Rebates
Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s)
The Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STCs) promotes the adoption of renewable energy systems, including solar panels, in homes and small businesses. It provides financial incentives in the form of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) to individuals and entities installing eligible renewable energy systems. STCs represent the expected energy generation of the system over a specific period and can be traded or sold to electricity retailers. The value of STCs fluctuates based on market demand. By receiving STCs, solar system owners can reduce the upfront cost of installation. The scheme aims to facilitate the transition to cleaner and sustainable energy sources, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s)
The Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STCs) promotes the adoption of renewable energy systems, including solar panels, in homes and small businesses. It provides financial incentives in the form of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) to individuals and entities installing eligible renewable energy systems. STCs represent the expected energy generation of the system over a specific period and can be traded or sold to electricity retailers. The value of STCs fluctuates based on market demand. By receiving STCs, solar system owners can reduce the upfront cost of installation. The scheme aims to facilitate the transition to cleaner and sustainable energy sources, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Understanding How Solar Incentives Reduce Installation Costs
Solar incentives are one of the most significant factors influencing the affordability of renewable energy in Australia. While many homeowners consider solar panels a long-term investment, few realise how much of the upfront cost can be offset by available rebates, loans, and certificate programs.
In practice, solar incentives such as STCs function as a market mechanism. The federal government issues STCs based on how much electricity your system is expected to generate over its lifetime. When you install a system through an accredited installer, the installer can claim those certificates on your behalf and apply the value as a discount on your invoice. This makes solar more accessible from the start, reducing the financial barrier to entry for households and small businesses.
But solar incentives aren’t limited to the national level. The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme offers interest-free loans that provide upfront funding without the burden of interest accumulation. These loans can be used for solar panel systems, battery storage, hot water upgrades, and other home efficiency improvements.
For businesses, the Sustainable Business Program provides rebates and technical advice tailored to commercial energy consumption. Whether you’re switching from gas or upgrading lighting systems, these solar incentives offer both environmental and economic value.
Understanding which incentives apply to your situation is essential. We encourage speaking with one of our consultants before beginning your installation. We’ll identify what you qualify for and ensure your application is processed correctly, maximising your savings.
STC Faqs
What are STCs, and how do they work?
STCs, or small-scale technology certificates, are a form of financial incentive provided under the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. They represent the expected generation of renewable energy by eligible small-scale systems, such as solar panels. STCs can be traded and sold to electricity retailers, helping to offset the upfront cost of installing renewable energy systems.
How many STCs will I receive for my solar panel system?
The number of STCs you receive for your solar panel system depends on various factors, including the system’s capacity, geographical location, and the amount of renewable energy it is expected to generate over a designated period. The Clean Energy Regulator provides a calculator to estimate the number of STCs you may be eligible for based on these factors.
How do I claim STCs for my solar panel system?
To claim STCs, you need to complete the necessary paperwork and documentation, which includes the creation of a small-scale technology certificate assignment form. This form is typically provided by the installer or can be obtained from the Clean Energy Regulator. Once the form is completed and submitted, the assigned STCs can be transferred or sold to an eligible buyer.
How do I qualify for STCs?
To be eligible for STCs, you need to install an eligible small-scale renewable energy system, such as solar panels, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. The system must meet specific criteria regarding capacity, installation standards, and compliance with relevant regulations.
Can I sell my STCs?
Yes. The value of STCs is determined by market demand and can fluctuate over time. Selling your STCs can help offset the cost of your solar panel installation. We can facilitate this for you.
For updated information and guidelines,
get in touch with our solar consultants for a free consultation.
Solar Incentives and Long-Term Financial Benefits
While most people look at solar incentives as a way to reduce their initial investment, they also offer lasting financial advantages. When you combine rebates, interest-free loans, and feed-in tariffs with ongoing energy savings, the case for solar becomes even stronger.
Let’s take the average Canberra household as an example. A properly sized solar system, supported by solar incentives, can pay itself off in 3–5 years. After that, the power you generate is essentially free. If you add a battery or energy management system, those savings increase even more.
For business owners, these savings directly impact the bottom line. Reducing operational energy costs, locking in predictable power rates, and accessing tax advantages stem from a smart solar strategy supported by government incentives.
Some programs also promote participation in virtual power plants (VPPs), which can create a secondary income stream by letting you sell stored energy during peak times. Many of these are only accessible if your system was installed through an approved program, highlighting the importance of getting your setup right from the beginning.
In short, solar incentives are a key part of building a smart, forward-thinking energy solution that benefits you now and well into the future. By reducing installation costs, improving long-term savings, and supporting wider participation in renewable energy programs, solar incentives empower more homeowners and businesses to take control of their energy bills.
Whether aiming for greater independence from the grid or aligning your operations with sustainability goals, these incentives make solar adoption more achievable, strategic, and rewarding.
The ACT Government Interest Free Loan
The ACT Government’s Interest-Free Loan Program, part of the Sustainable Household Scheme, aims to support residents in making sustainable upgrades to their homes. This program provides interest-free loans to eligible homeowners to finance the installation of energy-efficient and renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and energy storage solutions. The loans are designed to assist residents in accessing affordable financing options for sustainable home improvements, ultimately reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
For updated information and guidelines, get in touch with our solar consultants for a free consultation.
The ACT Government Interest Free Loan
The ACT Government’s Interest-Free Loan Program, part of the Sustainable Household Scheme, aims to support residents in making sustainable upgrades to their homes. This program provides interest-free loans to eligible homeowners to finance the installation of energy-efficient and renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and energy storage solutions. The loans are designed to assist residents in accessing affordable financing options for sustainable home improvements, ultimately reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
For updated information and guidelines, get in touch with our solar consultants for a free consultation.
Sustainable Business Program
This program offers support in the areas of energy, transport, waste, and water to businesses. Businesses can enroll in the program to access rebates, resources, advice, and accreditation.
Technical experts affiliated with the program are available to provide advice to all ACT businesses on methods to enhance their energy efficiency, including the transition away from gas, installation of solar panels, and adoption of battery storage solutions.
Small to medium-sized businesses in the ACT region have the opportunity to access a technical assessment and rebates for energy efficiency upgrades, encompassing aspects such as heating, cooling, lighting, and refrigeration improvements.
For updated information and guidelines, get in touch with our solar consultants for a free consultation.
Sustainable Business Program
This program offers support in the areas of energy, transport, waste, and water to businesses. Businesses can enroll in the program to access rebates, resources, advice, and accreditation.
Technical experts affiliated with the program are available to provide advice to all ACT businesses on methods to enhance their energy efficiency, including the transition away from gas, installation of solar panels, and adoption of battery storage solutions.
Small to medium-sized businesses in the ACT region have the opportunity to access a technical assessment and rebates for energy efficiency upgrades, encompassing aspects such as heating, cooling, lighting, and refrigeration improvements.
For updated information and guidelines, get in touch with our solar consultants for a free consultation.