The background

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) scheme is a government initiative which aims to encourage an increase in the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources. When you purchase an eligible solar power, solar hot water or wind power system, you receive a number of STCs depending on your system’s size and your location.

The amount of STCs you receive is multiplied by three when you purchase a solar power system*. This is due to another government program – the Solar Credit Scheme.

What it means for your rebate

Here’s an example of how STCs could work for a solar power system owner in Melbourne**: 

• Installing a 1.5 kW solar power system means you could be eligible for 26.6 STCs**.
• The Solar Credit Scheme multiplies these STCs by three and round down to the nearest STCs (26.6 STCs X 3 = 79 STCs).
• So you could be eligible for – 79 STCs X <$STCs Value> = <$Rebate Amount>
• The value of the STCs can be applied to the value of the system you’re purchasing, reducing your upfront costs.

And here’s an example of how STCs could work for a solar power system owner in Sydney, Adelaide or Brisbane:

• Installing a 1.5 kW solar power system means you could be eligible for 31 STCs**.
• The Solar Credit Scheme multiplies these STCs by three and round down to the nearest STCs (31 STCs X 3 = 93 STCs).
• So you could be eligible for – 93 STCs X <$STCs Value> = <$Rebate Amount>
• The value of the STCs can be applied to the value of the system you’re purchasing, reducing your upfront costs.

For general STCs information – visit the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator website.

* The STCs multiplier (solar credit scheme) is applies to the first 1.5kW of installed capacity, and is designed to discount the initial outlay. Anything over this threshold has the standard volume of STCs assigned.
** Calculated at October 2011. STCs value and number are not set by EKO Energy and are subject to change without notice.