Solar Accreditation Australia (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 and focuses only on installer standards, consumer protection and 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.

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 main reason was a perceived conflict of interest. The CEC served dual roles as both an industry advocate and an accreditation regulator. An independent body could focus entirely on maintaining standards, investigating complaints, and enforcing compliance without balancing those duties against industry representation.

SAA offers four accreditation categories, each covering a different area of solar installation and design.

SAA accreditation decides two things a homeowner cares about: the rebate and the warranty.

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 $1,482 to $2,014 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.

Before signing a contract, always verify that your installer holds current SAA accreditation. The process takes less than two minutes.

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.

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.