SAA, Solar Accreditation Australia, is the body that accredits solar installers and designers for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. This page covers how to get there and what it costs.
The steps
- Hold the electrical licence. Installer accreditation sits on top of a current unrestricted electrical licence from your state. See electrical licence requirements by state for the starting point.
- Complete approved training. Choose the course for your accreditation type: grid-connected solar PV, battery storage, stand-alone power systems, or design. Training providers run these as short courses, often combining theory and practical work.
- Gather the documents. SAA asks for photo ID, a selfie, your training certificate, your electrical licence number and expiry, working safely at heights evidence and a public liability certificate of currency for installer accreditation.
- Apply and pay. You apply to SAA and pay the application fee. Provisional accreditation is available for new installers while they build experience.
- Keep it current. Accreditation lapses without renewal and professional development. See SAA accreditation renewal and CPD.
What SAA accreditation costs
There are two parts: SAA’s fees and the training. Fees reported at SAA’s launch in March 2024 were $181.50 for provisional accreditation, $605 for full accreditation valid for three years and $759 for renewal. Those are reported figures and could have moved, so confirm on SAA’s site. Training costs depend on the provider and the course and are usually the larger bill. Then add the cost of any battery or stand-alone endorsement; see battery and SPS accreditation.
Installer, designer or both
You can hold design-only, install-only or both. If you are a one-person business doing everything, you probably need both. The difference is explained in SAA designer vs installer.
Why it is worth doing properly
Without current accreditation, installs cannot support an STC claim. Installers also need it for state and federal programs that require an accredited person, including the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. The SAA accreditation overview explains the link to claims, and solar accreditation Australia: how to apply goes deeper on the application.
From the desk: apply for accreditation before you buy stock or sign a sales contract. We see new businesses install first and find the accreditation gap when the claim bounces.
What this means for installers
Treat accreditation as a cost of doing business and budget for it in your start-up costs. Once you are accredited and installing, start trading to set up STC settlement, and see pricing for the current published rate. More on the installers hub.