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:
Existing SAA Accreditation Holder:
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 Type | Electrical License | Pre-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 |
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)
Q. Can battery systems installed before the 1 July be commissioned and signed off from 1 July under a modified two-a-day requirement?
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.
Q: What can I sign off from 1 July?
Cheaper Home Battery Program transitional arrangements for “Ready to Commission” systems from 1 July to 10 August 2025
A “Ready to Commission” system is a battery system OR a battery and solar system at the same site that was physically installed between 6 April and 30 June but not commissioned or energised.
During the period of 1 July to 10 August 2025, “Ready to Commission” systems can be commissioned and signed off within ONE of the following combinations per day:
- Two solar systems,
- Two battery systems,
- One solar system and one battery system,
- One solar system and two “Ready to Commission” systems,
- One battery system and two “Ready to Commission” systems or,
- Four “Ready to Commission” systems
This flexibility allows accreditees to manage workflow and complete installations of “Ready to Commission” systems.
Q: What is the installation limit from 11 August 2025?
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
Q: When can I apply for an exemption?
Accredited installers can apply for an exemption to sign off up to ten systems per day when installing multiple systems in stages at the same site/location, such as in an apartment block, retirement village, or factory development.
Q: If I hold a provisional GCBS accreditation, can I claim STCs?
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.
Q: If I hold GCPV “install only” can I apply for GCBS ‘install only” accreditation?
This Accreditation type is only available as an ‘scope extension’ to an existing GCPV Design & Installation accreditation (i.e. not as a first accreditation). Note the prerequisite units required from the GCPV pathway.