Solar Accreditation with SAA

Everything You Need to Know About Solar Grid-Connect Installation and Design Accreditation in Australia

Solar accreditation is required to design and install rooftop solar in Australia.  Your accreditation number will be required when you apply for connection with the supply entity and when you claim the STC's (Small-scale Technology Certificates) on the system.  Our solar grid-connect install and design course is a qualification requirement for accreditation from Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA).

What is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)?

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) is the Australian Government-approved accreditation scheme operator responsible for accrediting solar PV and battery storage installers and designers under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

SAA replaced the Clean Energy Council (CEC) as the accreditation scheme operator in February 2024.

SAA accreditation helps ensure that installers and designers have the appropriate training, qualifications and technical knowledge to work safely and comply with relevant Australian Standards.

Accreditation is available for several renewable energy technologies, including:

• Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems (GCPV)

• Grid-Connected Battery Storage Systems (GCBS)

• Stand-Alone Power Systems (SPS)

Accreditation is specific to the type of system and work being undertaken

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) is the only solar accreditation scheme operator in Australia.  SAA has over 9,500 renewable energy installers and designers.  

What Documents Do You Need for SAA Accreditation?

For a new GCPV Design and Installation application, SAA currently lists the following requirements:

• A clear photograph of your identification.

• A selfie (recent photograph of yourself).

• A Statement of Attainment issued within the previous two years, including the RTO's name.

• A Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency, including the expiry date.

• Your electrical licence number and expiry date.

• A Working Safely at Heights certificate, specifically RIIWHS204, RIIWHS204E or CPCCCM2012.

Design-only applicants may provide Professional Indemnity Insurance instead of Public Liability Insurance, and do not have the same electrical licence and Working at Heights documentation requirements as installation applicants.

How to Become SAA Accredited

• Step 1 – Complete the Required Training - Once you complete the required training (click here to view our solar grid-connect course) 
• Step 2 – Apply Through Solar Accreditation Australia - via Solar Accreditation Australia (click here to visit SAA).  Note: SAA generally requires the relevant training to have been completed within two years of the application date
• Step 3 – Complete the SAA Accreditation Exam - From 1 July 2025, SAA introduced a compulsory online accreditation exam for new applicants, replacing the previous case study pathway. 

  The exam assesses knowledge of relevant Australian Standards, electrical safety requirements and best practices for solar installations. For GCPV accreditation, relevant standards include AS/NZS 3000:2018, AS/NZS 5033:2021, AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 and AS/NZS 1170.2:2020.

• Step 4 – Receive Your Accreditation - Once SAA has assessed and approved your application and you have satisfied the applicable examination and eligibility requirements, you can receive accreditation for your approved category.
  
  **Accreditation is for 1 year and to stay accredited you will need to complete courses totalling 100 CPD points annually to keep your accreditation valid

What you need to know about the SAA Accreditation

• One-year accreditation period.
• Individuals need to complete 100 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points every 12 months for the duration of that period.
• Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) Inspections are conducted throughout the year by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) to ensure installers stay up-to-date with changing regulations and standards.
• Not meeting annual CPD requirements leads to expired accreditation.
• Accreditation can get re-activated once the 100 CPD points are reached, to allow access to Scheme and state-based rebates.

• If accreditation expires, SAA currently advises:

  • If expired for less than 12 months, applicants may renew after satisfying the required CPD and mandatory modules.

  • If expired for more than 12 months, a new accreditation application is required.

Accreditation fees (current as at October 2026)

Important Requirements for Accredited Solar Installers

Obtaining SAA accreditation is only the beginning. Accredited installers must continue to comply with relevant Australian Standards, SAA technical requirements, Queensland electrical safety legislation and Clean Energy Regulator requirements.

Installation and Photographic Evidence

The Clean Energy Regulator requires accredited solar installers to provide evidence of their attendance at key stages of installation.
These include:

1. Job setup.

2. Mid-installation inspection or supervision.

3. Testing and commissioning.

Photographic evidence must clearly identify the installer and include appropriate date, time and location information.

Installers must also ensure that systems are correctly designed, installed, tested and commissioned using approved equipment.

Failure to provide satisfactory documentation can result in STC claims being rejected.

Compliance Inspections

The Clean Energy Regulator conducts inspections under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme to assess the safety and compliance of solar installations.

Inspection results may be shared with SAA and relevant state electrical safety regulators.

Non-compliant installations may require rectification and can lead to further regulatory or accreditation action.