Welcome to SolarGo
Welcome to SolarGo
If you're considering installing solar panels or a solar battery, you may be eligible for financial assistance through Australia's renewable energy incentive programs.
For eligible small-scale solar systems, the main federal incentive is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Under this scheme, eligible installations can create Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
STCs can reduce the upfront cost of an eligible solar installation when the customer assigns the right to create the certificates to an approved agent or installer.
The amount of assistance available depends on several factors, including:
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are certificates created under Australia's Renewable Energy Target.
For eligible small-scale renewable energy systems, the number of STCs is generally calculated using factors such as the system's capacity, location and installation date.
Each eligible installation can receive a certain number of certificates based on the amount of renewable energy the system is expected to generate over the applicable deeming period.
The Clean Energy Regulator provides calculators that can be used to determine the estimated STC entitlement for an eligible system.
The STC incentive does not normally operate as a traditional cash rebate paid directly to the homeowner.
Instead, the owner of an eligible system has the right to create and sell the STCs.
Many customers choose to assign this right to a registered agent or installer in exchange for an upfront discount on the system price.
The Clean Energy Regulator confirms that system owners can either create and sell STCs themselves or assign the right to create them to a registered agent.
There is no single STC amount that applies to every Australian solar installation.
The Clean Energy Regulator calculates eligibility using factors including:
Different locations have different solar performance zones, which can affect the number of certificates generated by an eligible solar PV system.
The deeming period represents the number of years of expected renewable energy generation used when calculating STC entitlement.
For eligible solar PV systems, the deeming period has been progressively reducing each year and is scheduled to continue declining until the SRES ends in 2030.
| Installation Year | Maximum Deeming Period |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 years |
| 2025 | 6 years |
| 2026 | 5 years |
| 2027 | 4 years |
| 2028 | 3 years |
| 2029 | 2 years |
| 2030 | 1 year |
The Clean Energy Regulator currently lists a five-year deeming period for solar PV systems installed in 2026.
Because the deeming period decreases over time, the potential STC benefit for a new installation generally reduces as the scheme approaches its scheduled end.
Australia does not receive the same amount of sunlight everywhere. The STC calculation therefore takes the location of the solar installation into account.
Solar PV systems installed in areas with greater expected renewable energy production can be eligible for more certificates than an equivalent system installed in a lower-production zone.
Your postcode is therefore important when estimating the available STC benefit.
Solar4AU can use your property location and proposed system size to help determine the applicable incentive estimate.
Eligible solar batteries can also receive support through the SRES, subject to the current eligibility requirements.
Battery STCs are calculated differently from solar PV STCs.
The number of certificates depends on factors including:
The battery STC rules were changed from 1 May 2026, including new STC factors and a tapered calculation for larger battery capacities.
For 2026, the Clean Energy Regulator lists the following battery STC factors:
| Period | STC Factor per kWh |
|---|---|
| January–April 2026 | 8.4 |
| May–December 2026 | 6.8 |
| January–June 2027 | 5.7 |
| July–December 2027 | 5.2 |
The battery calculation also applies different support levels as usable capacity increases:
The Clean Energy Regulator should be used for the current calculation before quoting a battery incentive.
Eligibility depends on the specific system and installation.
For solar PV systems, the installation must meet the relevant SRES requirements, including requirements relating to the system, equipment, installation and accredited installation process.
Solar batteries have their own eligibility conditions.
Because the rules can change, Solar4AU recommends confirming eligibility before relying on an incentive amount in your purchasing decision.
When preparing a solar quotation, Solar4AU can assess the applicable incentive for the proposed system and location.
Where applicable, the STC benefit can be incorporated into the quoted system price when the customer assigns the certificate rights to an eligible registered agent.
Your quotation should clearly show the applicable system price and any relevant incentive or discount.
Government incentives can change over time, and state or territory programs may operate separately from the federal SRES.
Depending on where you live, you may potentially have access to additional state or territory programs.
Eligibility for different programs can vary, and some incentives may not be combined.
Solar4AU recommends checking the current government requirements applicable to your property before making a purchase decision.
The Australian Government's current Renewable Energy Target information states that 2030 is the final year for SRES installations and eligible renewable energy generation under the scheme.
The value and number of STCs available to eligible installations therefore changes as the scheme moves towards its scheduled conclusion.
This is one reason why customers should use the current STC calculation rather than relying on old solar rebate tables found online.
Want to know approximately how much incentive may be available for your solar installation?
Solar4AU can help you assess your proposed system based on your:
Submit your details and our team can review your requirements and provide a tailored solar solution and quotation.
Please note: Government incentives, STC eligibility, certificate values and program rules can change. Any rebate or STC amount shown in a Solar4AU quotation should be treated as an estimate until eligibility and the applicable calculation have been confirmed.
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