Solar · Batteries · Hot Water · Heat Pumps
Small-scale Technology Certificates are electronic certificates created under the Australian Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Eligible solar PV, solar water heater, heat-pump water heater and battery installations may create certificates under prescribed rules.
In most residential solar transactions, the customer assigns the right to create the certificates to a registered agent. Their value is then shown as an upfront discount on the system price. STCs are not a separate government cheque paid to the customer.
Rooftop solar panels generate STCs based on eligible capacity, solar zone and remaining deeming years. Larger systems produce more certificates.
Eligible batteries installed from 1 July 2025 create STCs based on usable capacity, with tiered factors from 1 May 2026 onward.
Solar water heaters and heat-pump water heaters are also eligible under the scheme, contributing to upfront cost reductions.
For rooftop solar, the number of certificates depends on three key factors:
The rated output of the system in kilowatts (kW) determines the baseline certificate count.
Australia is divided into solar zones. Your postcode determines the zone factor applied to your system, reflecting varying solar irradiance.
The deeming period reduces by one year annually and reaches one year in 2030, so the available discount generally declines over time.
The earlier you install, the more STC value you can claim. Each year the deeming period shortens, meaning fewer certificates are available for the same system size.
Eligible batteries installed from 1 July 2025 can create STCs based on usable battery capacity. From 1 May 2026, the STC factor is tiered:
| Usable Capacity Range | STC Factor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First 14 kWh | 100% | Full certificate value applies |
| 14 kWh – 28 kWh | 60% | Reduced factor for mid-range capacity |
| 28 kWh – 50 kWh | 15% | Minimal factor for high-capacity systems |
| Above 50 kWh | 0% | No battery STCs available |
The dollar value of an STC can move. A quote should state the assumed certificate value and explain whether the customer assigns the certificates to the retailer or agent.
Not all STC quotes are equal. Here's what causes variation between installers:
To qualify for STCs, installations must meet strict government requirements:
Eligible products must appear on the relevant approved product lists maintained by the Clean Energy Regulator.
Installation must be completed by appropriately licensed and accredited personnel.
The system must comply with applicable standards, network rules and scheme requirements. Accurate serial numbers, photographs and customer declarations may be required.
No. STCs are created under a federal certificate scheme. State rebates, loans or retailer offers may sometimes be available in addition, subject to their own rules.
It may be possible, but most customers assign them to a registered agent because certificate creation and sale involve administration and market risk.
The scheme phases down as the deeming period or battery factor declines toward 2030. Installing earlier means a larger upfront discount.
Solar Link Australia provides quotations that identify the applicable certificate discount and can explain how system capacity, location and installation timing affect the estimated value.
Get a Quote TodayGovernment programs, retailer offers, tariffs and eligibility rules can change. Customers should confirm current terms before signing a contract or making an investment decision.
Fill out the form below to request a quote or speak with one of our solar specialists. All quotations include the applicable certificate discount, which is estimated based on your system size, location, and proposed installation date.
or If you need quick assistance
Fill out the form below to request a quote or speak with one of our solar specialists. All quotations include the applicable certificate discount, which is estimated based on your system size, location, and proposed installation date.
or If you need quick assistance
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or If you need quick assistance
or If you need quick assistance
or If you need quick assistance
or If you need quick assistance
or If you need quick assistance
or If you need quick assistance
or If you need quick assistance
or If you need quick assistance
or If you need quick assistance
or If you need quick assistance
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