December 2024

From our CEO, Roslyn Baker - First year of operations

As we close out our first year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the progress we've made. The Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) was established on February 29th this year to enhance the skill set and quality within the solar industry, while ensuring a positive experience for Australian households.

The SAA team has been focused on transitioning to the new Accreditation Scheme, providing essential support to all accredited individuals throughout this process. We thank our installers, designers, and stakeholders for their collaboration this year. Together, we continue to strengthen the solar industry and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our parent organisations – Master Electricians Australia and the Smart Energy Council for their steadfast support this year and ongoing assistance.

Looking ahead, SAA continues to support the solar industry and accredited individuals through our Accreditation Scheme. We will continue to improve the accreditation process, provide valuable CPD training, and push the solar sector forward to ensure excellence across the industry.

As we enter the new year, we’re excited to keep working together to advance and expand the solar sector, making it even more robust and reliable for consumers.

             Our closing days over the holiday period

AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 Essential Learning Module

As many would be aware, AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 was updated earlier this year to make it clearer, simpler, and more suited to the fast-moving world of renewable energy.

AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 was published on 23^rd August 2024 and is mandatory from 23^rd February 2025. During the 6 months transition period you may work to either the old or the new version of the Standard but cannot mix requirements from both.

To ensure all our accredited installers and designers stay compliant with the new standards, we will be releasing a compulsory Essential Learning Module. This module is designed to help installers understand the key changes in the updated standards and ensure their installations align with the new requirements.

We will email the course details to everyone in early January. To ensure you receive this important information, please check that your contact details are up to date in the SAA Portal.

Want to get SAA accredited or renew your accreditation. Check our accreditation pathways and prices here

SRES Inspections and Compliance for STC

If your solar installations are subject to small-scale technology certificates (STCs), it's important to remember that these systems are also subject to inspections under the Clean Energy Regulator’s (CER) Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) Inspection Program.

To ensure ongoing safety and proper functioning, installations may undergo SRES inspections. Compliant systems certify that solar installations meet required standards for safety, quality, and performance and qualify for STCs.

SAA also accepts and processes compliance referrals from State & Territory Electrical Regulators, scheme operators, DNSPs and consumers. For more information visit our website.

Plan your CPD Training this summer

As we approach the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to take a moment and check that you’re on track with your CPD requirements.

CPD plays an important role in maintaining and enhancing your skills, knowledge, and expertise in the industry. As an accredited professional, installers and designers need to ensure their skills are continuously developing in line with industry changes.

Completing the CPD not only helps to stay compliant with current industry standards, but it also helps to stay at the forefront of your career.

New soft skill courses for Skill Building and Wellbeing

In today's fast-paced work environment, equipping yourself with the right skills is essential. A new series of 14 courses delivered by eMatrix, offer practical knowledge in areas such as:

• workplace wellbeing
• customer behavior
• customer complaints
• stress management
• negotiations

These courses stand out for their engaging, conversational style, making complex topics easy to understand and apply in real-world situations. Designed to help handle everyday challenges -these courses help to grow and succeed. Access to the courses is through the eMatrix CPD. 

Free Industry Resource- Home Power Magazine Archive

For over 31 years, Home Power magazine played an important role in mainstreaming residential-scale renewable energy systems. Readers can find ideas, common troubleshoot challenges, and information on solar power, wind energy and other renewable technologies. All 188 issues are now available for free by registering at www.homepower.com.

 Have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year!