Australian Clean energy council increases education
A new Clean Energy Council continuous professional development program will help household solar power system installers and designers stay up-to-date with new developments in the industry while lowering the cost to become accredited.
"The solar industry has an excellent track record for installing solar systems that meet high levels of quality and safety," said Clean Energy Council Accreditation Business Manager Kate Allsopp.
"The Clean Energy Council's new professional development program will build on this track record and ensure that installers continue to deliver high quality work.
"The program is designed to ensure solar installers and designers learn about industry changes as a matter of course as part of their annual accreditation.
"To renew their accreditation, installers and designers must complete a minimum level of approved training over 12 months," she said.
Installers and designers can achieve this level by attending one of the regular expert-run training sessions hosted by the Clean Energy Council in cities and regional centres around Australia; undertaking e-learning units; doing a course with a registered training organisation; and completing approved courses run by industry experts.
"We are also introducing training via webinars to improve access to quality information for installers in rural and regional locations," Ms Allsopp said.
Topics covered as part of the program include changes to Australian Standard 5033, product information, and wiring rules. The Clean Energy Council is working closely with relevant training providers to exchange knowledge and experience and improve the quality of training on offer.
Other work by the Clean Energy Council Accreditation team over recent months has included:
"¢ Developing a more rigorous and transparent process for addressing non-compliance by installers
"¢ Representing installers in the development and finalisation of Australian Standard 5033 to lift standards and further improve the performance of the industry
"¢ Boosting the number of Clean Energy Council staff with practical industry experience and knowledge available to assist accredited installers with technical queries
"¢ Introducing a streamlined application process for new installers featuring an improved case study pack.
"By streamlining our internal processes and targeting resources to where they're needed, we've also managed to significantly reduce our accreditation fees," Ms Allsopp said.
"These changes are part of the Clean Energy Council's ongoing work to maintain and improve the skills of household solar power installers and designers, and to support the continuing and sustainable growth of a vibrant industry that has a key role to play across Australia.
"When investing in household solar power, consumers should always use Clean Energy Council-accredited installers and designers to be assured of the best possible quality and professionalism."
