You may be able to receive assistance with the cost of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on your home through small-scale technology certificates and solar credits.
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Small-scale technology certificates (STCs) formerly Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
Solar creditsSmall-scale technology certificates (STCs) formerly Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
Installing an eligible solar PV system entitles you to small-scale technology certificates (STCs) which can be sold to registered agents or traded individually.
Each STC represents an amount of renewable energy generated, so the more renewable energy your solar PV system can produce, the more STCs you will get.
You can either:
- receive a point of sale discount by assigning your STCs to the retailer or installer when you buy your solar PV system - this is the most common option.
- register your STCs and sell them through the STC market or STC clearing house yourself.
The dollar value of the STC offered by retailers and installers varies day to day. If you choose to trade your STCs yourself through the STC clearing house the price is fixed at $40 per certificate.
For further information and to find out how many STCs you could receive see the small generation unit owner's guide from the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator.
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Solar credits
The solar credits scheme provides additional support by multiplying the number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) you are eligible for.
The multiplier only applies to the first 1.5 kW of capacity installed. Capacity above 1.5 kW will be eligible for the standard one to one STC creation.
The solar credit multiplier is currently five times the number of STCs. From 1 July 2011, the multiplier reduces to three. The multiplier is reduced each financial year until it cuts out on 1 July 2013.
Find out more about the solar credits scheme from the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator.
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More information
On this site
Installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system
Other websites
Consumer guide to solar PV - Clean Energy Council