Accreditation that actually matters
- Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)
Replaces the old CEC Accreditation in March 2024. Every installer that puts panels on your roof needs to be SAA-accredited - it's required for STCs (the rebate). Check at saaustralia.com.au/accreditation-status-check
- CEC Approved Solar Retailer
A separate scheme covering the retailer / sales side. Voluntary. Indicates the company signs up to the Solar Retailer Code of Conduct (no high-pressure sales, written quotes, post-install service).
- NETCC (New Energy Tech Consumer Code)
The successor consumer protection framework. Retailers signed up to NETCC have additional obligations. List at newenergytech.org.au
- SA Electrical Contractor's Licence
Legally required for all grid-connected solar work in SA under the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995. Check the public register at consumer.sa.gov.au
The install team needs all 4 layers: company has SAA accreditation, individual installer has SAA accreditation, company has SA Electrical Contractor's licence, and ideally CEC Approved Solar Retailer or NETCC signatory status.
Red flags in quotes
- Free panels / free system - paid for by huge feed-in tariff clawback or hidden contracts.
- Door-knockers - most reputable installers don't door-knock.
- 'Limited time offer' / 'install this week to get rebate' - the rebate steps down annually, not weekly.
- Quote much cheaper than 3 others - usually budget panels + budget inverter + minimum spec compliance.
- No written quote breakdown - quality installers itemise panels, inverter, mounting, labour, GST, STC rebate, total.
- 'Lifetime warranty' - meaningless if not backed by an insurer.
- High-pressure sign-up at the kitchen table - take 48 hours to compare 3 quotes.
- Installer not on the SAA register - dealbreaker.
- Cash discount only - signals tax avoidance and no consumer protection.
Questions to ask every Adelaide installer
- Are you SAA accredited and SA Electrical Contractor licensed? (Get licence numbers - verify online.)
- Is your installer team employed by your business or subcontracted? (Employed is preferred - subcontractors have lower install consistency.)
- What inverter brand and panel brand are you quoting and why those specific products?
- What's your full system warranty period (workmanship + components)?
- Who handles warranty if a panel or inverter fails in 5 years?
- Are you a NETCC signatory or CEC Approved Solar Retailer?
- Can you show me 3 recent Adelaide installs and customer references?
- What's your written post-install monitoring service?