Buying decisions
Solar installer accreditation in Australia: what changed
A current explanation of solar installer accreditation in Australia, including the move from CEC installer accreditation to Solar Accreditation Australia.
Short answer
Installer accreditation for SRES-eligible solar work is now handled by Solar Accreditation Australia. The Clean Energy Council still matters for approved product lists, but customers should check the installer accreditation status through the current SAA pathway.
Start a quoteThe short version
Older solar articles often talk about CEC-accredited installers. That language is now dated. The installer and designer accreditation scheme for SRES work transitioned from the Clean Energy Council to Solar Accreditation Australia in 2024.
That does not make CEC irrelevant. The Clean Energy Council still maintains approved product lists for panels, inverters and batteries, which are important for rebate eligibility.
Why accreditation matters
Accreditation is separate from a normal electrical licence. It is an extra requirement for professionals designing and installing eligible small-scale solar and battery systems.
For customers, it affects safety, documentation and access to Small-scale Technology Certificates. A quote should identify who is designing, who is installing, and what accreditation applies.
What to ask before accepting a quote
Ask for the installer or designer accreditation number, the accreditation class that applies to the work, and confirmation that the person doing or supervising the job is current.
For a battery, ask whether the installer has the battery accreditation needed for the system type and whether the inverter and battery appear on current approved product lists.
What CEC still does
CEC-approved product lists help define which solar panels, inverters and batteries are eligible for many Australian programs. The product list question is separate from the installer accreditation question.
A strong quote should be clear on both: approved equipment and properly accredited people.
Sources
Primary references used for this guide.
Rebate settings and certificate values change. Use these sources for live program rules before accepting a quote.
FAQ
Are installers still CEC accredited?
For current SRES installer and designer accreditation, customers should look to Solar Accreditation Australia. Older material may still say CEC accredited.
Does CEC still matter for solar quotes?
Yes. The Clean Energy Council approved product lists still matter for eligible panels, inverters and batteries.
What accreditation should a battery installer have?
They should hold the appropriate Solar Accreditation Australia accreditation for the battery work and comply with relevant state and territory electrical rules.
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