September 2024

Welcome to the first issue of the Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) monthly newsletter. Here we bring you the latest updates on the accreditation, compliance process and available training courses. 

SAA is the Accreditation Scheme Operator for over 9,500 renewable energy installers and designers. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality and reliability of solar installations across the industry. Our mission is to support a growing workforce to deliver smart energy solutions for Australian households and businesses. 

ACCREDITATION

At SAA, our accreditation process is designed to validate that your practices meet quality and safety standards. SAA Accredited designers and installers are eligible for the CER’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, to claim small-scale technology certificates (STCs) and other state-based rebate programs.

Why is SAA Accreditation Important

What you need to know about the SAA Accreditation

• A three-year accreditation period.

• Individuals need to complete 100 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points every 12 months for the duration of that period.

• Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) Inspections are conducted throughout the year by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) to ensure installers stay up-to-date with changing regulations and standards.

• Not meeting annual CPD requirements leads to expired accreditation.

• Accreditation can get re-activated once the 100 CPD points are reached, to allow access to Scheme and state-based rebates.

How to Get Accredited

COMPLIANCE

Compliance is crucial for ensuring that solar installations meet regulatory requirements and operational safely.

💡   Tips - How to respond if you receive an inspection report from the CER

• Carefully read each non-compliance listed in the report to ensure you understand.

• If you disagree with the findings of the inspection you have a 14 day right of reply to question the findings with the inspection company.

• Return to the site and rectify ALL the non-compliances listed in the report.

• Don’t wait to get contacted by SAA, get onto to fixing the non-compliance right away!

• Take photos of before and after to show how the non-compliance was rectified.

• Make sure to save photos so you can share them easily as SAA may ask for Proof of Rectification (PoR).

• Non-compliance rectified and resolved quickly – you can get on with your work.

 🛠️   Compliance Trends

Ground lugs and Thin PV Module Compliance

Incorrect installation of the ground lugs can lead to electrical hazards and may even be a fire hazard. The CER has upgraded this non-compliance to ‘Unsafe’ so don’t get caught out.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

CPD program is designed to boost installers and designers’ knowledge and skills in the solar industry. We work with providers to offer a wide range of learning opportunities, from in person workshops to online courses and anything in between tailored to meet the evolving needs of solar professionals.

Individuals need to complete 100 CPD points each year over the three consecutive years to be SAA accredited.

New CPD program offers

We will regularly share the newly released CPD programs to keep you updated on what training is available. Here are some of the latest programs rolled out in August and September that cover key areas that are crucial for all industry professionals. 

Enrolling into a CPD course is easy. Search for a course you’d like to do on saaustralia.com.au/courses and enrol on the individual training provider pages.

ALL ENERGY CONFERENCE

If you are planning to attend the All Energy Conference held on 23 - 24 October in Melbourne, make sure to pop by stand H115. Come and see us to discover how SAA can help you stay ahead in the solar industry! 

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