Solar Accreditation Australia
Accreditation with the Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) recognises people who have undertaken the necessary training to design and install solar, batteries and other renewable energy systems.
Solar Accreditation Australia – Accreditation Pathways Trade-Based Training
GRID CONNECT PV SYSTEM (GCPV) ACCREDITATION
| Accreditation Type | Unrestricted Electrical Licence Required | PV System Knowledge – Required Units of Competency | Unit Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCPV (Grid Connect PV System) Design | No | UEERE0051* | Apply electrical principles to renewable energy design |
| UEERE0054 | Conduct site survey for grid-connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems | ||
| UEERE0061 | Design grid-connected photovoltaic power supply systems | ||
| GCPV(Grid Connect PV System) Install | Must hold an unrestricted electrical licence | UEERE0054 | Conduct site survey for grid-connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems |
| UEERE0080 | Install photovoltaic power conversion equipment to grid | ||
| UEERE0081 | Install photovoltaic systems to power conversion equipment | ||
| GCPV(Grid Connect PV System) Design & Install | Must hold an unrestricted electrical licence | UEERE0054 | Conduct site survey for grid-connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems |
| UEERE0061 | Design grid-connected photovoltaic power supply systems | ||
| UEERE0080 | Install photovoltaic power conversion equipment to grid | ||
| UEERE0081 | Install photovoltaic systems to power conversion equipment |
*If you are an Electrical Engineer or an Electrician you don’t need to do UEERE0051. But if you are not an Electrical Engineer or an Electrician then you need to complete UEERE0051, as this unit covers basic electrical principles for doing this course.
GRID CONNECT BATTERY STORAGE (GCBS) ACCREDITATION
| Accreditation Type | Unrestricted Electrical Licence Required | PV System Knowledge – Required Units of Competency | Unit Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCBS(Grid Connect Battery Storage) Design | No | UEERE0051* | Apply electrical principles to renewable energy design |
| UEERE0054 | Conduct site survey for grid-connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems | ||
| UEERE0060 | Design grid-connected battery storage systems | ||
| GCBS(Grid Connect Battery Storage) Install | Must hold an unrestricted electrical licence | UEERE0054 | Conduct site survey for grid-connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems |
| UEERE0077 | Install battery storage equipment to grid | ||
| UEERE0078 | Install battery storage to power conversion equipment | ||
| GCBS(Grid Connect Battery Storage) Design & Install | Must hold an unrestricted electrical licence | UEERE0054 | Conduct site survey for grid-connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems |
| UEERE0060 | Design grid-connected battery storage systems | ||
| UEERE0077 | Install battery storage equipment to grid | ||
| UEERE0078 | Install battery storage to power conversion equipment |
*If you are an Electrical Engineer or an Electrician you don’t need to do UEERE0051. But if you are not an Electrical Engineer or an Electrician then you need to complete UEERE0051, as this unit covers basic electrical principles for doing this course.
SAA – ACCREDITATION PATHWAYS UNIVERSITY-BASED TRAINING (NON ELECTRICIANS)
Applicants must provide proof of satisfactory completion of the university modules listed below.
| University | Accreditation type | University module / core unit |
|---|---|---|
| Murdoch University | SPS Design Only | ENG351 + ENG352 + ENG307 or ENG337 + ENG338 + ENG339 or PEN590 |
| GCPV Design Only | ENG421 or ENG442 (ne code post 2016) |
|
| University of NSW | SPS Design Only | SOLA4012 or SOLA9007 |
| GCPV Design Only | SOLA4012 or SOLA9007 |
|
| Curtin University | SPS Design Only | Renewable Energy Principles 301/603 or ELEN3004 (v.1) /ELEN6013 (v.1) or Renewable Energy Systems 402/604 or ELEN4006 (v.1) |
| GCPV Design Only | Renewable Energy Principles 301/603 or ELEN3004 (v.1) /ELEN6013 (v.1) or Renewable Energy Systems 402/604 or ELEN4006 (v.1) |
|
| Tafe NSW | GCPV Design Only | AEEGY101A |
FAQ – Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)
WHAT IS ‘SOLAR ACCREDITATION AUSTRALIA'(SAA)?
SAA is an autonomous, non-profit organisation founded to satisfy the requirements of the solar workforce and promote best practices. SAA’s goal is to maintain excellent standards in the solar industry.
HOW DO I GET ACCREDITATED WITH SAA?
For a new accreditation or a transfer of accreditation, you can apply here: Apply for accreditation – Solar Accreditation Australia (saaustralia.com.au)
WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO COMPLETE AN APPLICATION?
- Name, address and contact details.
- Business details including ABN/ACN (as applicable).
- Proof of identification (for example, driver’s licence).
- Current electrical licence number (if you hold grid-connect install accreditation).
- Current Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation number and expiry date (only for transfer applications).
- Current picture of yourself (a selfie is acceptable).
- Any information on outstanding compliance or rectification works.
- Working at heights certificate.
- A copy of your certificate of currency for public liability insurance.
- A statement of attainment for units of competency completed.
WHAT TRAINING/COURSES DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE APPLYING FOR ACCREDITATION?
SAA accreditation pathways can be found here.
DOES SAA HAVE AN INSTALLER LOOKUP?
Yes, the SAA website has an accredited installer lookup page where you can find installers that are approved by SAA in your state.
WHAT IS THE FEE STRUCTURE?
As of March 2024, the fees on the SAA website are as follows :
- Provisional accreditation: $181.50
- Full accreditation(valid for 3 years): $605
- Renewal(valid for 3 years): $759
Information on the latest fees is available, here.
WHAT IS THE NEW ACCREDITATION EXAM FOR SOLAR ACCREDITATION AUSTRALIA?
Effective July 1, 2025, Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) is replacing the traditional case study with an online, multiple-choice Accreditation Exam for individuals seeking accreditation.
WHY IS SOLAR ACCREDITATION AUSTRALIA CHANGING ITS ASSESSMENT CRITERIA?
The SAA is implementing this change to enhance the integrity of its accreditation scheme, ensuring that installers possess core knowledge and competency, eliminating the need for a provisional accreditation period, and offering a faster, more flexible path to full accreditation.
WHAT FORMAT DOES THE ACCREDITATION EXAM TAKE?
The Accreditation Exam is an online, multiple-choice test accessible via the Solar Accreditation Australia CPD Hub. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions tailored to your chosen accreditation scope (GCPV, GCBS, or SPS).
WHAT KNOWLEDGE WILL THE ACCREDITATION EXAM ASSESS?
The exam assesses your understanding of key Australian Standards and best practices relevant to solar and battery installations, focusing on real-world knowledge you’ll use on the job every day. Installers should be prepared to answer questions based on the Australian Standards for their selected accreditation scope.
HOW LONG DOES THE ACCREDITATION EXAM TAKE, AND WHAT IS THE PASSING SCORE?
You are estimated to complete the exam within 60-90 minutes, with a maximum allowed time of 120 minutes. A score of 80% or above is required to pass.
HOW MANY ATTEMPTS DO I GET FOR THE ACCREDITATION EXAM, AND WHAT IS THE TIMEFRAME?
You are provided with three attempts to pass the exam. Each attempt must be completed within a one-month timeframe.
HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY RESULTS FOR THE ACCREDITATION EXAM?
Results are delivered instantly, providing real-time feedback upon completion of the exam.
CAN I USE RESOURCES DURING THE ACCREDITATION EXAM? IS IT AN OPEN BOOK?
Yes, the Accreditation Exam is an open-book test. You will need to refer to the relevant Australian Standards to answer the questions.
DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE ACCREDITATION EXAM IN ONE SITTING?
Yes, you need to complete the Accreditation Exam in one sitting.
WHERE CAN I FIND RESOURCES TO PREPARE FOR THE ACCREDITATION EXAM?
All learning and preparation resources for the Accreditation Exam will be accessible through the Solar Accreditation Australia CPD Hub. Installers are strongly encouraged to obtain a copy of the Australian Standards relevant to the accreditation scope they are seeking and review their training material to ensure they understand the appropriate standards.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT AFTER COURSE COMPLETION WITHIN WHICH SAA ACCREDITATION HAS TO BE OBTAINED?
As long as the Statement of Attainment contains the accepted national training units as listed on their website See Here. The individual will be eligible to apply for accreditation. It is up to the individuals themselves when they wish to apply for accreditation, we recommend at the earliest convenience.
For more questions please see SAA FAQ page.
Visit the SAA website to learn how to become a Solar Accreditation Australia accredited installer and access information on guidelines, standards, continuous professional development and more.