Queensland-headquartered Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) has been given the nod by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) as the operator for the installer and designer accreditation scheme supporting the small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
According to CER, the newly established not-for-profit entity replaces the Clean Energy Council (CEC), which served in this role for the past decade. The CEC’s accreditation services have ceased, and the transition to SAA is now in effect.
SAA, an independent and accountable body, aims to enhance standards, transparency, and accountability in the solar energy sector. Accredited installers and designers under SRES must transfer to SAA by June 2024 to maintain eligibility for small-scale technology certificates. The transition incurs no fee, and existing CEC accreditation expiry dates and fees are honoured.
CER’s Renewable Energy Target branch General Manager, Matthew Power, expressed anticipation in collaborating with SAA to ensure ongoing improvement in the training and performance of accredited installers.
“Consumers and businesses who are increasingly turning to rooftop solar to control their energy bills can remain confident that accredited installers and designers have the necessary training and skills,” Power said.
“We look forward to working with SAA to both maintain and continue to improve the training and performance of accredited installers for high quality installations.”
CEC Chief Executive Kane Thornton said he is proud of the role that the Clean Energy Council played in supporting Australia’s solar industry and world-leading uptake of rooftop solar over the past 16 years.
“Rooftop solar plays a critical role in our clean energy transition. In 2024, approximately one in three Australian households have solar systems installed,” Thornton said.
“I would like to congratulate Solar Accreditation Australia on their successful application and appointment to this new role.”
The rooftop solar sector in Australia witnessed significant growth, reaching 3.1 GW installed in 2023, up from 2.8 GW in 2022, with prospects for continued expansion.
Installers and designers are encouraged to refer to the CER website for further information during the transition period.
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