April 2025

Provisional Accreditation Case Study moves online

As part of the recent upgrade to the SAA Portal, case studies can now be completed online. This new feature makes the accreditation process faster and easier for accreditees and gives them the ability to track their case study progress online.

The case studies are part of the provisional accreditation and need to be completed to receive full accreditation. Case study is designed to show that a person has the right level of practical skills and knowledge to do a quality solar installations before they receive full accreditation.

Online Case Study features include:

• complete your case study entirely online
• upload documents and photos from a computer or phone
• receive direct feedback from the SAA Team
• track progress of your case study in real time

We’ve created a Case Study Step-by-Step Guide to help you get familiar with the new features.

 that the case study process is in transition and will be replaced with an exam pathway. And then state that the interim process for those already in the process of completing a case study is as outlined in your email 

Reminder: Annual CPD Requirements and AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 Training

As we move through the accreditation year, this is a timely reminder for all installers and designers to check they have completed their annual CPD requirements.

To check your progress:

• Log in to the SAA Portal
• Review your CPD due date
• Confirm how many points are still needed

How do I get CPD points

CPD points can be earned by completing training through approved third-party providers listed on our website. Options are available for both online and in-person learning, covering technical knowledge and soft skills.

Mandatory Training: AS/NZS 4777.1:2024

A reminder that all accreditation holders are required to complete training on the updated AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 standard by 1 July 2025. This new standard simplifies installation processes and aligns with emerging technologies.

• This training is mandatory
• CPD points earned from this course count towards your annual total
• You can find course options here

Why do I need CPD

CPD is a core part of maintaining your accreditation. It ensures you stay informed on:

• Changes to regulations
• Shifts in industry standards
• Emerging best practices for installation and design

Make sure you’re meeting all requirements on time to avoid having your accreditation temporarily suspended.

CPD courses released in March 2025

List of CPD courses is available on our website.

Ensure all installed panels meet updated standards eligibility

A reminder for installers to check solar panels comply with the updated standards prior to install, you can confirm the version of the IEC 61215 standard the PV module was tested to by checking the label located on the back of the panel.  

As of 1 April, all new solar installations must use modules that comply with the 2021 edition of the IEC 61215 series to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs). If in doubt, please check the Clean Energy Councils approved products list to confirm eligibility.

Update to AS/NZS 4777.2 Standard

From 23 August 2025, AS/NZS 4777.2 will be updated following an amendment made by Standards Australia. Key changes include revised supply type terminology, new requirements for EV supply equipment (EVSE), and updated region C set points. 

The amendment permits bidirectional EV charging and allows EVs to function as mobile batteries, an outcome Master Electricians Australia has long advocated for.

Inverter manufacturers must update region C settings to remain on the Clean Energy Council’s approved product list. Installers should confirm inverter compliance by checking the updated list after 23 August 2025 at the CEC website. 

COMING SOON

Online Accreditation Entry Assessment will be available from June

We understand that completing a case study isn’t always practical for every applicant seeking accreditation. That's why the case study process is currently undergoing a transition and will be replaced by an exam-based pathway which is more flexible. From June 2025, we will be introducing the Online Accreditation Entry Assessment.

The assessment is designed to evaluate your foundational knowledge, skills, and understanding of the relevant Australian Standards for the type of accreditation you’re applying for. It removes the need for a case study and offers a faster route to becoming fully accredited.

How the Assessment works

• Read the relevant key learning material provided

• Complete multiple-choice questions based on the content

• Your responses are marked automatically, so you’ll know straight away if you’ve passed

• You’ll have up to three attempts to pass the assessment

Who can access this accreditation pathway

Anyone applying for new accreditation from April onward, and those who have a case study due after June 2025, will have the option to complete the online accreditation assessment once it goes live. For those who are already working on a case study the interim options are outlined in the email they have been sent. 

We will provide more information about the Accreditation Entry Assessment in the next issues of the newsletter.

SAA attended the Smart Energy Expo 2025

We were excited to take part in the Smart Energy Conference, where we spoke about how our CPD program helps SAA accreditees build their skills and stay up to date with the latest industry knowledge.

We also had the pleasure of presenting the Training Excellence Award to the Solar Training Centre for their great work in delivering high-quality solar training.

photo: Thomas Seymour (SAA), Steve Kostoff and Caz Saunders (Solar Training Center), Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki