Helping meet demand for more electrical inspectors  

On 31 March, Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio launched a new training program to “keep up with record demand for solar, shine a light on any dodgy installers and ensure solar installations in Victoria continue to be the safest in Australia.”

Aimed at upskilling electricians and providing a pathway for new Licensed EIectrical Inspectors (LEIs), we released a request for tender to develop the training modules for this program.

This initiative is one of a number we’re invested in with Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) and industry stakeholders to attract new LEIs to the industry.

ESV will monitor the development of this training, while also increasing the technical support for installers and LEIs to ensure they’re able to enforce safety standards across Victoria.

Enrol in safety training  

As set out in the Notice to Market, all workers on Solar Victoria installation sites must complete the VU22744 Work Safety in the Solar Industry unit by 30 June 2021.

This includes solar PV and battery installers, all plumbers, apprentices and trade assistants.

Join thousands of solar workers by enrolling in safety training now. When you enrol, remember to check if you’re eligible for credit transfers for units completed, recognition of prior learning for similar units and on the job learning or recognition of current competence. 

Report back on ICRG meeting outcomes

The February and March Industry and Consumer Reference Group (ICRG) meetings touched on several pressing issues currently impacting the broader solar industry and customers.

The role of the ICRG includes providing input into issues raised and responding in a timely way. These are the first reports we’ve published on the group’s meeting outcomes as part of our commitment to showing how we're acting, listening, learning and adapting.

Proud to be an IPAA Award winner

Congratulations to our Risk, Assurance and Standards Division – winners of the Innovation Regulation Award in the annual Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Victoria 'Leadership in the Public Sector Awards 2020' for their work to improve safety in the Victorian solar industry with our regulatory partners.

Victoria is the only state to adopt a whole-of-government approach to lifting standards in the solar industry – and our Assurance Framework is leading the nation. 

This award recognises innovation and excellence in approaches to best practice regulatory design and policy.

Well done to all finalists and winners announced on 20 April 2021.

Interest ramps up for free business mentoring   

Since our last edition, professional business consultancy Aerium has received an impressive run of new registrations from retailers and installers keen to get free help to work on their business.

This independent service provides up to four confidential 90-minute sessions on topics you identify to help create positive change in your business. 

Advertising campaign to promote rebates   

You might soon notice more prospective customers reaching out to you in response to a new digital and radio advertising campaign we’re running across our social media channels.

The campaign targets eligible Victorians, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and regional areas, and promotes the Solar Homes Program and rebates available.

You can also share the social media tiles we’ve created to help reach customers and link them back to our website.

Reminder about Certificates of Electrical Safety

As flagged previously, Energy Safe Victoria is aware of delays customers may be experiencing in a Licensed Electrical Inspector inspecting and lodging a Certificate of Electrical Safety for newly installed solar systems.

Improvements to audit status fields

Retailers who have an installation being audited will notice changes to some of the status field names in the Solar Victoria portal.

While the audit process remains the same, the new field names will help retailers better understand what each status means.

March report on allocations and impact 

March was a strong month in the Solar Homes Program. Approved applications were up by 14% (5,860) and installations by 19.3% (6,536).

March was also the program’s best ever month for battery installations with 282 recorded, far exceeding the previous best of 188 in February.

Upcoming industry events 

Join the smart energy community to hear our CEO Stan Krpan speak at the Smart Energy Conference and Exhibition in Sydney on 12–13 May.

And on 6 May, Executive Director of Risk, Assurance and Standards Paul Corkill is speaking in Ballarat at the Sustainable Energy Industries Council of Australia (Vic) Annual Conference for installers, themed “Taking care of business”: practical solutions to surviving in solar. Attending this event attracts Clean Energy Council CPD points.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance and support

You still need to stay informed about small-scale construction operating guidelines as restrictions ease.    

Remember also that support is available for apprentices and trainees as part of the Australian Government’s economic response to the coronavirus.