The Clean Energy Regulator announces Solar Accreditation Australia is the new accreditation scheme operator for installers and designers.

Canberra – 29 February 2024 – The announcement by the Clean Energy Regulator that a new ASO has been approved marks the public launch of Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA). 

As appointed by the Clean Energy Regulator, from today, SAA is the accreditation scheme operator for installers and designers under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. SAA will work collaboratively with industry, government bodies, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the accreditation scheme promotes best practice, encourages continuous professional development and supports a growing workforce to deliver smart energy solutions for Australian households and businesses.

“This is a significant milestone in our shared commitment to enhancing standards, transparency and accountability across the solar energy sector. Today marks the beginning of a new era for Australia’s dedicated and highly skilled solar installers and designers, with the launch of an independent, not-for-profit and single-purpose entity to support compliance and raise standards across the industry. SAA is committed to ensuring integrity, accountability and responsible practices within our industry,” said Stephen Robertson, Chair of SAA. 

As approved by the Clean Energy Regulator, from today, SAA will be the accreditation scheme operator for the solar workforce – more than 9000 installers and designers. SAA will work collaboratively with industry, government bodies, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the accreditation scheme promotes best practice, encourages continuous professional development and supports a growing workforce to deliver smart energy solutions for Australian households and businesses.

We extend our gratitude to both the Clean Energy Council and the Clean Energy Regulator for all they have done and continue to do to ensure a smooth transition to the new scheme. By fostering a cooperative approach, we believe that SAA will play an important role in shaping the future of the Australia’s solar workforce.

Notes for editors

About Solar Accreditation Australia

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation established to meet the needs of Australia’s solar workforce and support the industry to raise standards and encourage best practice. SAA’s sole purpose is to ensure high standards and to support accredited persons.

About the transition

CEC-accredited individuals need to transfer their accreditation to SAA by 29 May 2024. There is no fee to transition accreditation to SAA. SAA will accept all current CEC accreditation expiry dates and fees paid. An accreditation renewal fee will be due on expiry of the existing CEC accreditation. If a person’s accreditation has expired, they must gain accreditation with SAA to remain eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). This will attract a renewal fee. There are no immediate proposed changes to accreditation requirements, including relevant training units. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) completed under the CEC’s accreditation scheme will be recognised for the first 12 months of the new scheme.