Under a program called the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, some properties are eligible to claim for small-scale technology certificates, and this includes solar energy installations.
Small-scale technology certificates are provided ‘up front’ for the systems’ expected power generation over a 15 year period or, from 2017, from the installation year until 2030 when the scheme ends.
Small-scale renewable systems which may be eligible for certificates include:
- solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
- wind turbines
- hydro systems
- solar water heaters, and
- air source heat pumps.
Once the installation is complete, registration of the certificates can be applied for, in much the same way as VEEC certificates are created for energy efficiency solutions around Victoria; the certificates are then traded for value, and this value can be used to offset the cost of installation.
Are STCs ending soon?
Not really. The program is in place until 2032, and there’s no indication that it will be scrapped.
The value of your solar energy system installation (regarding STCs) depends on the amount of electricity the system supplies or replaces. And the higher the value of the STCs the more ‘rebate’ you’ll have towards the installation.
This program exists as a financial incentive to encourage households and small businesses around Australia to upgrade their properties to include a solar energy system, this helps Australia work towards its Paris Climate Agreement targets and reduce carbon emissions.
There’s plenty of government-based information about STCs including which installations are eligible, how to create STCs and a small-scale unit calculator to help assess how many STCs you’d receive.
Solarquotes has an informative article about STCs. Including the various zones in Australia that affect the value of STCs
Zone 1: incentive = $3885
Zone 2: incentive = $3663
Zone 3: incentive = $3293
Zone 4: incentive = $2849
How can we help with STCs?
Energy Makeovers are accredited under the STC program and can claim STCs on your behalf. This means we can pass the savings directly to you, without the need to go through a broker, which increases the value of the STCs for you.
Whether you’re interested in a solar energy system for your business, or a solar system for your Victorian home; we can help
