Solar photovoltaic modules at Murdoch University’s Renewable Energy Outdoor Test Area – A facility contributing to recognised renewable energy engineering education

The School of Engineering and Energy at Murdoch University is proud to announce that its renewable energy engineering courses have received formal recognition from Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA). This prestigious accreditation underscores the school's commitment to providing top-tier education in the field of renewable energy and positions its graduates for success in the rapidly evolving energy sector.

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) is an independent organisation that oversees the accreditation scheme for designers and installers of on and off-grid solar, battery, wind, and hydro systems. To be eligible for federal and state-based rebate programs, accredited designers and installers must ensure quality designs and installations.

Over the past few years, the School of Engineering and Energy has restructured its renewable energy engineering education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. New units have been developed to educate engineers in the design of renewable energy systems. As part of the Bachelor of Engineering Honours course in Electrical and Renewable Energy Engineering, the Master of Engineering Practice course in Smart and Renewable Electrical Power Systems Engineering, and the Master of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems, students gain relevant design skills that have been formally recognised by SAA.

This formal recognition enables students who have completed the relevant Murdoch University units to apply for provisional accreditation for the respective accreditation type, marking the first step in becoming an accredited designer. This application can be made within two years of completing the units.

For example, the units ENG532 Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies and ENG631 Distributed Power System and Microgrid Planning and Reliability in the Master of Engineering Practice course with a major in Smart and Renewable Electrical Power Systems Engineering cover the full range of system designs, from off-grid solar, wind, and hydro systems to on-grid solar photovoltaic systems with and without batteries.

Murdoch University is one of only three Australian universities to offer SAA accreditation pathways, alongside the University of NSW and Curtin University. Notably, Murdoch University is the only one of the three to offer designer education for grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems with battery storage, a system type that is playing an increasingly important role in the transition to a 100% renewable energy-based electricity supply.

David Parlevliet, Dean of Engineering and Energy, expressed his enthusiasm for this achievement: "This accreditation from Solar Accreditation Australia is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and students. It not only validates the quality of our programs but also provides our graduates with a significant advantage in the renewable energy job market. We are proud to be at the forefront of renewable energy education and to contribute to the development of skilled professionals who will lead the transition to sustainable energy solutions."

The School of Engineering and Energy at Murdoch University remains committed to excellence in education and innovation in renewable energy. This accreditation is a significant milestone in the school's ongoing efforts to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the renewable energy industry.

For more information about the accredited courses and how to apply, please visit the School of Engineering and Energy's website.