Design and install grid-connected battery storage systems

This strategy for training and assessment has been designed for cohorts that: 

• Are skilled workers who have completed a Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician 
• Are currently electrical practitioners 
• Are seeking to gain the additional skills required by Solar Accreditation Australia. An electrical practitioner’s qualification is needed for accreditation in grid connect battery storage. 

Applicants must be an electrical practitioner in Tasmania, as this will ensure they meet pre-requisite unit requirements for UEERE0077 and UEERE0078 (UEEEL0012) and UEERE0060 (UEEEL0039).  

This course builds on the knowledge from the Design & install grid-connected PV systems course, so a prerequisite for enrolment is a Statement of Attainment in the following Unit of Competency:

• UEERE0061 – Design grid-connected photovoltaic power supply systems

and/or

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accreditation:

• Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems (GCPV) Design and Install

If your previous solar training is different to the above, please give us a call to discuss your options.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to apply to Solar Accreditation Australia has further information on their website outlining the requirements to apply for accreditation.

Successful completion of this course provides you with the knowledge and skills required to apply for SAA accreditation and the ability to demonstrate the:

• Knowledge & skills to safely survey a site and create a site survey document.
• Knowledge & skills to design a compliant & high-performance oriented battery & PCE power supply system.
• Ability to install, then test & commission a Battery & PCE generation system compliantly.
• Knowledge & skills to find solutions to operate, maintain and fault-find Battery energy apparatus and systems.

Students who successfully complete all assessments of this course will receive a Statement of attainment for the following units of competency, meeting the training component of Solar Accreditation Australia’s for GCBS Design & Installation:

• UEERE0054 Conduct site survey for grid-connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems.
• UEERE0060 Design grid-connected battery storage systems.
• UEERE0077 Install battery storage to power conversion equipment.
• UEERE0078 Install battery storage equipment power conversion equipment to grid

The RTO offers credit transfer (CT) and recognition of prior learning (RPL) to all students through the enrolment process. The processes for offering CT and RPL will require evidence that supports granting of these outcomes.  

The options and processes are discussed with all students during their pre-training review, and information is available in the Student Manual and Student Policy Guide, and in accordance with the Recognition of CT or RPL Policy and supporting procedures. 

As the completion of these four units leads to a licensed outcome, students cannot complete this course by CT or RPL alone. 

Students who have previously completed UEERE0054 will receive credit transfer. 

Students may apply for Credit Transfer (CT) or RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) in accordance with the NECA Education & Careers Recognition of CT or RPL Policy.

For more information on our Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, please refer to NECA Education & Careers Course Information and Policies

Course Overview

After enrolment, students will be provided with access to the NECA E&C LMS containing the Design and install grid-connected battery storage systems course where they will complete:  

• Theory learning 
• Quizzes  
• Assessments 

Students will also be supplied with additional resource materials to support their training.  

Prior to attending face-to-face classes, students are expected to complete their online learning theory, exercises and assessments in four (4) weeks.  

If needed, students have up to 3 months to complete online learning and assessments.  

During this period, a qualified teacher employed by NECA E&C will mentor and monitor student progress with two (2) evening online classes scheduled per week.  

To complete the training program, students must attend face-to-face practical training and assessment at NECA E&C provided facilities. These are equipped for students to participate in the practical learning and assessment activities. 

Once the expected amount of online theory is completed it is at the teacher’s discretion to decide if a student has completed enough of the online learning to be eligible to undertake the practical assessments. 

During practical assessments, the teacher will provide instruction in the required skills and knowledge as per the unit content and ensure all learning is imparted. Students will then undertake practical assessments to confirm their knowledge and skills. 

Students will be monitored through a variety of methods including: 

• Online via the NECA E&C LMS 
• Attending face-to-face classes 
• Monitoring of assessment outcomes by teacher 
• Progressive feedback from the teacher following submission of assessment tasks 
• Ad-hoc support to individual students upon request and agreement with teacher 

Student resources include: 

• A laptop/computer with Internet access 
• Access to online meetings (for online teacher support sessions) 
• Access to NECA E&C LMS where students will undertake theory assessments 
• Grid-connected Battery Storage (BS) Systems Design and Installation (Blended Delivery) Learner Companion Guide (LCG) 
• Grid-connected Battery Storage (BS) Systems Design and Installation (Blended Delivery) Classroom Assessment Workbook (CAW) as detailed in the Teacher Guide 
• Battery Storage Systems for Grid-connected PV Systems (NECA E&C LMS online book)  
• CEC – advice on labelling 

Access to current industry standards: 

• AS/NZS 3000 
• AS/NZS 4777.1 
• AS/NZS 5139 

Students will also require the following:

• A scientific calculator
• An email account (which we encourage you to check regularly)

There may be times and situations in which a student may require reasonable adjustment of the training and assessment methods implemented by the RTO to meet their specific needs.

These individual student needs may include (but are not limited to): 

• Disability 
• Temporary or permanent injury (eg back injury or broken leg/arm) 
• Visual or hearing impairments 

Reasonable adjustments to the way in which evidence of performance is gathered (that is, in terms of the information to be provided to the candidate and the type of evidence to be collected by the candidate) can only occur where the adjustments do not alter the expected performance standards for learning and assessment. 

The reasonable adjustments to the training and assessment process may include a variety of modifications to the methods of delivery and assessment to assist the student to undertake the course. The adjustments may include actions such as: 

• Accessing relevant equipment or aids to assist the student 
• Adjustments to the assessment methods to cater for any special needs 
• Adjustments to the time allowed for submission of assessments 

The course has been developed to ensure accreditation requirements are met which includes:.

• SAA (Solar Accreditation Australia) provide accreditation requirements on their website https://saaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SAA-Requirements_V1.3-1.pdf  
• Legislation, regulations, relevant industry standards and codes of practice for electrical work including specific work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and regulatory requirements 
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules 
• Legislation, regulations, relevant industry standards and codes of practice for renewable energy 
• AS/NZS 4777.1:2024, Grid connection of energy systems via inverters, Part 1: Installation requirements  
• AS/NZS 5139:2019 Electrical installations – safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment 

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) recently made significant changes to the accreditation process, impacting all Solar and Battery Installers and Designers.

Any individual who wishes to design or install Grid Connected PV systems (GCPV) or Grid Connected Battery Systems (GCBS), must now be accredited under the SAA Scheme to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs).

In addition, many state-based rebate or subsidy programs require the installer to be an SAA accredited installer.

The Guide to Fees & Payments can be found here.

The Guide to Refunds can be found here.