How the Federal Solar Rebate (STCs) Works
STCs are the reason your quote has an upfront discount
When Australians talk about the federal solar rebate, they are usually talking about Small-scale Technology Certificates, or STCs.
The key point is that STCs are not a cash payment sent to you after installation. In most cases, they are converted into an upfront discount on your solar quote.
What STCs actually are
STCs are certificates created when an eligible small-scale renewable energy system is installed. They represent the environmental benefit of producing renewable energy under the federal scheme.
Your system can create a certain number of STCs based on its size, location, and installation date. Those certificates have a market value.
The most common STC pathway for homeowners
Most households use the simplest pathway: assign the STCs to the installer or their agent in exchange for an upfront discount.
The process usually looks like this:
1. You receive a quote that shows a price after STCs.
2. You sign a form agreeing to assign the STCs for your installation to a registered agent.
3. The system is installed and commissioned with the required documentation.
4. The agent creates and trades the STCs, and the value is already reflected in your invoice.
From the homeowner’s point of view, the STC process is mostly paperwork. The real impact is the discount you see on the quote.
Can you keep the STCs yourself?
In theory, the system owner can choose to keep the STCs and sell them independently. In practice, most homeowners do not because it adds complexity and delays the benefit.
Assigning STCs to the installer or a registered agent is popular because it turns the incentive into an immediate discount. It also means the agent manages the certificate paperwork and trading process.
If you are curious, ask your installer what the price difference would be if you did not assign STCs. The answer will help you understand how the discount has been calculated.
Eligibility: what makes a system STC-eligible
STCs are not available for every setup. Eligibility depends on system type, size, and compliance.
· The system must be an eligible technology under the scheme.
· It must be installed to the required standards and paperwork requirements.
· The installation must be completed by appropriately accredited people and recorded correctly.
From a homeowner’s point of view, the practical takeaway is to use a reputable installer who can clearly explain compliance and documentation.
Why the STC number is different in different locations
Australia is divided into zones for STC calculations. The zones reflect differences in expected solar generation across the country.
This is why a system of the same size can create a different number of STCs depending on where it is installed.
Installation date matters: the deeming period steps down
The number of STCs a system can create is linked to a deeming period that reduces over time. This is one reason the STC benefit changes year to year.
The scheme is designed to taper. That does not mean you should rush into a decision, but it does mean that quotes can change across years even if the hardware looks similar.
Why the STC discount varies between quotes
Two quotes for similar systems can show different STC discounts because installers may assume different STC prices.
Some installers lock in an STC price. Others provide an estimate that can change if the market price moves before installation. Ask what price has been assumed and when it is locked.
A note on STC prices and the clearing house
STCs are traded, sothe value used in quotes is linked to the market. There is also a clearing house mechanism in the scheme, which is one reason you may hear certain “reference” prices mentioned in the industry.
For most homeowners, the practical implication is simple: make sure your quote states the STC price assumption and when it is locked in.
The paperwork you will usually sign
Most installers will ask you to sign an STC assignment form as part of the contracting process. You may also be asked to confirm identity details, ownership details, and installation address information.
Keep copies of signed documents. It is boring admin, but it protects you if there are questions later about eligibility or system details.
A quick owner checklist after installation
1. Save the final invoice showing the STC discount.
2. Save compliance certificates and commissioning paperwork.
3. Record panel and inverter model details and serial numbers.
4. Make sure monitoring access details are handed over properly.
This makes future warranty claims, upgrades, or property sale questions much easier.
What you should check in your quote
· Does the quote show a price before STCs and after STCs?
· Is the STC price assumption stated?
· Is the STC discount locked in at signing or at installation?
· Is the system design suitable for your roof and export limits, not just sized to maximise STCs?
A clear quote makes the STC component easy to understand. If it is vague, ask for clarification in writing.
What happens if you change your mind
If you cancel a job before installation, the STCs are not created, so there is usually nothing to unwind beyond normal contract terms.
If you change system size or design before installation, the expected STC amount can change because certificates depend on system size and installation date.
Common STC pitfalls to avoid
· Quotes that do not clearly show before and after STC spricing.
· Unclear timing on when the STC price is locked in.
· Designs that chase certificates but ignore export limits or shading.
· Missing handover documents, making future upgrade sharder.
If you keep your paperwork and insist on clear quote assumptions, the STC component should be straightforward.
What happens if you upgrade or expand later
If you add panels or replace major components later, STC handling can change depending on what is being installed and how the system is reconfigured.
The safest approach is to keep your original system documentation and talk through upgrade plans with your installer before buying additional equipment. A good designer will consider export limits, inverter capacity, and compliance implications, not just panel count.
Bottom line
STCs are a federal incentive that usually shows up as an upfront discount. The best way to protect yourself is to make sure your quote clearly states how STCs have been appliedand what assumptions have been used.




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