Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)
The independent body responsible for accrediting solar installers and designers across Australia. Formerly managed by the Clean Energy Council.
2024
Established
8,000+
Accredited Installers
4
Accreditation Types
What Is SAA?
Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) is the independent accreditation body for solar installers and designers in Australia. It was established in mid-2024 when the Clean Energy Council (CEC) transferred its long-running installer accreditation program to a dedicated, standalone organisation. SAA now manages all aspects of solar professional accreditation, from initial certification through to ongoing compliance and disciplinary proceedings.
The creation of SAA reflected a broader industry push to separate accreditation oversight from industry lobbying. While the CEC continues its role as the peak body for clean energy policy and advocacy, SAA operates independently with a singular focus on maintaining installer standards, protecting consumers, and ensuring the quality of solar installations across Australia.
For homeowners, the practical impact is straightforward: your solar installer must hold current SAA accreditation for your system to be eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which provide the federal solar rebate. SAA accreditation is the successor to what was previously known as CEC accreditation.
CEC to SAA Transition
The transition from CEC accreditation to SAA happened in mid-2024. The Clean Energy Council had managed solar installer accreditation since the early days of the industry, but growing calls for independent oversight led to the creation of a standalone accreditation body.
The core reasons for the change were clear. The CEC served dual roles as both an industry advocate and an accreditation regulator, which created a perceived conflict of interest. An independent body could focus entirely on maintaining standards, investigating complaints, and enforcing compliance without balancing those duties against industry representation.
Transition Timeline
CEC announces the transfer of its accreditation program to a new independent body.
Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) formally established. All existing CEC-accredited installers automatically transferred.
SAA fully operational with its own governance, complaints process, and CPD requirements.
All new accreditation applications processed through SAA. CEC accreditation references phased out from industry documentation.
Types of Accreditation
SAA offers four accreditation categories, each covering a different area of solar installation and design.
Grid-Connect Installer
The most common accreditation type. Covers the installation of grid-connected solar panel systems on residential and commercial properties. Required for any installer working on rooftop solar that feeds into the electricity grid.
Grid-Connect Designer
Covers the design and engineering of grid-connected solar systems. Designers calculate system sizing, panel layouts, inverter selection, and ensure compliance with AS/NZS standards. Required for systems above certain size thresholds.
Standalone Power Systems
For installers working on off-grid solar systems. Covers battery-based standalone power systems used in remote properties, farms, and locations without mains grid access. Requires additional training beyond grid-connect accreditation.
Battery Endorsement
An add-on endorsement for accredited installers who install battery energy storage systems. As battery uptake grows across Australia, this endorsement is increasingly important. It covers both AC-coupled and DC-coupled battery configurations.
Why Accreditation Matters for Homeowners
SAA accreditation is not just a professional credential. It directly affects your hip pocket and your warranty coverage.
The federal solar rebate, delivered through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), is only available when your system is installed by an SAA-accredited installer. For a typical 6.6 kW system, STCs are worth roughly $2,500 to $3,500 depending on your location and the current STC price. Using a non-accredited installer means forfeiting this rebate entirely.
Beyond rebates, most solar panel and inverter manufacturers require installation by an accredited professional as a condition of their product warranty. If something goes wrong with your panels or inverter and the manufacturer discovers the system was installed by someone without accreditation, they may reject your warranty claim.
State-based rebate programs, such as those in Victoria and South Australia, also require SAA accreditation as a prerequisite. The accreditation requirement runs through virtually every financial incentive available to solar buyers in Australia.
How to Verify an Installer's Accreditation
Before signing a contract, always verify that your installer holds current SAA accreditation. The process takes less than two minutes.
- 1
Visit the SAA website
Go to solaraccreditation.com.au and navigate to the installer search tool.
- 2
Enter the installer's details
Search using the installer's name, their business name, or their SAA accreditation number if you have it.
- 3
Check accreditation type and status
Confirm they hold the right accreditation type for your installation (grid-connect installer for standard rooftop solar) and that their status shows as current.
- 4
Verify battery endorsement if needed
If your quote includes a battery, check that the installer also holds a battery endorsement. This is a separate credential on top of their base accreditation.
- 5
Confirm accreditation is current
Check the listed expiry date. Accreditation must be valid at the time your system is installed for STC eligibility.
How to Become Accredited
Becoming SAA accredited requires a combination of formal qualifications, practical experience, and an ongoing commitment to professional development. The process is designed to ensure that every accredited installer meets a consistent national standard.
The core requirements include holding an unrestricted electrical licence, completing an approved solar-specific training course (typically units within a Certificate III or IV in Electrotechnology), and passing the SAA application and assessment process. Once accredited, installers must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities each year to maintain their accreditation.
For a detailed walkthrough of the process, qualifications needed, and current costs, see our guide to becoming a solar installer.
Complaints and Disciplinary Process
SAA operates a formal complaints and disciplinary process for issues involving accredited installers. If you have experienced substandard work, misleading conduct, or a breach of the accreditation code of conduct, you can lodge a complaint directly with SAA.
Complaints can be submitted through the SAA website. You will need to provide details of the installation, the accredited installer involved, and supporting documentation such as photos, contracts, or correspondence. SAA investigates each complaint and may take a range of actions depending on the severity of the issue.
Possible Outcomes
- •Education and guidance for minor or first-time issues.
- •Formal warnings recorded against the installer.
- •Conditions or restrictions placed on accreditation.
- •Suspension of accreditation for a defined period.
- •Cancellation of accreditation for serious or repeated breaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Solar Accreditation Australia?expand_more
Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) is the independent body responsible for accrediting solar installers and designers in Australia. Established in 2024, it replaced the Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation program and now manages all installer accreditation, continuing professional development, and compliance oversight for the solar industry.
Do I need SAA accreditation to install solar?expand_more
Yes. To install solar systems that are eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which provide the upfront rebate, the installation must be designed and installed by an SAA-accredited professional. Without accreditation, the system cannot claim STCs and the homeowner misses out on thousands of dollars in rebates.
How do I verify an installer's SAA accreditation?expand_more
You can verify an installer's accreditation using the online search tool on the SAA website at solaraccreditation.com.au. Enter the installer's name, business name, or accreditation number to check their accreditation type, status, and any battery endorsement.
What happened to CEC accreditation?expand_more
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) transferred its installer accreditation program to the newly formed Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) in mid-2024. The CEC shifted its focus to policy advocacy and industry representation, while SAA took over all accreditation, training standards, and compliance functions. Existing CEC-accredited installers were transitioned to SAA accreditation automatically.
What types of SAA accreditation exist?expand_more
SAA offers four types of accreditation: Grid-Connect Installer (for standard rooftop solar), Grid-Connect Designer (for system design and engineering), Standalone Power Systems (for off-grid installations), and Battery Endorsement (an add-on for installers who work with battery storage systems).
How do I get SAA accredited?expand_more
To become SAA accredited, you need to complete an approved training course (typically a Certificate III or IV in Electrotechnology with solar-specific units), hold an unrestricted electrical licence, complete the SAA application process, and meet ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements to maintain your accreditation.
Join the Why Solar Installer Network
Get matched with qualified homeowners looking for solar quotes in your service area. Free to join. Only pay when you win work.