It's time to transition to Solar Accreditation Australia, the new accreditation provider for installers & designers.
On 29 February 2024, the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) approved Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) as the new installer and designer accreditation scheme operator (ASO) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Simply apply with SAA on saaustralia.com.au by 29 May 2024 or earlier if your expiry date is before then, to remain eligible for STCs.
Information needed:
The CER undertook a rigorous application and evaluation process to approve SAA as the new accreditation scheme operator.
After operating for over 16 years as an administrator, the CEC chose not to apply to be an accreditation scheme operator and its services have now ceased. The CEC deeply considered how our technical experts can best support the industry amid complex and competing priorities including standards changes and regulatory reforms.
Transitioning out of the role of administering accreditation will now allow the CEC to focus on strong advocacy for the solar industry as well as increased support for installers to ensure they have access to quality training, that they are kept up to date on latest industry developments and that they feel supported to navigate the complex industry standards and requirements.
Over the past few months we have worked closely behind the scenes with the CER and SAA to ensure a smooth handover of this function for the benefit of accredited installers, the rooftop solar industry and for consumers.
The next three months is crucial for the accreditation handover and the CEC is committed to continuing its support to industry.
Further information for installers and designers is available on the CER website.
We are proud of the role we have played in building robust installer and accreditation programs, alongside administering the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) program for retailers and product listing program for manufacturers.
The rooftop solar industry in Australia is world-leading and over the past 16 years our CEC team have played a critical role in upholding the regulatory framework to drive industry best practice and improve behaviour to ensure customers are treated fairly and honestly.
Together with the industry, we have been building significant social license with communities as they benefit from power bill savings.
Application acceptance cut-off date | |
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Scenario 1: New/Provisional/additional components | (Previously: 12 January 2024) Applications closed |
Scenario 2: Upgrade | (Previously: 22 December 2023) Applications closed |
Scenario 3: Upgrade additional component | (Previously: 22 December 2023) Applications closed |
Scenario 4: Renewals due before Feb 2024 | (Previously: 25 January 2024) Applications closed |
Scenario 5: Month-by-month extension | (Previously: 25 January 2024) Applications closed |
The CEC ensured installers and designers were able to work through the transition with minimal impact. To support the industry the CEC will offered significantly discounted application fees across multiple scenarios. Here is are the fee changes that was were offered.
Fees prior to Nov 2023 | Revised fee effective November | |
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Scenario 1: New/Provisional/additional components No change as accreditation is valid for 3 months or until April, whichever is longer. | $182 incl. GST ($165 + GST) | Remains unchanged |
Scenario 2: Upgrade $50 for every month of accreditation until April 2024. | $605 incl. GST ($550 + GST) | November 2023 $250 incl. GST ($227.27 + GST) December 2023 & January 2024 $200 incl. GST |
Scenario 3: Upgrade additional component | $209 incl. GST | $200 incl. GST |
Scenario 4: Renewals due before Feb 2024 $22 for every month of accreditation until April 2024. | $264 incl. GST | November 2023 $110 incl. GST December 2023 $88 incl. GST January & February 2024 $66 incl. GST |
Scenario 5: Month-by-month extension | $132 per month | $66 per month ($60 + GST) |