EWRB’s Mains Parallel Generation Accreditation

The recent introduction of the Mains Parallel Generation accreditation by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) has sparked a lot of discussion within the solar industry. While the accreditation is positive in intent, it also presents challenges, specifically, that some highly experienced solar electricians are unfairly disadvantaged. In this article, we unpack what the changes mean, the issues they raise, and what’s next for the solar industry.

Historically, any qualified electrician in New Zealand with a practising licence could certify solar work, which is classed as mains parallel generation. Over time, there has been growing sentiment in the industry that additional accreditation could help distinguish electricians with specific solar experience from those without it. 

To address this, in July 2024, the EWRB introduced the Mains Parallel Generation accreditation. This is a new system of endorsements that sits on top of the standard practising license and covers various specialised areas of electrical work, not just solar.

As part of the accreditation rollout, the EWRB provided a one-year grace period for grandfathering rights. During this time, electricians could automatically qualify by demonstrating they had certified at least three solar jobs before the cut-off date of 31 July 2025. This allowed experienced professionals to gain the endorsement without having to meet the new criteria right away. 

The grace period ended recently, on 1 August 2025, and anyone applying now must follow the updated requirements. If you are an electrician who certified solar work during the grace period, check with the EWRB to ensure your endorsement has been processed.

Post-grace period, the criteria for obtaining the Mains Parallel Generation endorsement are straightforward but specific. To certify solar work, you must; 

These steps include gaining knowledge of standards such as AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 4777.1, and AS/NZS 5033. AS/NZS 5033 covers installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and the handling of high voltage DC components in solar systems. The accreditation emphasises safe practices for these systems to prevent issues such as electrical shocks or fires. 

Courses are now available from providers like Skills Group, who offer micro-credentials in solar PV and battery storage to meet these needs. While setting a bar for entry is positive for industry standards, we feel the requirements may not fully account for the nuances of solar work experience.

One concern is the impact on apprentices and early-career electricians. Solar is a hands-on field, and many companies, including Think Solar, train apprentices in both general electrical work and solar installations from day one. An apprentice might spend three and a half years learning solar specifics alongside their electrical qualification. However, under the new system, after qualifying as an electrician, they must wait another two years before applying for the endorsement needed to certify solar work. 

This means someone with extensive solar experience during their apprenticeship cannot immediately sign off on jobs. For apprentices nearing qualification, this extension from a three-and-a-half-year path to effectively five and a half years is disheartening. These individuals are often among the most skilled solar installers in the country, yet the rules limit their ability to contribute fully right away. This could sadly deter young people from entering the renewables sector and push them toward other trades with faster career paths.

The solar industry in New Zealand is growing rapidly, driven by rising energy demands and a push for renewables. Yet, a significant shortage of electricians, especially those with solar expertise is a barrier to installing more solar systems. The new accreditation, while well-intentioned, risks slowing progress by restricting who can certify work. 

For example, an electrician with no prior solar experience can qualify after just three days of training (plus two years licensed) while those with years of hands-on solar knowledge face barriers. This mismatch could hinder solar installation rates and delay New Zealand's shift to sustainable energy.

To fill the skills gap, many solar companies including Think Solar, recruit experienced electricians from overseas. These workers typically submit evidence to the EWRB and complete exams or supervised work to gain a practising licence. Under the new rules they must also work in New Zealand for two years and complete a three-day course before they can certify solar work, creating long delays and making it harder to hire ready-to-go talent. At Think Solar, we value global expertise, but this added requirement disadvantages those from overseas and greatly extends the time before these new hires can fully contribute to solar projects.

Recognising these issues, the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) has engaged with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to discuss possible adjustments. One option already available is applying for an exemption from the EWRB. Apprentices with substantial solar experience or overseas electricians with proven skills may qualify, allowing them to gain the endorsement sooner. However, the exemption criteria are not fully clear yet, and applications currently take up to 14 weeks to process. This turnaround is too slow for an industry needing quick solutions.

We encourage the EWRB and MBIE to work closely with SEANZ to refine the criteria. Faster processing and clearer recognition of prior experience could make a meaningful difference, supporting solar growth without compromising safety.

The new EWRB accreditation marks important progress in professionalising solar work in New Zealand but it also underscores the urgent need for flexibility if the industry is to overcome its skills shortage and keep pace with growing demand.

If you’re an electrician navigating these changes, explore the EWRB website or connect with SEANZ to ensure you have all the relevant information to become accredited. Let’s work together to make solar accessible for all Kiwis.