Through the summer of 2022-2023, rooftop solar power provided 14% of Australia’s energy needs — a record for renewable energy. With those numbers, it’s no wonder that many Australian electricians are looking to become qualified solar panel installers in 2023 and beyond.
But if you’re an electrician looking to contribute to Australia’s sustainable and renewable energy installations, there are some qualifications you’ll need to gain, first. In this article, Electro Training will walk you through the steps that will take you on your journey to becoming a solar installer in Australia.
Why Choose a Career as a Solar Installer?
Solar installation is one of the most promising Australian career paths today. Solar growth is strongly expected to continue through the next decade as the global focus turns to renewable energy sources; solar power has been tapped as the biggest provider of clean energy in many countries, not just Australia.
Here’s why so many Aussie electricians are looking forward to gaining their qualifications to become a solar installer:
- High demand:Australia has the highest uptake of solar, globally. Since the solar industry is booming, there is a thriving market for qualified solar installers and increased incentives and rebates for solar installations.
- Stable job opportunities:With record-breaking demand for renewable energy, you’ll never be without a job. There are plenty of opportunities for residential and commercial solar installations in Queensland, Australia, and beyond.
- A sustainable future:When you become an accredited solar installer, you’ll go on to play a crucial role in reducing global carbon emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. You’ll make a positive impact on the environment and future generations while helping many others do the same with your solar installations.
The Path to CEC Accreditation
To become an Australian solar installer, you’ll need two primary qualifications: an electrical license and accreditation with the Clean Energy Council of Australia (CEC), a non-profit corporation that recognises those who have completed the relevant training to design and install solar panels, solar batteries, and other renewable energy systems. The CEC aims to develop Australian sustainable energy services with storage firms and solar installers. Once you’re accredited with the CEC, you’ll also become eligible for government rebates such as feed-in tariffs and small-scale Technology Certificates.
To become a CEC-accredited solar installer, you must meet their requirements. Here’s how:
- If you haven’t already, gain your electrical licence.
- Enrol for training from a registered training organisation (RTO).
- Apply for provisional accreditation. You’ll need your training certificates, electrical licence, public liability insurance, and a certificate of working safely at heights to do this.
- Complete an online assessment to demonstrate your knowledge of solar installations.
- Pass a practical assessment with the CEC.
And that’s all. After you become fully accredited, you’ll need to renew your accreditation annually. You can also add other types of accreditations, such as designing and installing other systems.
While it may seem like a long, arduous path to becoming a solar installer, it’ll be well worth it. Becoming an accredited solar installer is one of the most rewarding jobs around. And if you’ve already got an electrical licence, you’re more than halfway there!
Get Your Qualifications with Electro Training
The Electro-training Institute is a Registered Training Organisation delivering relevant electrical training to tradespersons in Queensland. We can help you on your journey to solar installation through the following two solar courses:
Solar Grid Installation and Design
The Electro-training Institute offers a Solar Grid Installation and Design Course, a crucial step in your path to becoming an accredited solar installer. With our course, you’ll gain the following benefits and learn to perform the following tasks from our nationally recognised units of competency:
- Problem-solving in photovoltaic (PV) energy apparatus and systems.
- Installing, configuring, and commissioning LV grid-connected photovoltaic solar power systems.
- Designing grid-connected photovoltaic power supply systems.
To register for this essential course, you must either hold a current Electrical Work Licence or be an Electrical Apprentice who has completed the prerequisite units of competency.
Solar Battery Storage Installation and Design
A great follow-up to the installation and design course is the Battery Storage Course, which will prepare you to:
- Install, maintain, and fault-find solar battery storage systems for grid-connected PV systems
- Design battery storage solutions for solar panel systems
To register for the battery storage course, you must first complete the solar grid installation and design course. Together, these courses provide complementary experience, knowledge, and skills that you will take with you in your career as a solar installer.
Eligibility and Prerequisites
To become a certified solar and solar panel installer in Australia, you need to:
- Have at least five years of electrical work experience
- Be at least 16 years of age and have completed secondary school education
- Be trained and qualified to install solar power systems through an apprenticeship with a relevant electrical trade training provider
- Demonstrate a resume of work experience
Once you’ve met all the eligibility requirements and completed the relevant training, nothing will stand in your way. You’ll become a skilled and qualified solar installer with all the perks and pathways the role comes with.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a solar installer in Australia is one of the most rewarding and exciting career paths for qualified electricians, with solid growth and demand expected to continue for many years. There’s no better time to step into the solar industry, and with the right training provider, it’ll be more accessible than ever, as long as you put in the hard work.
Electro Training can help you get your solar accreditation from the Clean Energy Council. We offer a Solar Grid Installation & Design Course and a Solar Battery Storage Course, which provide you with a streamlined path to CEC accreditation. Embrace clean energy, expand your qualifications, and enrol in our courses today. Good luck, solar installers!