Who accredits the people who install your solar, who approves the equipment, and the standards every installation in Western Australia has to meet
Until 2024, the Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited Australia's solar installers and designers. On 29 February 2024 the Clean Energy Regulator appointed Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) as the new accreditation body, and existing installers had to move their accreditation across to SAA by 29 May 2024.
So if you read an older guide that says “use a CEC-accredited installer,” the body has changed but the idea hasn't: installer and designer accreditation is now issued by SAA, and it's SAA accreditation that makes a system eligible for the federal rebate (STCs).
The CEC hasn't gone anywhere. It's still the industry's peak body and still runs the approved-products lists for the panels, inverters and batteries your system is allowed to use.
Required for STCs
Only SAA-accredited installers and designers can create Small-scale Technology Certificates, the federal incentive that brings down the up-front cost of your system
Safety and quality assurance
SAA accreditation confirms an installer has completed approved training and meets rigorous safety and competency standards
Warranty protection
Many manufacturers require installation by an SAA-accredited professional for their product warranties to stay valid
Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) is the body appointed by the Clean Energy Regulator to accredit solar installers and designers under the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). It took over this role from the Clean Energy Council on 29 February 2024. Accreditation confirms an installer or designer has completed approved training and demonstrated competency, and it is mandatory for creating the STCs that discount your system.
Accredited to install grid-connected solar PV systems. This is the accreditation that lets an installer sign off an STC-eligible installation.
Accredited to design grid-connected solar PV systems up to 100kW. Every STC-eligible system needs an accredited design behind it.
Accredited to design and install off-grid solar and battery systems for properties without a grid connection.
An add-on for installers working with battery storage. Batteries sit outside the federal STC scheme, but SAA holds battery work to the relevant Australian and state safety standards.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is Australia's peak body for the clean energy industry. Since installer accreditation moved to SAA, the CEC's role for solar buyers comes down to two things:
The STC rebate needs both. Your system has to use CEC-approved equipment and be designed and installed by SAA-accredited professionals. Miss either and the system cannot create STCs.
The primary standard for installation and safety requirements of photovoltaic arrays. Covers:
Grid connection standard for inverters. Specifies technical requirements for:
General electrical installation requirements that apply to all solar installations, including:
All solar installations in the Western Power network area require approval before connection:
Western Power can remotely reduce or disconnect solar systems during grid emergencies:
Most residential solar installations don't require building permits in WA, but check with your local council for:
Wattmate connects you with SAA-accredited installers who work to Australian standards
