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December 2025

Special consideration relief for installation limits

Since the Cheaper Home Batteries Program started, we’ve taken several calls from installers and retailers who misunderstood how the daily installation limit is applied when claiming small-scale technology certificates (STCs).

Compliance with the two installations per day limit is based on the sign-off or commissioning date. No more than two systems can be signed off by an installer on any day.

To support industry, we are offering a limited-time special consideration for relief for installers who have signed off more than two installations per day.

Relief will only apply where it can be demonstrated that the installer substantively complied with installation limits for all aspects of the work, other than the commissioning/sign-off date.

Special relief is not available where an installer installed more than two systems in a day.

Further details about the special consideration process, including Rules, an information sheet and application form are available on our special consideration news page.

The relief process will apply only for certain dates and only in limited circumstances. No further relief will be offered beyond the limited-time special consideration process.

Simple video explains installation limits

Confused about the installation limit? Our video explains it in simple terms, addresses misconceptions and provides practical examples.

• For clarity, each technology counts as one installation:
  • PV system = one installation
  • Battery system = one installation
• If a PV and a battery are installed at the same address, that is two installations.

The day of sign-off is the STC claim date regardless of when the balance of the system was installed.

Update from the Clean Energy Regulator 

We are 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.

Latest priorities

Here are the latest priorities for solar battery installations under the SRES. 

New photo requirements for solar battery installations commencing on 1 March 2026

We’re implementing additional photo requirements for solar battery installations. This is to address common issues with critical labelling.

From 1 March 2026 you’ll be required to take clear, geotagged and timestamped photographs of critical labelling and signage for each solar battery installation.

We’ll require a photo of the:

• outside of the meter box(es) including all critical labelling.
• switchboard(s) and inside cover(s) including all critical labelling and shutdown procedures.
• front and sides of the solar battery showing all critical labelling.

You must provide these photos to us as part of your compliance paperwork.

These photos will complement existing mandatory on-site verification photos.

How to prepare

To prepare for this change, you should:

• review your current labelling practices against Australian standards and state or territory requirements
• amend non-compliant critical labelling for any current or previous installations
• prepare your workflow processes to capture photos of all critical labels from early 2026.

Detailed guidance on these new requirements will be published by 31 January 2026.

Working with industry

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

Visit the CER website for more information.

We're hiring:

Technical Services and Compliance Officers

Are you passionate about supporting installers and helping the solar and battery industry lift compliance standards? Do you want to use the significant knowledge and skills you’ve built to support the industry in a new way?

Solar Accreditation Australia has exciting opportunities for you to make a real impact.

Roles Available

• Full-Time Technical Services Officer
• Part-Time and Casual Technical Compliance Officers

Share your feedback: Vehicle to everything (V2X) training units for accreditation

Power Skills Organisation (PSO) is developing new training units for the installation of bi-directional electrical vehicle (EV) equipment for release in 2026.

Solar Accreditation Australia will provide an accreditation off the back of these new units, once they are part of the National Training Framework.

PSO is inviting feedback from industry professionals, stakeholders, and government representatives on the Vehicle to Everything (V2X) training product development.

These units have been developed to support electricians to safely and compliantly install bi-directional electric vehicle equipment, and address critical skills identified by the sector.

PSO values your input and encourages you to share your thoughts by completing a short survey via the link below:

👉 Have your say

Consultation closes Wednesday 11 February 2026.

For more details, please refer to the project plan and consultation strategy available on the PSO website.

Compliance protects industry and consumers

Compliance is a critical element of the Accreditation Scheme. Our compliance procedures ensure Australian Standards, SAA Guidelines and other regulations are followed and the standard of work is upheld. 

Quality work ensures that the reputation of the rooftop solar and battery storage industry is maintained so that demand for the industry remains strong. 

SAA receives compliance referrals from multiple sources, including:

• State and Territory Electrical Regulators
• Other Scheme Operators
• Industry bodies
• Consumers
• Solar Victoria audits

This information is used to assess installer compliance with:

• Technical Standards and Codes of Practice
• SAA’s Codes of Conduct
• SAA’s Technical Requirements
• The Accreditation Scheme Rules

Maintaining compliance ensures safety, protects consumers, and upholds the reputation of the rooftop solar and battery industry.

Qld offers solar rebates program for landlords

The Queensland Government has launched a program designed to help renters reduce their energy bills, by providing rebates to eligible landlords who install rooftop solar on rental properties.

The Supercharged Solar for Renters program offers a tiered rebate of up to $3,500, depending on the solar system size.

It will initially be available for properties rented for $1,000 per week or less. 

Applying for the rebate is a two-stage process including conditional approval and final approval. Applications for conditional approval and final approval of a rebate must be made by the individual owner of the rental property where the system will be installed.

For information on how the solar industry can support customers to benefit from the rebate, visit qld.gov.au/solar-for-renters-industry.

For details about eligibility requirements and application process visit Supercharged Solar for Renters.  

Season's Greetings

The team at SAA wishes you every happiness for the holiday season.

We hope you get a chance to relax with family and friends and wish you a safe and happy new year.

We look forward to working with you in 2026.

Holiday closures

The Solar Accreditation Australia team will be taking a short break from midday on Wednesday, 24 December 2025 through to Monday, 5 January 2026.

The Clean Energy Regulator will close on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen on Friday 2 January 2026.