Federal STCs

What are STCs?

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are created under the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). When you install an eligible solar PV system (and in some cases certain battery systems), a number of certificates are generated based on the system’s expected generation over a set period.

These certificates have a market value. In practice, the installer or retailer usually assigns the STCs on your behalf and deducts their value from the system price. You see a lower net installed cost — the STC discount is already applied.

How the value is calculated

The number of STCs depends on:

• System size (kW of panels)
• Location (Australia is divided into zones with different solar resource factors)
• Deeming period (the number of years of generation the scheme credits — this reduces over time as the scheme approaches its end)
• Current STC market price

Northern Victoria and southern NSW fall into zones that generally receive a solid number of certificates. We always quote the current STC value so the price you see is the net price after the incentive.

Who is eligible?

Most grid-connected solar systems on homes and small businesses that meet the Clean Energy Regulator’s requirements are eligible. The system must be installed by an accredited installer and use compliant panels and inverters. We handle the eligibility check and the certificate creation as part of every solar project.

What we do for you

• Calculate the expected STC value for your system size and location
• Include the discount in your quote so you see the true net price
• Create and assign the certificates after installation
• Ensure all paperwork meets Clean Energy Regulator requirements

STCs and other incentives

Federal STCs can usually be combined with state schemes (Solar Victoria, NSW loans, VEECs, ESCs, etc.). We map the full stack that applies to your project and show the combined benefit in the quote.