We have read through and revised the three key documents on Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) website to provide you with answers to any question you may have to Solar Accreditation.
Those key docs are: SAA Requirements, Code of Conduct & Fit and Proper Persons Policy
1. What is the purpose of the SAA Requirements?
The SAA Requirements are designed to enhance the safety, performance, and reliability of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (GCPV) systems, grid-connected battery systems (GCBS), and stand-alone power systems (SPS). They aim to promote industry best practices, create a network of skilled designers and installers, and build consumer confidence in renewable energy installations.
2. What types of systems do SAA Requirements cover?
SAA Requirements apply to the following systems:
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Grid-connected solar PV systems (GCPV)
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Grid-connected battery storage (GCBS)
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Stand-alone power systems (SPS)
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Wind and micro-hydro systems
3. What is the SAA accreditation scheme?
The SAA Scheme is an accreditation program under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001, part of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) managed by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER). SAA accreditation ensures that designers and installers meet stringent requirements, allowing them to participate in government incentive programs.
4. What responsibilities do accredited installers have?
Accredited installers must:
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Sign off only on installations they have completed or supervised.
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Be present for site setup, mid-installation checks, and final testing/commissioning.
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Ensure testing is performed to verify safety at the time of final sign-off.
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Comply with relevant Australian Standards, codes of practice, and safety regulations.
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Respond to customer complaints in a timely and fair manner.
5. What are the guidelines for installations involving multiple installers?
If different installers complete various phases of an installation, the CER must be notified in writing with the following details:
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Installation specifics
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Details of each installer involved
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Justification for the change in installers
This notification should ideally be provided before the installation. However, CER may consider retrospective compliance on a case-by-case basis.
6. What are the limits on the number of installations an accredited person can sign off per day?
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Up to two complete installations per day.
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One complete installation and up to three upgrades/repairs per day.
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Up to four system upgrades/repairs per day (with no increase of over 50% in the existing array size).
For projects involving multiple systems at one location (e.g., apartment blocks or retirement villages), accredited persons can apply for an exemption to sign off up to ten systems per day.
7. What requirements must system designers meet?
System designers are responsible for:
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Providing detailed specifications, including module and inverter models.
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Creating site-specific designs considering shading, orientation, tilt, and expected energy yield.
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Ensuring the design fits the available roof space and complies with relevant standards.
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Verifying that equipment is appropriately rated and fit for purpose.
8. What are the PV array to inverter ratio rules?
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Without batteries: The inverter’s nominal AC power output must be at least 75% of the array’s peak power and must not exceed the manufacturer’s maximum specifications.
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With connected batteries: The ratio can exceed 75% but must still comply with manufacturer guidelines.
9. What are the key installation requirements?
Some critical requirements include:
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Ensuring proper clearance under roof-mounted arrays to allow for roof self-cleaning.
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Considering wildlife prevention to protect the array and roof area.
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Installing roof tiles flat after mounting to maintain ingress protection.
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Using appropriate collars for cable and conduit roof penetrations to ensure durability.
10. What accreditation type is needed for specific solar systems?
An SAA Grid Connect PV (GCPV) Accreditation suffices for:
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Off-grid pumping systems
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Solar-powered pool pumps
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Solar power systems that operate air conditioners
11. What principles must accredited persons adhere to under the SAA Code of Conduct?
Accredited persons must follow these key principles:
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Professionalism: Conduct themselves in a professional manner and deliver services that meet industry standards.
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Integrity: Act honestly and ethically in all interactions.
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Transparency: Clearly disclose relevant information, including costs and system benefits.
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Quality: Ensure that systems meet or exceed industry quality standards.
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Safety: Follow all safety regulations and design/install systems safely.
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Continuous Improvement: Stay updated with industry developments and enhance skills.
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Compliance: Adhere to laws, regulations, and relevant standards.
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Handling Complaints: Manage complaints in a fair and timely way.
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Confidentiality: Protect customer information unless consent is given or disclosure is legally required.
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Reporting: Notify SAA of non-compliance as soon as practicable.
12. What does the Fit and Proper Person (FPP) Policy entail?
The Fit and Proper Person (FPP) Policy ensures that accredited individuals maintain high standards of conduct. Key aspects include:
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Assessment Criteria: Evaluates overall suitability, including past behaviors, character, honesty, and reputation.
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Show Cause Events:
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Automatic: Misconduct causing serious harm, license cancellation, or convictions involving serious offenses.
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Reportable: Issues like non-compliance, unethical behavior, and uncooperative conduct with SAA.
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Procedural Fairness: Accredited persons are notified within 10 business days of decisions affecting their status, including the right to appeal.
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Reformed Behavior Consideration: Assessing steps taken for improvement, acknowledgment of past issues, and commitment to better practices.
Conclusion
Following the SAA Requirements, Code of Conduct, and Fit and Proper Person Policy is essential for designers and installers to maintain high standards, ensure safety, and benefit from government incentives. These guidelines support Australia’s renewable energy growth and transition to a sustainable future.
