Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Australia's primary solar rebate that reduces your upfront system cost by $2,500-$5,000 depending on system size and location
$2,500-$5,000
Typical Rebate
Residential systems
Zone 1
ACT Rating
Highest rebate zone
Automatic
Application
Applied at sale
2030
Phase Out
Reducing yearly
About Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Federal Rebate
Australia's primary solar rebate that reduces your upfront system cost by $2,500-$5,000 depending on system size and location
How It Works
System Generates Certificates
Your solar system creates STCs based on its expected energy generation over 12 years (or until 2030, whichever is sooner).
- •Calculated using system size in kW
- •Location zone (ACT is Zone 1)
- •Installation year (reduces each year)
- •Panel efficiency ratings
Installer Claims STCs
Your installer handles all the paperwork and processes the STCs on your behalf through the Clean Energy Regulator.
- Alpine Power manages entire process
- No action required from you
- Processed within days of installation
- Certificate value deducted from quote
Rebate Applied to Price
The STC value is deducted from your quoted price, so you never pay the full amount upfront.
- Discount shown clearly in quote
- You pay the reduced price only
- No waiting for reimbursement
- Immediate savings at point of sale
Enjoy Your Savings
Start generating solar energy and enjoying lower electricity bills from day one.
- System installed at discounted price
- No further STC paperwork needed
- Continue saving on energy bills
- Rebate locked in for your system
Rebate Amounts by Battery Size
6.6kW System
$2,500-$2,800
- System Cost: $6,500
- STC Rebate: -$2,700
- Final Cost: $3,800
- Perfect for average homes
10kW System
$3,500-$3,800
- System Cost: $10,500
- STC Rebate: -$3,600
- Final Cost: $6,900
- Ideal for larger homes
13kW System
$4,500-$5,000
- System Cost: $13,800
- STC Rebate: -$4,800
- Final Cost: $9,000
- Best for high usage homes
15kW System
$5,200-$5,500
- System Cost: $16,200
- STC Rebate: -$5,400
- Final Cost: $10,800
- Maximum residential size
How to Claim the Battery Rebate
2026 (Current Year)
- 6.6kW system: ~$2,700 rebate
- 10kW system: ~$3,600 rebate
- 13kW system: ~$4,800 rebate
2027
- 6.6kW system: ~$2,450 rebate (down $250)
- 10kW system: ~$3,275 rebate (down $325)
- 13kW system: ~$4,370 rebate (down $430)
2028
- 6.6kW system: ~$2,180 rebate (down $270)
- 10kW system: ~$2,915 rebate (down $360)
- 13kW system: ~$3,890 rebate (down $480)
2029
- 6.6kW system: ~$1,875 rebate (down $305)
- 10kW system: ~$2,505 rebate (down $410)
- 13kW system: ~$3,345 rebate (down $545)
2030
- Only partial year available
- Rebates approximately 50% of 2029 levels
- Scheme completely phases out
- No STCs available from 2031 onwards
Eligibility Criteria
System Requirements
- System must be under 100kW capacity
- All components must be CEC approved
- Panels and inverter from approved list
- System must be new (not second-hand)
Installation Requirements
- Installer must be CEC accredited
- Licensed electrician must connect system
- Compliant with AS/NZS 5033 standards
- Grid connection approval obtained
Property Requirements
- Residential or small business property
- Suitable roof structure and space
- Access to electricity grid
- Located in Australia
Documentation Required
- Proof of property ownership or permission
- Electrical safety certificate
- System compliance certificate
- Grid connection approval (handled by installer)
Battery Rebate Questions
Do I need to apply for STCs myself?
No. Your installer (Alpine Power) handles the entire STC creation and claiming process. We assign the certificates to ourselves in exchange for an upfront discount on your system price. You never need to deal with paperwork or wait for reimbursement.
How is the STC value calculated?
STCs are calculated using the formula: System size (kW) × Zone rating × Years remaining until 2030 × STC price. The ACT is in Zone 1 (rating 1.622), which provides the highest rebate. The STC price fluctuates but typically ranges from $37-$40 per certificate.
Can I still get STCs on a second-hand system?
No. STCs can only be claimed once per system when it's first installed. If you buy a property with existing solar panels, those panels have already had their STCs claimed by the original installer. Only brand new solar installations are eligible for STC rebates.
What happens if I install solar after 2030?
The STC scheme completely ends on December 31, 2030. Systems installed from January 1, 2031 onwards will not receive any STC rebates. This means solar will be significantly more expensive after 2030 unless new government incentives are introduced.
Can I claim STCs if I install solar myself?
Technically yes, but it's extremely difficult and not recommended. You must be a licensed electrician, obtain CEC accreditation, comply with all electrical standards, pass all inspections, and navigate complex paperwork. Almost all homeowners use a CEC-accredited installer who handles everything.
Are STCs and feed-in tariffs the same thing?
No, they're completely different. STCs are a one-time upfront rebate that reduces your purchase price. Feed-in tariffs are ongoing payments (typically 5-10c/kWh in the ACT) that you receive from your electricity retailer for excess solar energy you export to the grid. You receive both benefits.
Lock In Your Battery Rebate Before It Reduces
Secure the full federal rebate before mid-2026.