Solar conference to power up

SOLAR installers from across the state will gather in Bendigo for their annual conference later this year.

The two-day event is an opportunity for industry professionals to connect and share information relating to solar energy in Victoria.

A spokesperson for the Solar Energy Installers Association said this year the conference emphasised relationship building and quality in the industry.

“The first day we’ll help them with their business, with either mechanical or equipment things,” the spokesperson said.

“There’s no selling at all, we say to the presenters if you present at our conference you have to give value to the installer, they have to learn something.”

The second day of the conference features presentations from government agencies including the Green Energy Council and Worksafe.

“All of those government organisations come and give explanations of any new regulations, new programs that they’re working on and Solar Victoria will give updates on where they’re at with their solar program,” the spokesperson said.

Originally formed in 1986 by locally based solar installers, some of whom came to solar energy through exploring off-grid living, the association aims to represent a grassroots approach to renewable energy.

“It’s a group of people that have certain ideology towards solar,” the spokesperson said. “It’s not about making money, it’s about doing the right thing.”

The association is aimed at bringing likeminded installers together and help them access solar education and the spokesperson said they are a non-political group.

“We’re installers, we want to look after installers,” the spokesperson said.

The Solar Energy Installers Association conference will be held on the 15 and 16 of May at the All Seasons Resort with the theme of ‘Electrification, are you ready?’