Solar Market Overview Australia & NZ

3+ million homes

Australian homes with rooftop solar

30%+ of homes

Australian homes with solar (highest rate globally)

$3,000 - $9,000

Typical residential system price (6.6kW - 10kW)

3-5 year payback

Average system payback period

Why Add Solar to Your Business?

Higher Job Values

Solar jobs range from $3,000 to $15,000+ vs $200-$1,500 for typical electrical work. Single solar job can equal a week of standard electrical work.

Growing Market

Despite high penetration, growth continues. Battery additions, upgrades, and commercial installations drive ongoing demand.

Natural Fit

Solar is fundamentally electrical work. Your existing skills transfer directly. DC and AC electrical knowledge essential.

Battery Upsells

Solar customers are prime targets for battery storage. Battery adds $8,000-$15,000 to job value with strong margins.

CEC Accreditation: The Key Requirement

In Australia, Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation is essential for accessing government incentives (STCs) and being recognised as a legitimate solar installer.

What is CEC Accreditation?

The Clean Energy Council accredits individuals and companies to install solar systems eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Without CEC accreditation, customers can't claim the federal solar rebate—making you uncompetitive.

Individual Accreditation

Required for electricians doing solar installs

Company Accreditation

Required for your business to offer STCs

Pathways to CEC Accreditation

1. Complete Required Training

UEERE0025 - Install photovoltaic systems
UEERE0028 - Install battery storage systems
Grid-connect design - Standalone course (approx. 3 days)

2. Gain Practical Experience

CEC requires documented evidence of solar installations. Options:

• Work with existing CEC accredited company
• Apprenticeship-style training with accredited installer
• Documented installs under supervision

3. Apply to CEC

• Submit qualifications and evidence of experience
• Pass CEC accreditation assessment
• Maintain ongoing professional development (20 hours/year)
• Annual accreditation renewal

New Zealand Requirements

New Zealand Solar Installation

In NZ, there's no equivalent to CEC accreditation, but standards still apply:

• Licensed electrician status required
• Additional training on PV systems recommended
• Work must comply with AS/NZS 5033 (safety requirements)
• SEANZ (Sustainable Energy Association NZ) membership provides credibility
• Grid connection requires local lines company approval

Types of Solar Systems

System Type	Typical Size	Price Range	Target Market
Entry Residential	3-4kW	$3,000 - $5,000	Small homes, budget-conscious
Standard Residential	6.6-10kW	$5,000 - $9,000	Most common—family homes
Large Residential	10-15kW	$9,000 - $15,000	Large homes, pools, high usage
Commercial	20kW - 100kW+	$20,000 - $150,000+	Businesses, warehouses, farms
Off-Grid	5-20kW + battery	$25,000 - $80,000+	Rural properties, no grid access

Installation Workflow

Site Assessment

Roof condition, orientation, shading, switchboard capacity, consumption analysis

System Design

Panel layout, string configuration, inverter sizing, cable routes

Quotation

Fixed price including panels, inverter, installation, STCs

Approvals

Grid connection approval, council notification (if required)

Installation

Racking, panels, DC cabling, inverter, AC connection, testing

Commissioning

System energisation, monitoring setup, customer handover

Documentation

CEC paperwork, STC creation, warranties, certificates

Equipment & Components

Solar Panels

Tier 1 brands: Jinko, Longi, Trina, Canadian Solar
Premium: SunPower, LG, REC
Size: 390W - 550W per panel (typical)
Warranty: 10-15 year product, 25 year performance

Inverters

String inverters: Fronius, SMA, Sungrow (most common)
Microinverters: Enphase (shading solutions)
Hybrid: Tesla, Sungrow, BYD (battery ready)
Warranty: 5-10 years standard

Racking

Tin roof: Standard rail systems
Tile roof: Specialized brackets
Tilt frames: For flat roofs
Brands: Radiant, Clenergy, Sunlock

Balance of System

• DC isolators (PV array and inverter)
• AC isolator
• Circuit breaker (inverter supply)
• DC and AC cabling
• Conduit and fittings

Pricing & Margins

Typical Cost Breakdown (6.6kW System)

Panels (18 x 370W)	$1,800 - $2,500
Inverter (5kW)	$1,200 - $2,000
Racking & BOS	$600 - $900
Labour (1-2 days)	$1,200 - $2,000
STC discount (upfront)	-$2,000 - -$2,500
Customer Price	$5,500 - $8,000
Gross Margin	20-30%

Maximizing Profitability

• Volume discounts: Negotiate panel and inverter pricing with suppliers
• Efficient crews: Train team for fast, quality installations
• Battery upsells: 30-40% of solar customers add batteries
• Service contracts: Annual inspection and cleaning services
• Commercial focus: Larger systems have better margins

Common Challenges & Solutions

Shading Issues

Trees, chimneys, neighbouring buildings can significantly reduce output. Solution: Site assessment tools (solar pathfinders), microinverters for complex roofs, honest customer communication about expected performance.

Switchboard Capacity

Older switchboards may lack space or capacity for solar connection. Solution: Upgrade quotes (additional revenue), current limiting devices, or export limiting inverters.

Roof Condition

Installing on deteriorating roofs leads to problems. Solution: Roof inspection as part of quote process, condition clauses in contracts, coordination with roofers when needed.

Grid Connection Delays

Some distributors have lengthy approval processes. Solution: Submit applications early, maintain relationships with grid staff, set customer expectations upfront.

Safety Considerations

Working at heights: Proper harnesses, anchor points, and training essential
DC safety: Solar arrays generate live DC during daylight. Never work live
Isolation procedures: Multiple isolation points (DC array, inverter, AC supply)
Weather awareness: Never install in wet conditions. Monitor forecasts
Asbestos identification: Older homes may have asbestos roofing or eaves

Getting Started

Get Trained

Complete UEERE0025 and grid-connect training. Many TAFEs and private providers offer these courses (2-5 days).

Gain Experience

Work with an established solar company to complete supervised installs. Document everything for CEC application.

Apply for CEC

Submit your CEC accreditation application with evidence of training and experience.

Build Supplier Relationships

Connect with wholesalers for panel and inverter supply. Negotiate terms and volume pricing.

Start Marketing

Add solar to your website, Google Business Profile, and service offerings. Target existing electrical customers first.

FAQ

How long does CEC accreditation take?

Training can be completed in 1-2 weeks. The CEC application process typically takes 4-8 weeks once you submit complete documentation. Total time from starting training to full accreditation: 2-4 months.

Can I install solar without CEC accreditation?

You can install solar, but customers won't be able to claim STC rebates—making your quotes $2,000-$3,000 more expensive than CEC-accredited competitors. CEC accreditation is effectively required to be competitive.

What's the difference between solar and battery accreditation?

Battery storage requires additional training (UEERE0028). You can get solar-only accreditation first, then add battery later. Battery accreditation requires additional supervised installations.

Should I start with residential or commercial solar?

Most electricians start with residential. It's simpler, requires less capital, and builds experience. Commercial systems are more profitable but complex—add this once you have residential systems mastered.

Key Takeaways

CEC accreditation is essential for competitiveness in Australia
Solar jobs are high-value with good margins (20-30%)
Battery storage is a natural upsell with excellent margins
Safety procedures for working at heights and DC are critical
Start with residential, expand to commercial as you gain experience

Solar Installation for Electricians: Complete Business Guide 2025