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Solar Incentives


Small-scale technology certificates


Under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, eligible small-scale renewable energy systems are entitled to a number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs).


The number of small-scale technology certificates that can be created per system is based on its geographical location, installation date, and the amount of electricity in megawatt hours (MWh) that is:


  1. generated by the small-scale solar panel, wind or hydro system over the course of its lifetime of up to 15 years, or

  2. displaced by the solar water heater or heat pump over the course of its lifetime of up to 10 years.


As a guide, one small-scale technology certificate is equal to one megawatt hour of eligible renewable electricity either generated or displaced by the system.


You can calculate the number of small-scale technology certificates a system may be eligible using the small generation unit calculator and solar water heater calculator. 


The Renewable Energy Target is supported by an online registry system, called the REC Registry, which facilitates the creation, validation, auditing and transfer of small-scale technology certificates


Once created and validated, these certificates act as a form of currency and can be sold to recoup a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing the system, or transferred to other individuals and businesses at a negotiated price.


The price of small-scale technology certificates


The price of small-scale technology certificates is driven by supply and demand of the renewable energy certificate market and fluctuates daily.


To determine an approximate price for small-scale technology certificates, conduct an internet search for small-scale technology certificate traders. Individual trader websites advertise their price for certificates, though this price fluctuates daily.


If you choose to sell your certificates through the STC clearing house there is a fixed price of $40 per certificate, however the Clean Energy Regulator cannot provide an estimate of how long it will take them to sell—certificates listed for sale through the clearing house will only sell when a buyer is available.


Learn more about creating, buying and selling and failed small-scale technology certificates.​​​​​​​