Accrediting the professionals shaping Australia's distributed energy future
Solar Accreditation Australia inspires confidence in small-scale renewable technologies by offering credentials that support quality workmanship, customer service, safety, and ongoing learning.
For Consumers
We empower consumers to confidently choose accredited professional who deliver reliable support for their renewable energy needs.
We’ve put together some helpful resources and information to help you navigate the process of having solar products installed. If you have any questions, our SAA Team will be happy to help you.
What rebates are available?
There are a range of national and state-based incentives available to help Australians switch to renewable energy.
At the federal level, the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides upfront discounts on eligible solar installations through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). A new Cheaper Home Batteries rebate is also launching from 1 July 2025, offering up to 30% off battery systems.
Many states and territories offer additional support, including rebates, interest-free loans, and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) participation payments. These can often be combined with federal incentives for even greater savings.
Click below to view full rebate info for your state and eligibility details.
Is my installer accredited?
Only accredited installers and designers can sign off STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) under SRES and participate in other state based rebate programs.
You can check an installer’s current accreditation status using the SAA public lookup tool, by entering their name or accreditation number.
Click below to verify your installer’s accreditation.
Make a complaint
If you believe an accredited installer or designer has breached Code of Conducts, SAA Requirements, or failed to meet their obligations, you can lodge a formal complaint with Solar Accreditation Australia.
Complaints can relate to unsafe installations, non-compliance, or misconduct.
What is SAA Accreditation?
Accreditation serves as the trusted benchmark for competency and expertise in the small-scale renewable sector. It reflects the high quality technical skills and ongoing commitment to learning and professional responsibility.
Any individual who wishes to design or install Grid Connected PV systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Systems (GCBS) or Stand Alone Power Systems (SPS), must be accredited under the SAA Scheme in order to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
In addition, many state-based rebate programs require the installer to be an Accredited Person.
The Accreditation Process
1 - Apply
1. Submit necessary documents:
- Photo ID,
- Photo of yourself
Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency, including the expiry date*
- *Design only applicants may instead provide a Professional Indemnity Insurance Certificate of Currency, including the expiry date
- Statement of Attainment (SOA) from an RTO for relevant accreditation type, with the date of completion within 2 years of the application date.
- Additional requirements for Accreditation “Install” applicants (not required for “Design” applicants):
- Electrical license number and expiry date
- Working Safely at Heights certification (not required for “GCBS” applicants)
The Statement of Attainment shows that the required units of competency have been gained by the applicant. This required units of competency page on our website shows what the Units of Competency installers need to meet (i.e. what their statement of attainment needs to confirm) when they submit their application to us.
2. Pay the Application Fee
2 - Sit Accreditation Exam
Once your documents have been reviewed and approved, you’ll be sent a link to complete the Accreditation Exam via the CPD Hub. This open-book exam assesses your knowledge of the relevant Australian Standards and technical requirements for Grid-Connect PV (GCPV), Grid-Connected Battery Systems (GCBS), or Stand-Alone Power Systems (SPS).
3 - Receive Accreditation
Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to pay a Registration Fee to receive an accreditation number. You can sign off STC claim forms.
4 - Annual CPD Training
To keep your accreditation active, you must complete 100 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points every 12 months and required mandatory training. This ensures you stay up to date with standard and regulatory changes that effect the industry and common compliance issues that are identified through the compliance inspection program.
You can view your CPD points in the My SAA portal.
Browse and complete accredited CPD courses via the CPD Hub or from SAA-approved training providers.
Accreditation Types
SAA Accreditation is therecognised benchmark for competency and expertise in the small-scale renewable sector. Accreditations provide independent and nationally portable ways to communicate your technical competence, specialised knowledge and ongoing professional development.
GCPV
Grid-Connected Photovoltaics
This is an energy generation system that is connected to the grid. Photovoltaic (PV) modules (Solar panels) generate DC electricity that is turned into AC electricity using an inverter. The energy produced is used to power homes with any surplus energy sent back to the grid.
The GCPV accreditation is a certification for installing PV modules, inverters, and connecting them to the grid.
The following accreditation types are available:
- Design only
- Install only
- Design and Install
GCBS
Grid-Connected Battery Storage
This is a form of energy storage that is connected to the grid. Under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a battery system connected to the grid/network must be designed & installed by a GCBS accreditee, to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
The following accreditation types are available:
- Design only
- Install only (note: this Accreditation Type is only available as an ‘Additional Accreditation Type’ to an existing GCPV Design & Installation accreditation (i.e. not as a first accreditation). Note the prerequisite units required).
- Design and Install
SPS
Stand-alone Power Systems
SPS is an independent energy generation and storage system that has no connection to the grid. The system combines solar panels, energy storage and a backup energy source. It functions independently of the grid, providing power to homes or other types of buildings.
Under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a battery system that forms part of a Stand-alone Power System must be designed & installed by a SPS accreditee, to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
The following accreditation types are available:
- Design only
- Install only
- Design and Install
CPD Hub
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential to maintaining accreditation and support the integrity of the renewable energy industry. It helps to stay up to date with current standards, regulations, and best practices. Compliance is a key part of our CPD program, helping to maintain high levels of quality and safety across the sector.
Courses include
Mandatory training that covers common compliance issues identified through the compliance inspection programs.
CPD Requirements
To support well-rounded professional growth, SAA has separated CPD into multiple categories. This structure encourages accredited installers and designers to stay sharp on compliance, build practical skills through structured training, and continue learning through self-directed activities.
Mandatory Modules
Critical information needed to ensure your work is up to current standards and best practices.
- Essential Training on AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 (20 CPD points) – ALL accreditation holders must complete by 30 September
- Program Parallel Earth & Neutral Connections and Fire Barrier Requirements & Habitable Rooms – ALL GCBS and SPS accreditation holders must complete by 30 June 2026
- These modules also award CPD points
Annual CPD
Learning pathways to improve skillsets across business, service, marketing, product & more.
Upskill in areas including:
- Business Sustainability
- Customer Service and Communication
- Project Management
- Health, Safety and Risk Management
- Sales and Marketing
Impacting the energy industry
Aligned to industry needs.
We work closely with industry to uplift quality and standards.
We identify key areas for improvement and developing targeted CPD training to improve compliance. This collaborative approach ensures that accredited professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices to support a more reliable renewable energy sector.
Partners include:
- Clean Energy Regulator (CER)
- State Government Agencies
- Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs)
SAA Accredited Training Courses
Gaining SAA accreditation for your course signals that it’s a trusted, CPD-recognised learning opportunity within the renewable energy sector. It makes it easier for accredited installers, designers, and other professionals to discover and engage with your content as they work to upskill and meet their ongoing training requirements – ultimately helping lift the standard, safety, and quality of the entire industry.
All courses must remain current and relevant.
Please read the CPD Training Accreditation Process and Training and Assessment Plan And Checklist documents below before applying for course accreditation.
Find more info on course requirements, pricing and how to apply at the link below.
Host Your Course on CPD Hub
FAQs
How do I gain SAA accreditation if I’m new?
1. Apply online
Submit your application form, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee. We’ll review your submission to confirm eligibility and training requirements.
2. Complete the accreditation exam
If approved, you’ll be invited to sit an open-book exam via CPD Hub. This assessment also includes completing any mandatory modules that are required for accreditation type you are applying. The exam assesses your knowledge of the relevant Australian Standards and technical requirements for your chosen scope.
3. Activate your accreditation
Once you pass the exam, pay the Registration fee and receive your SAA accreditation number and a certificate.
4. Stay current with CPD
To keep your accreditation active each year, you’ll need to complete 100 CPD points and mandatory training every 12 months.
What does Accreditation cost?
First Accreditation (GCPV, GCBS, SPS) $715.00*
(1-year period)
Application Fee $598.95*
Registration Fee $116.05*
Additional Accreditation (GCPV, GCBS) $715.00*
Application Fee $598.95*
Registration Fee $116.05*
Additional Accreditation (SPS) $355.00*
Application Fee $250.00*
Registration Fee $105.00*
What is CPD?
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) ensures all accredited installers and designers stay up to date with current standards, technologies, and industry practices. To maintain your accreditation, you must complete 100 CPD points each year and required mandatory modules every 12 months. CPD points gained from completing mandatory modules go towards your 100 CPD points annual total.
How does the CPD cycle work and how do I track points?
The CPD year starts on the same day you become accredited. You can track your CPD points in the My SAA portal. CPD courses can be completed through the CPD Hub or SAA-accredited training providers.
Ready for SAA Accreditation?
Apply below to start your journey.
