Regulator names new rooftop solar accreditation scheme operator, as CEC hands over reins

Australia’s rooftop solar industry has a new installer and designer accreditation scheme, with Solar Accreditation Australia named as the new entity to take over its operation from the Clean Energy Council.

The Clean Energy Regulator said on Friday that the SAA was now responsible for the accreditation of electricians who install solar under the federal government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, or SRES.

Under the SRES, which offers a rebate for rooftop PV in the form of small-scale technology certificates, systems must be installed by a licenced electrician who has been specifically trained and demonstrated as capable of installing rooftop solar.

“SAA will from today become responsible for the accreditation of electricians who install small-scale solar systems incentivised by the SRES,” the regulator said on Friday.

“Accreditation adds an additional level of assurance of quality over and above state and territory requirements for electricians.”

The handover from the Clean Energy Council (CEC) to SAA completes a transfer of power kicked off following the 2021 Integrity Review of the Rooftop Solar PV Sector, which recommended – among other things – ditching the co-regulation system led by the CEC and making the CER the sole regulator.

The review found that – while the CEC had “undertaken its regulatory roles diligently over a long period” – it was difficult for it to undertake effective enforcement against accredited parties found doing the wrong thing without the statutory investigation powers of a Commonwealth regulator.

This was reiterated by the CER again this week, which noted the CEC had “played a strong part in supporting the growth of the small-scale solar industry.”

It’s role as an accreditation scheme operator, however, is now over.

​With the new scheme now in effect, the CER says all accredited installers and designers have a period of three months to transfer to SAA to remain eligible for small-scale technology certificates, or STCs.

The regulator says SAA will be supported by the CEC and the CER during this three-month transition period to ensure a smooth handover for accredited installers, the industry and for consumers.

“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,” said the CER’s Renewable Energy Target branch general manager Matthew Power.

“The small-scale rooftop solar sector has been growing in Australia with 3.1 gigawatts (GW) installed in 2023, well up from the 2.8 GW installed in 2022. We believe there is potential for ongoing growth.​

“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.”