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In Australia, the “solar rebate” is actually Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). STCs are created by solar systems that can reduce carbon emissions from coal-fired electricity until 2030. One STC is generated for every 1MWh of electricity produced during this time.
To get Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), the solar system must be installed on a property owned by the system's owner. The system must also be connected to the electricity grid and use approved panels and inverters. It should be installed by an accredited Solar Installer and have approval from the Network Distributor for each NMI (Electricity account) where it will be installed.
The rebate applies to residential properties, whether they are owner-occupied, rental, or holiday homes. The maximum system size eligible for the rebate is 100kW.
Understanding these criteria empowers homeowners to make informed decisions about their solar system installations and potentially benefit from available financial incentives.
Do you qualify for the solar rebate?
People often think of the “solar rebate” as the process that creates Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
STCs are like certificates or credits that you can get when you install a solar panel system. These certificates represent the amount of renewable energy your system is expected to generate over its lifetime. The idea behind STCs is to encourage people to use renewable energy sources like solar power.
Here’s how it works: When you install a solar panel system, you can claim a certain number of STCs based on the size of your solar power system and where you live. You can then sell these STCs to energy companies or other buyers. This can help offset the cost of installing your solar panels, making them more affordable.
The process of creating and selling STCs is often referred to as the “solar rebate.” While it’s commonly called a rebate, it’s actually more like a financial incentive that reduces the upfront cost of going solar. It’s a way to make solar energy more accessible and encourage more people to make the switch to renewable energy.
What is an STC?
Solar systems with up to 100kW of inverter capacity create STCs based on their capacity to offset carbon emissions from coal-fired electricity through solar electricity generation until 2030.
One STC is created for every 1Mh of electricity a solar system can generate between the installation year and 2030. These certificates vary a little in value on a floating market but are generally $36 each.
You can sign over STCs to your solar installer as a discount off the upfront cost when your system is installed. Then, the solar company sells them to a trading house. The trading house sells them to companies who need them to meet their obligations for carbon reductions.
The “solar rebate” is not a rebate, you are selling the value of the carbon emissions savings that your solar system will create.
Who is eligible for STC’s
Any system that meets the following criteria can create STCs:
- Installed on a property owned by the installation’s owner and is connected to the electricity grid
- Uses panels and inverters approved for the scheme by the Clean Energy Council of Australia
- Installed by an accredited Solar Installer
- The system can be as large as 100kW. It must be approved by the Network Distributor for each NMI (Electricity account) where it will be installed.
Residential solar eligibility
The installation must be on a residential property to be eligible for the solar rebate in Australia. This includes:
- Owner-occupied homes
- Rental Properties
- Holiday homes
Different places have varying rules for installing solar panels. Each state or territory might have its own guidelines and requirements. Checking what the rules are where you live before installing solar panels is important.
Some areas offer incentives like rebates or tax credits to help you pay for solar panels. These incentives can make solar energy more affordable. However, the availability and terms of these incentives can vary depending on where you live.
There may also be specific rules you need to follow when installing solar panels, like getting building permits or meeting certain standards. To make sure you’re following all the rules, it’s a good idea to check with your local government or energy authority. They can tell you what you must do to install solar panels legally and safely.
It’s also helpful to talk to solar energy providers or experts in your area. They can give you advice and answer any questions you might have about installing solar panels. They can help you understand the rules and make sure your solar panel system is set up correctly.
System size limitations
The solar rebate program in Australia has solar PV system size limitations. To get the full solar rebate, the solar panel system can’t be bigger than 100 kilowatts (kW).” Systems exceeding this limit are still eligible for STCs but receive a reduced rebate. It is crucial to consult with a qualified solar installer or check the guidelines provided by the Clean Energy Regulator to determine the rebate amount for larger systems.
Solar rebate eligibility
While the solar rebate program in Australia provides financial incentives to encourage solar adoption, not everyone automatically qualifies for the rebate. Factors such as residential status, system size limitations, use of approved installers, and components determine eligibility.
Thoroughly understanding the eligibility criteria and consulting with qualified installers or relevant authorities is crucial to ensure compliance. Homeowners in Australia can save money by understanding the requirements and considerations for solar rebates. This knowledge can help them make better decisions about their solar installations.
By being informed about solar rebates, homeowners can ensure they are maximising their savings. Understanding the requirements can also help homeowners avoid any potential issues with their solar installations.
