About Solar Installers

As solar power continues to be one of the fastest growing renewable energy technologies worldwide and within Australia, the number of accredited solar installers who can install solar power systems has also significantly increased. To control the quality of the installations the Clean Energy Council (CEC) manages all solar accreditation nationally.

Solar PV accreditation from the Clean Energy Council is a qualification that demonstrates competence in design and / or installation of On Grid and and/or Off Grid solar power systems. The aims of the Accreditation scheme are -

1. To increase the uptake of solar power systems for the provision of energy services, by giving customers increased confidence in the design and installation work carried out.
2. To improve the safety, performance and reliability of solar power systems installed in the field.
3. To encourage industry best practice for all design and installation work involving solar power systems (see Accreditation Standards and Accreditation Rules)
4. To provide a network of competent solar power systems designers and installers.

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) takes advice from its Standards, Training and Accreditation (STA) committee, which is formed from industry members, across the nation, with wide experience with renewable energy, plus a representative from government and a Clean Energy Council Director.

What are the different types of Accreditation?

The different types of Accreditation are listed below. These can be combined in different ways:

Install

This category means that the solar panel installers are accredited for the installation of an on grid or off grid solar power system. The Clean Energy Council does not accredit applicants for any low voltage (LV) work. All LV work must be completed by an appropriately licensed electrical worker in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards and legislation (see Standards / Accreditation Rules and Accreditation Rules).

Design

This category means that the solar power installers are accredited for the design of an on grid or off grid solar power system. The designer of a system must ensure that the design is in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards and legislation (see Standards / Accreditation Rules and Accreditation Rules). They are not responsible for any part of the installation of the power system.

Design & Install (D&I)

This category means that the solar panel installers are accredited for the design and installation of an on grid or off grid solar power system. Only those applicants who hold both Design and Install Accreditation are accredited to design and install solar photovoltaic power systems.

Note: The delineation of responsibilities between a designer and an installer can be complicated. All systems where the designer is not the same as the installer of the systems should document clearly where these responsibilities lie.

Note: An unrestricted Electrical License is required for 'Grid-Connect Design and Install' and 'Grid-Connect Install Only'.

All Power Partners are CEC accredited and have extensive experience installing high quality components in a range of environments across Australia. Please call 1300 SOLAR 1 or click here to find a Power Partner with our dealer locator.