New licensing will make it easier for solar installers to work across states

14th Mar 2013

In light of different state laws regarding solar panel installations, some installers may be feeling relief at the upcoming commencement of the new national occupational licensing system.

The New National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA) was established in January 2011 under the Council of Australian Government's (COAG) Intergovernmental Agreement.

The purpose of NOLA is to make it easier for people to work in different states while upholding licensing standards.

Currently, there can be inconsistent regulation between states and the new system will regulate these, improving business efficiency by reducing red tape and enhancing productivity, according to the NOLA website.

Consumers may show a boost in confidence as they become further protected by law.

NOLA also states that the new national occupational licensing system (NOLS) will be implemented sometime in 2013 but no exact date has yet been set, as it depends on the time it takes to pass all of the required legislation in each state.

Occupations covered by the agreement include construction workers, painters, plumbers, land valuers, real estate agents and settlement agents. Solar installers fall under these categories as construction workers and electricians.

Included occupations will be transferred over to the national system once the legislation is fully passed nationwide. This license will entitle the workers to practise anywhere in the country without having to apply for another license if they work in another state.

Workers will still have to understand and comply with any specific state requirements if there are any.

Currently, anyone installing a solar panel system must hold a specific license for that state and each state may have their own additional requirements.

Solar power installers will be looking forward to the implementation of the NOLS as a great step forward, allowing them the opportunity to work across states without so much of the previous hassle.  

Posted by Bob Dawson

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