Federal Solar Incentives & STCs
Eligible solar PV systems may receive an upfront discount through the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Often called the “solar rebate,” this incentive works through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). In most cases, we apply the value of your eligible STCs as an upfront discount in your solar quote.
How STCs Work
The number of STCs available for an eligible solar PV system is based on:
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System size — Larger eligible systems generally create more STCs
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Installation location — Your postcode determines the solar zone rating used
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Installation year — The deeming period reduces each year until the scheme is scheduled to end
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Current scheme rules — Final eligibility and certificate entitlements are assessed under Clean Energy Regulator requirements
Each STC represents one megawatt-hour of eligible renewable electricity. For solar PV, STCs are generally calculated using the installed system size, postcode zone rating and the applicable deeming period.
Solar System Eligibility
The SRES is available for eligible solar installations at homes, businesses and community organisations.
To be eligible, a solar PV system generally needs to:
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Be a new solar PV installation
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Have a system capacity of less than 100 kW
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Have expected annual generation of less than 250 MWh
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Use eligible panels and inverters listed on the Clean Energy Council’s approved-product lists
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Be designed and installed by appropriately accredited Solar Accreditation Australia personnel
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Meet applicable Australian Standards and current SRES requirements
Final eligibility is subject to the relevant Clean Energy Regulator rules and installation documentation.
Timing and STC Value
The SRES is scheduled to end on 31 December 2030. Because the deeming period reduces each year, an eligible solar system installed earlier may receive more STCs than the same system installed in a later year.
The dollar value of STCs is market-based and can vary. We will clearly show any applicable STC discount in your quote, so you can understand the expected upfront saving before proceeding.
Larger Commercial Solar Projects
Larger commercial solar projects may fall outside the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and may require assessment under the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target.
Large-scale Generation Certificates are not automatically available simply because a solar system is over 100 kW. Projects must meet the relevant requirements and be accredited by the Clean Energy Regulator before LGCs can be created from eligible metered renewable-energy generation.