Here's how much STCs are valued at this year
Solar is booming! As a solar provider and installer, naturally, we’re delighted. But, more than that, it helps Australia reduce its carbon emissions and gets us closer to the targets in the Paris Climate Agreement. Not to mention reducing energy bills and reducing our reliance on grid energy. It gives Australians some energy independence, which is nothing short of fantastic.
But, you know that. We all know that. Solar is great, etc etc. Now, onto STCs. We’ve written a guide to STCs, including what they are:
“STCs, or Small-scale Technology Certificates, are a Federal Government incentive introduced to promote the uptake of small-scale renewable energy systems.”
How they work:
“The process of issuing STCs involves assessing the expected electricity generation or displacement of the system over its lifetime, taking into account factors such as system capacity, location, and technology type.”
How they’re calculated:
“STCs are calculated based on the expected electricity generation or displacement of a small-scale renewable energy system over its lifetime. The calculation involves several factors and follows a methodology determined by the CER.”
And how to claim them:
“The process for trading STCs involves several steps to facilitate the buying and selling of these certificates. System owners or installers start by registering their small-scale renewable energy system with the CER, providing the necessary information and documentation.”
If you’d like to read our guide, click the link below…
| 3.33kW | Amount of STCs | STCs Price | Rebate |
| 3.33kW | 27 | $36 | $972 |
| 6.66kW | 55 | $36 | $1,980 |
| 9.99kW | 82 | $36 | $2,952 |
| 13.33kW | 110 | $36 | $3,960 |
The value of STCs changes year by year. The rebate program was officially launched in 2011, but Victoria became involved in 2020.
STCs are a tradeable commodity (much like VEECs). They change on 1st January, every year. The Australian Government has ruled that they cannot be lower than $0 and no higher then $40. (source).
Note: STCs will end in 2030.
The Value of an STC started at $39.30. It fluctuated through the year and, by the end of the 12 months, remained at $39.90
Variations:
The value of an STC will depend on where you’re located, the size of your system, and the trader. For a property in Melbourne, here are the following values, that Energy Makeovers can supply (value is subject to change).
The Value of an STC fluctuated between $39.90 and $39.95
The Value of an STC fluctuated around $35.
Helpful tip:
Q1, when the new rates are released, the value of the STCs for that annual period is at its lowest. Typically, around 5% a year. The rest of the year is likely to have a higher value of STC.
Australia is divided into four zones that vary the value of STCs. The federal government allocated these zones at the start of the STC rebate program, based on the regions that generated the most solar energy potential (as they’re sunnier!).
Unfortunately, Melbourne is in Zone 4 because, down here in Victoria, we see the lowest levels of sunshine in the year, difficult as they may be to believe given our scorching summers!
Will the map be redrawn?
Unlikely. We don’t expect Melbourne to jump into Zone 3 anytime soon. Certainly, not before the scheme ends in 2030.
We’d strongly recommend you talk to our solar experts, who know the ins and outs of the STC program, along with other incentives that might be available.
For example, did you know you can stack STCs and The Solar Rebate together? We’ve written an article on how to do that – here.
Are solar panels getting more efficient? Do dirt and time make them less efficient? Here's everything you need to know about solar panel efficiency.
Victoria offers STCs and a Solar rebate to incentivise solar energy installations around the state, but can you apply for both? Find out here.
2 significant reasons why a solar energy system might fail on your property and they're primarily the fault of overselling. Read more.
You have the right to opt out of receiving marketing communications from us at any time and your personal information will be handled in accordance with Energy Makeovers' Privacy Policy.
