block, retirement village, or factory development.

Those who hold provisional GCBS accreditation are eligible to make STC claims. Please note that there is no provisional accreditation if you enter the Accreditation Scheme from 1 July. Accreditation number is issued once the applicant passes the Accreditation Exam and meets mandatory training requirements. 

GCBS Install only – this is only available as an add on to an existing accreditation, not the first accreditation as the prerequisite units are required from GCPV pathway.