To become an accredited solar installer in Australia, you need a current electrical licence, then nationally recognised training through a Registered Training Organisation covering site survey, design and installation of grid-connected photovoltaic systems. Once you complete the required units, you apply to Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) for your Grid-Connected PV Design and Install accreditation.
That’s the short version. Here’s what each step actually involves.
Step 1: Hold a current electrical licence
Installing grid-connected solar systems means working on higher-voltage equipment tied to the grid. You need a current, unrestricted electrical licence before you can enrol in an install-pathway course. If you’re not yet licensed, or you work in sales, design or admin, there are separate non-electrician pathways covering consulting and design work instead.
Step 2: Complete the nationally recognised training units
SAA accreditation is built on specific units of competency, not a single course. For grid-connected PV design and install, that generally means:
- Conduct site survey for grid-connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems
- Apply electrical principles to renewable energy design
- Design grid-connected photovoltaic power supply systems
- Install and commission the system to standard
Training organisations bundle these into a single course, so you sit one enrolment rather than four separate applications. Delivery is usually online theory first, then in-person practical days at a training centre.
Step 3: Complete practical assessment
Theory alone doesn’t get you accredited. You’ll need to demonstrate the work hands-on, whether that’s a real job site or a simulated one, with reports or video evidence submitted for assessment. This is where most of your classroom time goes.
Step 4: Apply for SAA accreditation
Once you’ve completed your units, you’re issued a Statement of Attainment. You use that to apply directly to Solar Accreditation Australia. SAA reviews your qualifications against their accreditation criteria and issues your Grid-Connected PV Design and Install accreditation once approved.
How long does it take?
Most electricians complete the full pathway in a few weeks of part-time study plus a handful of in-person practical days. Exact timing depends on how quickly you work through the online units and when practical sessions are scheduled at your nearest training location.
Is funding available?
Eligible workers in Queensland can access CSQ funding, which covers a significant portion of course fees for approved units. Funding availability changes, so check current eligibility before you enrol.
What if you’re not an electrician yet?
You can still build a career in solar without a licence. Design, consulting and sales roles in the industry have their own accredited and non-accredited training pathways, and some people use those roles as a stepping stone while working toward an electrical licence.
FAQs
Do I need to be a licensed electrician to install solar?
Yes. Installing grid-connected solar and battery systems requires a current, unrestricted electrical licence, because the work involves higher-voltage equipment connected to the grid.
How long does solar accreditation take?
Most licensed electricians complete the required units in a few weeks of part-time study, plus in-person practical days at a training centre.
What qualification do I get at the end?
A nationally recognised Statement of Attainment covering the specific units of competency required for SAA accreditation, which you then use to apply directly to Solar Accreditation Australia.
Can I get funding for solar installer training?
Eligible Queensland workers can access CSQ funding toward course fees. Eligibility and coverage vary, so it’s worth checking before you enrol.
Do I need separate training for battery storage?
Yes. Battery storage accreditation is a separate pathway that builds on your solar PV accreditation, so most electricians complete solar first, then move into battery training.