Making the switch to solar can be a big decision — but Australia’s Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate scheme plays a huge role in reducing the upfront
cost of solar panels and eligible renewable technologies. Understanding STCs helps you estimate your savings and get the best value when installing a system.
📌 What Are STCs?
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are tradable certificates issued under the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). They’re designed to support the adoption of small-scale renewable systems — including rooftop solar, solar batteries, and other renewable technologies — by helping lower the effective purchase price.
Each STC represents 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity that your system is expected to generate or displace over a defined period. For most solar PV systems, this is based on how much clean energy the system is predicted to produce until the scheme ends in 2030.
🔍 How the STC Rebate Scheme Works
Here’s a simplified view of how the STC rebate saves you money:
🧮 1. Your System Earns STCs
When you install an eligible solar system or battery, the system becomes entitled to a number of STCs based on its size (kW), where you live (solar resource), and the deeming period (how many years remain in the scheme).
💲 2. STCs Have Value
STCs are a marketable asset — just like stocks. They have a tradable value that fluctuates but is typically between $30–$40 per STC.
📉 3. Installer Assigns STCs for Upfront Discount
Most homeowners assign the right to create and sell their STCs to the solar installer or registered agent. In exchange, you get an upfront discount on your solar quote equal to the value of the STCs — meaning you pay less at the point of purchase.
📈 4. Alternative — Sell STCs Yourself
If you prefer, you can retain and trade the STCs yourself — either through the STC Clearing House or the open market — but most homeowners find it simpler and more convenient to take the installer’s discount.
🔢 How STCs Are Calculated
The number of STCs you’re eligible for generally depends on three main factors:
➤ System Size (kW)
Larger solar systems produce more energy and therefore generate more STCs.
➤ Postcode/Climate Zone
Australia is divided into climate zones — sunnier areas qualify for slightly more STCs because the system is expected to generate more clean energy.
➤ Deeming Period (Years)
This is the number of future years (up to 2030) that your system is deemed to generate renewable electricity. The longer the deeming period, the more STCs you earn — but this period reduces each year as the scheme phases out.
A simple formula used by many industry calculators is: STCs = System size (kW) × Zone rating × Deeming period (years) — rounded down.
🧾 Pricing & Value
The value of STCs changes depending on the Renewable Energy Certificate market and policy settings, but it tends to stay within a reasonably stable range. Installers often use a standard value (e.g., ~$38–$40 per STC) to calculate your rebate in the quote.
For example, if your system produces 63 STCs and each is valued at $39, your rebate could be around $2,457 — and that amount is typically deducted from your system cost at checkout.
🏠 Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the STC rebate:
· Your system must be installed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer.
· Components (solar panels, inverters, batteries) must appear on the CEC’s approved product lists.
· Installations must meet the SRES eligibility criteria.
· STCs must be created and registered with the Clean Energy Regulator within 12 months of installation.
Your installer usually handles all of this on your behalf — so the credit appears in your solar system quote without you needing to manage the paperwork.
📉 STC Scheme Phase-Down & Timelines
The STC scheme is legislated to end in 2030, and the number of STCs available for new systems decreases each year as the deeming period shortens. This means the earlier you install solar, the more STCs you can receive — and potentially the larger the upfront discount.
💡 Tips to Maximise Your STC Savings
· Install sooner rather than later: With the deeming period reducing over time, waiting could mean fewer STCs and a smaller rebate.
· Compare quotes based on total system cost — not just STC value. A higher STC number doesn’t always mean a better overall deal.
· Ensure accredited installation: Only accredited installers and approved products are eligible.
· Ask for a breakdown: Your quote should show how many STCs are applied and at what unit price — so you know exactly how your rebate is calculated.
📌 FAQs — STC Rebate Scheme
Q: Do batteries qualify for STCs? Yes — eligible solar batteries also generate STCs based on usable storage capacity and how much renewable energy they can store/displace. These STCs can similarly reduce your upfront cost when assigned to the installer.
Q: Can I claim STCs myself instead of through the installer? Yes — you can register and sell STCs yourself through the REC Registry, but most homeowners choose to assign them to the installer for simplicity and an immediate discount.
Q: Does the rebate reduce with system size or location? The rebate amount varies by system size and location — because STCs are based on the expected energy generation capacity, which depends on how big the system is and your climate zone.
Q: Are STCs guaranteed? Certificates must be validly created and registered following official rules. Using accredited installers and approved products ensures eligibility.
🏁 Conclusion — STCs Power Your Solar Savings
The STC rebate scheme remains one of the most effective ways to cut the upfront cost of rooftop solar and compatible renewable systems in Australia. By turning your system’s clean energy production into tradable certificates, you unlock a significant point-of-sale discount that makes solar far more affordable — and this rebate can deliver thousands of dollars in savings depending on system size, location, and market value of STCs.
Arise Solar can help you estimate your STC rebate, compare quotes, and design the right solar + battery solution tailored to your home and savings goals — without hassle. Contact us to unlock the full rebate value!