STCs: the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme
National, run by the Clean Energy Regulator.
- Eligible systems earn small-scale technology certificates (STCs), one for each megawatt hour generated, stored or displaced. Most owners assign the right to sell them to an agent for a discount or a delayed cash payment. The scheme ends in 2030. Source: Clean Energy Regulator, Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Read 17 Oct 2026
- A rooftop system earns STCs when it is under 100 kW, produces under 250 MWh a year, has its panels and inverter on the Clean Energy Council's approved list, and meets Australian and New Zealand standards. Source: Clean Energy Regulator, Rooftop solar. Read 17 Oct 2026
- From 1 October 2026 the scheme also covers solar from 100 kW to 1 MW, with a fixed 5-year deeming period. The regulator says applications for these systems open in mid to late November 2026. Source: Clean Energy Regulator, Mid-scale solar. Read 17 Oct 2026
- An owner who creates their own STCs must do so within 12 months of the installation. Source: Clean Energy Regulator, Rooftop solar. Read 17 Oct 2026























