November 2024

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) monthly newsletter brings you the latest updates on the accreditation, compliance process and available training courses.   

What is an SAA accreditation

As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, we are dedicated to improving the standards of the rapidly growing solar industry. SAA accreditation includes the following three parts:

Accreditation
SAA accreditation is proof that installers and designers have done additional training to meet the current industry standards, have the necessary skills and training to provide quality work, and can participate in the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) that provides small-scale technology certificates (STCs).

Ongoing professional development
New technology and practices emerge all the time. SAA accredited installers and designers undertake a wide range of training as part of the CPD program and stay on top of the industry trends and requirements. 

Compliance requirements

Compliance is not just a legal obligation it’s an essential practice in this fast evolving and growing industry. It can save you time, money and stress in the long run. Understanding and applying Australian Standards and other requirements means you can do the job once and do it right - making every installation safe, reliable and high quality.

Different types of SAA accreditation  

Grid Connected Battery System (GCBS) 

This is a form of energy storage that is connected to the grid. It can be charged by a solar system or other energy source and can supply loads when the sun has gone down, and energy from the solar system is no longer available.

Grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV) System

This is an energy generation system that is connected to the grid. Photovoltaic (PV) modules (Solar panels) generate DC electricity that is turned into AC electricity using an inverter. The energy produced is used to power homes with any surplus energy sent back to the grid.

Stand-alone Power System (SPS)

SPS is an independent energy generation and storage system that has no connection to the grid. The system combines solar panels, energy storage and a backup energy source. It functions independently of the grid, providing power to homes or other types of buildings.

NOTE: A system which provides some level of energy independent from the grid but is still connected to the grid as a backup source is not deemed an SPS for the purpose of accreditation.

New to SAA and want to get accredited

visit Applications - Solar Accreditation Australia

Renewing your accreditation

login into the SAA Portal on saaustralia.com.au and press ‘Renew’ button

Do it once and do it right - Why it’s important that installations meet compliance standards.

Doing the job correctly the first time means that the installation meets the Australian Standards and other requirements, but it also means avoiding redoing the work, reducing costs, minimising risks and delivering quality service to customers.

Reminder: Stay safe on the job!

Christmas season is just around the corner. With the added pressure of year-end tasks and holiday preparations, it's easy to become distracted or rushed.

The SAA Team would like to remind you to take extra care while working. Look after yourself, follow safety procedures, and be mindful of your surroundings to avoid accidents.

Thank you for taking part in the CPD Survey

Thank you to everyone who participated in our CPD Course Development Plan survey that ran last month. We received over 800 responses, and we are analysing the feedback which will help inform the development of CPD courses over the next 12 months. We’ll be sharing a summary of the survey results in the December issue.

Course overview - Responding to Solar Tenders

• Accredited CPD Points: 20 CPD points
• Provider: Global Sustainable Energy Solutions
• Link: Responding to Solar Tenders
• About the course: While technical skills are a must in solar energy projects, soft skills are just as important when responding to tenders. A successful tender response includes effective communication, clear presentation, attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the client’s needs. In this course you’ll learn the strategies and soft skills to make your response stand out and to give yourself the best chance of success.
• Course Format: Sprint course, featuring hands-on examples and practical techniques.
• Who Should Enrol: installers, designers, project managers and businesses looking to grow their portfolio by successfully responding to tenders.

New Training Courses from October 2024

Smart Installer Roadshow 2024

Thank you to everyone who came to see us at the Smart Installer Roadshow in Brisbane and Melbourne. If you are in Perth, come and find out about getting accredited with us. The event will be held on 4 December at Mounts Bay Sailing Club. For more information and to register visit https://bit.ly/4eF10CZ .