January 2025

Complete the AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 Essential Learning Module

Today we released the AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 Essential Learning Module. The information covered in the module is key in ensuring that all accreditation holders stay up to date with the latest industry standards. This new module is a mandatory requirement for maintaining your SAA accreditation.

• Solar Accreditation Australia has partnered with the Smart Energy Council to deliver the Essential Learning module on the Smart Installer Learning Platform.
• The AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 standard will become mandatory on February 23, 2025.
• All SAA accreditation holders are required to complete the Essential Learning Module to familiarise themselves with these new requirements.
• There is a fee of $31.00 (GST incl) for this module payable upon access. The fee covers the course development and delivery.
• Upon completion 20 CPD points will go towards the annual CPD requirement.
• All SAA accreditation holders are required to complete the module by April 23, 2025.

The updated AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 standard addresses critical industry needs and reflects the integration of emerging technologies. It aims to simplify the installation process, reduce complexity, and provide clearer guidelines to make it easier for installers to follow the correct procedures.

The module is available on our website and via the email that was sent to all accreditation holders today. 

What is covered in the SAA AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 Essential Learning Module

This module is a condensed version of the full six-part series on the AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 standard, focusing on the key points that are most relevant to ensuring your installations meet the new requirements.

The module is divided into six 10-minute sections, each followed by a short quiz. This structure allows you to easily digest the material in manageable chunks. The total time for completing the module is approximately 90 minutes, and it can be done in one go or broken up into smaller sessions at your convenience.

The SAA Essential Learning Module highlights the major changes to the AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 standard, and it covers a variety of critical updates that directly impact the installation and design processes. These include:

• Supply types – supply types have been split into 4 categories, supplementary, substitute, alternative and independent. The standard provides guidance on the different installation/safety requirements for each supply type, ensuring installers understand the differences for each and when they are applicable.
  
  
• Interface protection and multiple inverter installations – interface protection (previously known as central protection) has been changed to systems with an IES greater than 200kva. Installations with multiple inverters and isolation switches has been clarified and clearly articulated in the standard, providing installation clarity for installers.
  
  
• EV and EV Supply Equipment requirements – this has been added to AS/NZS4777.1:2024 and now provides installers with direction when connecting/installing EV chargers and/or EV supply equipment with reverse power flow capabilities.
  
  
• Inverter power sharing devices – this has been added to the standard to ensure new technology emerging in industry can be installed safely.
  
  
• Inverter Energy System (IES) installation verification – provides important information to ensure system testing/verification has been undertaken correctly, highlighting key areas of concern for industry when installing complex systems.

 Additional points to note for the implementation of AS/NZS 4777.1:2024:

• AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 will become mandatory from February 23, 2025. That means all parts of this standard shall be complied with and AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 will no longer be recognised as an installation standard.
  
  
• The 600v d.c domestic voltage limit has been removed. 1000v d.c for domestic and 1500v d.c for other electrical installations are the new limitations as per AS/NZS 5033:2021 Cl 3.1. Ensure to confirm the max d.c input voltage of the inverters you are installing when exceeding 600v d.c.
  
  
• There have been many changes to labelling requirements throughout the standard – review appendix A for examples of signs and clausal references. Be sure to seek correct labels from your supplier to ensure compliance.
  
  
• Appendix B works through voltage rise calculations, this is important to ensure grid stability and compliance of your AC cable between the inverter and point of supply as per Cl 3.3.3. Most DNSP’s require this as part of the connection approval process.
  
  
• When reviewing clauses, be sure to cross reference AS/NZS 3000:2018 definitions. If a definition is listed in AS/NZS 3000:2018 it will not be repeated in AS/NZS 4777.1:2024.

CPD points – Accreditation Renewals Coming Up: A Friendly Reminder

As we approach the anniversary of many installers’ initial SAA accreditation, it’s time to check your Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points status in the SAA Portal. This is an important reminder that CPD points are crucial to maintain your SAA accreditation, and many of will reach the one-year mark since getting accredited.

To maintain SAA Accreditation, SAA accredited installers must complete a minimum of 100 CPD points every 12 months for three consecutive years. Regularly completing CPD courses is essential not only to stay accredited but also to keep pace with industry trends and emerging requirements. What you need to do:

• Check your CPD points - in your SAA Portal for how many points are due and the date.
• Submit your certificates - if you’ve already completed your CPD courses but haven’t submitted your certificates of completion, please log into your SAA Portal to upload them.
• Complete your CPD points - check out available courses here.

SAA has started emailing reminders to those who are yet to complete their 100 CPD points before their 12 months accreditation cycle.

CPD Development Plan Survey Results

In October 2024, we conducted a survey of all SAA installers and designers to gather valuable insights into the operation of our CPD program. We are pleased to see strong participation, giving us valuable feedback that will help shape the future of our CPD offering.

The survey showed that most of you prefer online CPD courses, with key areas of interest for future training including:

• Technical training
• Standards updates
• Emerging technologies like EV charging regulations.

Here are some key areas that stood out:

• Course Relevance: a strong preference for courses that are closely aligned with the current needs and challenges in the solar industry.
• Accessibility for Remote Areas: the importance of making courses accessible to installers and designers in regional or remote locations.
• Time Commitment: some of you noted the excessive time requirements for certain courses, indicating a preference for shorter, more focused training sessions.
• Course Quality: a call for higher-quality content that is both informative and practical.
• Online Options: the continued preference for online courses, making learning more flexible and accessible.

Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us. We will use the survey findings to inform our ongoing improvement of the CPD program.

Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions

How do I upload CPD points to my SAA Portal?

• Login into SAA Portal with your credentials from saaustralia.com.au 
• Click CPD Points in right side menu panel.  
• Submitted CPD must be valid and match your accreditation cycle.  

Please allow up to 3 business days for the points to be reviewed and allocated. 

How do I upload a Statement of Attainments if it is missing from my accreditation order?

You can email it to accreditation@saacreditation.com.au. Once received, we will process it and add it to your accreditation order.

What do I need to know when applying for an accreditation add-on?

To be eligible for an accreditation add-on, the national training units for each accreditation type must be completed within the last two years. This information is shown on the Statement of Attainment (SOA) included in the application. 

How can I contact the SAA Compliance Team?

To get in touch with a member of our Compliance Team, simply email compliance@saaustralia.com.au with the details of your query. We will respond to you within 3 business days.

Can I get a copy of the installer list?
We do not provide installer lists. Instead, you can search by installer name or accreditation number to find the information you need.

Check out our FAQ section on the website for more information.