Installation Limits

What are Installation Limits?

Installation limits define how many systems an accredited installer can sign off in a single day. Under the SAA Technical Requirements (available on our Scheme Administration web page), an installer must not sign off more than two (2) installations per day without an approved exemption, whether completing the work themselves or supervising others.

These limits are set by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA), in consultation with the Clean Energy Regulator (CER), and are designed to ensure installers can provide appropriate supervision and maintain safe, compliant, and high‑quality installations.

Current Limit

Installation limits are specified in the SAA Technical Requirements (available on the Scheme Administration page of this website).

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

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

For absolute clarity – a battery and solar installation at the same property are two systems, even when they share a common inverter.

“Sign off” is the date of the final completion photo, which must match the test date on the electrical Certificate of Compliance (or equivalent).

The day of sign off is the small-scale technology certificate (STC) claim date, regardless of when the balance of the system was installed.

Review of Installation Limits

SAA conducted a review of installation limits in 2025, including industry consultation, site visits, regulator engagement, and analysis of compliance data. Findings showed a mixed industry response, with similar levels of support for and against changes, while regulators generally supported maintaining the current limits. At this stage, the two installations per day limit remains in place.

Installation Limit Exemptions

SAA has two exemption pathways that may allow installers to exceed the standard two installations per day limit in specific circumstances. Strict eligibility criteria apply to both pathways, and exemptions are only granted where these criteria are fully met. SAA cannot approve any install limit breaches outside the scope of these two processes:

Multiple Systems at one Location

Applies where multiple systems are installed in stages at a single site (e.g. apartment blocks, retirement villages, large developments).

Key Points:

  • Up to 10 systems can be signed off per day (with approval)
  • The exemption applies to systems, rather than addresses
  • Where there are multiple systems at a single address (i.e. PV and battery), they need to be listed separately on the exemption application
  • All systems must be at a single location
  • Installations must be completed in stages
  • One accreditee must sign off all systems

Application and approval is required.

Apply for an exemption

Special Consideration Application

A limited pathway that provides relief for specific breaches where installation work met requirements, but sign-off exceeded the daily limit.

Key Points:

  • Applied to installations between 1 July 2025 – 22 December 2025
  • Only applies where installation work met requirements, but sign-off exceeded limits
  • Does not apply to installing more than two systems in one day
  • Not available for installations signed off after 22 December 2025

Application and approval is required.

apply for special consideration

Breaches Outside Exemption Pathways

SAA cannot consider or approve exemptions for any installation limit breach outside of the two defined pathways: Multiple Systems at one Location and the Special Consideration Application (SCA). Where a breach does not meet the criteria for these pathways, no exemption will be granted.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Can I apply for an exemption if I exceed the daily installation limit?
You may be eligible if the installation meets the criteria for an existing exemption pathway:
  • Multiple Systems at one Location: applies only where all systems are at a single site and meet the defined criteria.
  • Special Consideration Application (SCA): applies only to installations signed off between 1 July 2025 and 22 December 2025, where work was completed across multiple days.
Installation limits are based on the date of commissioning and sign‑off, not when the physical installation work was completed. If the installation does not meet the requirements of either pathway, no exemption will be granted.
You may be eligible if the installation meets the criteria for an existing exemption pathway:
  • Multiple Systems at one Location: applies only where all systems are at a single site and meet the defined criteria.
  • Special Consideration Application (SCA): applies only to installations signed off between 1 July 2025 and 22 December 2025, where work was completed across multiple days.
Installation limits are based on the date of commissioning and sign‑off, not when the physical installation work was completed. If the installation does not meet the requirements of either pathway, no exemption will be granted.

No. SAA cannot approve an exemption in this scenario. Installation limits are based on the date of commissioning and sign‑off and required evidence must align with this. Delays in taking photos or completing documentation do not change the sign‑off date or create eligibility for an exemption.

No. SAA cannot approve an exemption in this scenario. Accredited installers are expected to understand and comply with installation limits as defined in the SAA Technical Requirements (published on the Scheme Administration web page). A lack of understanding or confusion about the rules does not create eligibility for an exemption.

No. SAA cannot approve an exemption in this scenario. Installation limits apply regardless of travel distance or scheduling constraints, and travel time does not form part of the eligibility criteria for any exemption pathway.

 No. SAA cannot approve an exemption in this scenario. Installation limits apply based on the date of commissioning and sign‑off, regardless of weather delays or other external factors. Weather interruptions do not form part of the eligibility criteria for any exemption pathway.

No. SAA cannot approve an exemption in this scenario. Exemptions are only available under the two defined pathways: Multiple Systems at one Location and the Special Consideration Application (SCA). Requests outside of these pathways cannot be considered.

No. SAA cannot approve an exemption in this scenario. Financial impact, including failed STCs, does not form part of the eligibility criteria for any exemption pathway. Exemptions are only available under the defined pathways, and requests outside of these cannot be considered.

You can contact SAA’s Senior Technical Compliance Team at technicalcomplianceandinspections@saaustralia.com.au for further guidance on installation limits and exemption requirements.