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August 2026

Featured image: Installer conducting a PV mid-scale solar installation on a commercial site. 

Mid-scale solar: what SRES changes mean for SAA accreditees

Earlier this month, the Government announced an expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) eligibility under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), opening the door for more mid-scale commercial and community solar projects to access small-scale technology certificates (STCs).

From 1 October 2026, subject to the required regulations being in place, solar PV systems with a total onsite capacity between 100 kilowatts (kW) and 1 megawatt (MW) will be eligible for STCs. This change is aimed at the “missing middle” including schools, hospitals, retailers, manufacturers and community organisations.

For SAA accredited installers, the change means those holding GCPV and/or SPS accreditation will be able to claim the PV component of eligible mid-scale installations under the SRES once the changes are in place.

SAA notes that mid-scale projects can involve different design, installation and compliance considerations compared with small-scale residential solar. Installers planning to take on this type of work are encouraged to complete additional CPD training focused on commercial and industrial solar installations.

There are training providers offering Commercial and Industrial solar courses, and CPD points from these courses will count towards installers’ annual CPD total.

The Clean Energy Regulator has indicated further information on eligibility requirements will be published before the changes take effect. SAA will provide further updates to accredited installers as more guidance becomes available.

Update from the Clean Energy Regulator 

We're responsible for administering the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This includes reviewing small-scale technology certificates (STC) applications and supporting compliance with scheme requirements.

Expansion of solar PV eligibility under the SRES 

On 5 August 2026, the Australian Government announced it will expand eligibility for solar PV systems from 100 kW to 1 MW. The government intends for the changes to apply to mid-scale solar installed from

1 October 2026, subject to regulations being made. Applications will not open until mid to late November 2026 when the systems and processes needed are in place. Assessment of small-scale technology certificate applications will begin after this time.

Businesses considering mid-scale solar projects are encouraged to continue planning activities ahead of commencement and retain appropriate records and documentation to support compliance with eligibility requirements once the regulations are in place. See the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s website for more information about proposed eligibility requirements.

We will publish more information regarding eligibility requirements and the application process before the changes take effect.

Read more about this change.

Our compliance and enforcement priorities

These are our compliance and enforcement priorities for 2026-27 for the Renewable Energy Target:

• Installers and retailers must provide true and correct written statements for STC claims – we will use our powers to remove installers who are found to provide false written statements.
• All SRES-eligible systems must comply with all local, state, territory and federal requirements, and we expect high rates of installer compliance with technical standards.
• Installers must ensure they have obtained all relevant compliance documentation, including critical labelling and installer onsite verification photos when claiming STCs. 

How our inspections program supports compliance

Our inspection program plays an important role in improving installation quality and protecting the integrity of the SRES. We’ve commenced our 2026-27 inspection program, with inspections underway on solar PV and battery installations across Australia.

Where inspections identify issues, installers receive an inspection report outlining the findings, the relevant requirements and any actions needed to bring the installation into compliance.

Our initial approach focuses on supporting compliance through:

• identification – clearly outlining the areas that don’t meet requirements
• education – providing information on how issues can be rectified
• corrective action – requiring installers to return to site to rectify any issues so the installation is compliant.

Most installers take the necessary steps to rectify issues and improve future installations. However, inspection findings are also used to identify patterns of repeated non-compliance, failure to rectify defects, or more serious safety or integrity concerns.

Where these issues are identified, the CER may escalate matters through our compliance monitoring and enforcement pathways. This includes increased monitoring, formal compliance action and, where warranted, suspension or removal from the scheme.

We’re currently undertaking escalated compliance action against a number of installers, including suspension processes. Suspensions and removals from our schemes may be published on the CER website.

We also work closely with SAA, inspection service providers, and state and territory regulators to support safe, compliant installations and improve industry outcomes. 

See our website for information for installers following an inspection and the solar battery inspection checklist. We also encourage you to stay up to date on installation requirements through SAA’s CPD courses and resources for common non-compliances.

Working with industry

We are committed to working with industry to support safe, high-quality installations under the SRES.

Visit the CER website for more information.

Annual Accreditee survey

Thank you to everyone who completed this year’s Annual Accreditee survey. Your feedback will help us shape improvements to SAA services, support and communications.

We will share key findings with you when they are available.

Multiple Systems at One Location exemption: application process changes

From 1 September, applications for a Multiple Systems at one Location exemption are required to be submitted online.

The new online process is designed to make applications easier to complete, with supporting guidance available on the SAA website.

Each application can include between 3 and 50 systems associated with a single-site project, such as a housing development, apartment or unit complex, retirement village or commercial development. The application fee is $665.97, including GST.

Applications can be submitted before installation or retrospectively for systems already installed and commissioned, provided the sign-off date is within the past 12 months.

For more information, visit the Installation limits page.

Request from LG Energy Solution

As you install new batteries, you may come across sites upgrading from LG Energy Solution batteries which have been available since 2016. These may be branded LG or LG Chem and may be present as internal components of battery systems branded SolaX, Opal Storage, Varta, Eguana, Red Earth or in other unbranded systems.

Where installers come across such batteries, LG asks that you please:

• Notify LG so the decommissioned battery can be collected for free recycling.
• Advise LG of the battery serial number so they can determine if it is recall-affected. If the battery is newly located and recall-affected, LG will pay a $1,000 finder fee to the installer. Additionally, the customer may be entitled to a full refund of the original price paid for the LG battery.
• If a battery is recall-affected, please immediately switch it off and contact the LG Recall Centre.

Enquiries can be directed to LG Recall at 1300 677273 or productrecall@lgensol.com.au.

Details of the LG product recalls can be located here and here.

All Energy Australia 2026:

installer registrations are now open 

Join 16,500+ industry professionals under one roof, meet 490+ leading suppliers showcasing the latest in clean energy technology and hear from 500+ expert speakers across 100+ conference sessions covering the trends, challenges and opportunities defining the sector.

Whether you are looking to discover solutions, hear from the brightest minds in the industry or build relationships that move your business forward, All Energy Australia delivers it all across two action-packed days.

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