As we continue to move towards renewable energy targets, the demand for solar installers in Australia is bigger than ever before. Through the summer of 2022-2023, rooftop solar power provided 14% of Australia’s energy needs, making this an exciting and rewarding career move for any qualified electrician.
There’s no better time to step into the solar industry, and with the right training provider, you’ll be able to gain the qualifications needed to make this move.
In this article, Electro-Training will walk you through what a Solar Panel Installation Certificate is, outlining the certification required and the boxes you need to tick to become a solar installer in Queensland.
Table of Contents:
- How to Become a Solar Installer in QLD
- Solar Grid Installation and Design
- Eligibility
- Course Length
- Get Started with the Electro-Training Institute
How to Become a Solar Installer in QLD
But if you’re an electrician looking to contribute to Australia’s sustainable and renewable energy installations, you’ll need two qualifications to be able to do this.
The first is an electrical license, and the second is an accreditation with the Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA). This is a non-profit corporation that recognises electricians who have completed the relevant training to design and install renewable energy systems.
The SAA aims to develop Australian sustainable energy services, so once you’re accredited, you’ll also become eligible for government rebates such as feed-in tariffs and small-scale Technology Certificates.
If you have your electrical licence, you’ll then need to enrol in training at a registered organisation. From here, apply for provisional accreditation, and then you’ll be required to complete an online assessment to demonstrate your knowledge in the field. Once you’ve passed the practical assessment, you’ll have your SAA accreditation.
Solar Grid Installation and Design
This course allows Queensland Electricians to gain their Grid-Connect Install and Design PV System Accreditation from SAA.
This course is usually $2,400, but there is a Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) subsidised fee, which makes the course $1,312. This is available for most Queensland electricians, but you can check your eligibility on the Electro-Training Institute’s website.
Solar Grid Installation and Design Course is a key component of your journey to becoming an accredited solar installer. Through this, you’ll learn how to install, configure, and commission LV grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems, as well as sharpen your problem-solving skills when it comes to PV energy apparatus and systems. You’ll also learn how to design grid-connected photovoltaic power supply systems.
Eligibility
To partake in this course and gain knowledge of solar installation, or if you wish to get your SAA Accreditation, you are required to hold a current Queensland Electrical Work Licence, and you need to have at least five years of electrical work experience.
Electrical Apprentices may also apply for this course; however, they must have completed certain units to be able to join. They must know how to install low voltage wiring, appliances, switchgear and associated accessories (as outlined in UEEEL0012), and understand how to design, install and verify compliance and functionality of general electrical installations (covered in UEEEL0039).
A Certificate of Attendance will be issued upon completion to any Trade Assistants who wish to gain further knowledge of solar PV installation and design.
Course Length
The installation and design course is delivered over a five-day face-to-face workshop, where you will complete simulated work situations. The trainer is an Electrical Contractor who will be with you through the process to offer support and guidance.
During the course, you’ll be shown the real work applications of installation. This includes tripods and ground mounts to understand how to size an isolator, as well as verifying and commissioning the whole system.
Get Started With the Electro-Training Institute
Electro Training can help you get your solar accreditation from the Clean Energy Council, which proudly offers electrical training across Cairns, Townsville, and Brisbane, QLD.
We work with experienced instructors at state-of-the-art facilities, which provides you with a streamlined path to SAA accreditation. Our students earn a wealth of knowledge and experience from their time with us, and you’ll learn invaluable skills that will aid you in the real world.