Financial Incentives: STC rebate explained
Solar PV systems attract financial incentives based on their size and location as legislated in the RET scheme (Renewable Energy Target). The scheme is available for both commercial and residential customers. Systems up to 100 kW qualify for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), whereas systems above 100 kW need to be registered as “power stations” to receive Large-scale Technology Certificates (LGCs) on a quarterly or yearly basis. The amount of LGCs is depending on the electricity output of the system. A rule of thumb not taking into account loss factors is 1 LGC per 1 MWh of solar output.How much financial support do I get?
The value of the STCs varies depending on supply and demand in the market, just like a stock or commodity. The amount of STCs or the STC entitlement also depends on the geographical location of the installation. For example, the entire area around Perth including Mandurah, Bunbury, Margaret River and in the North up to Lancelin is classified as Zone 3. Geraldton is in Zone 2 and receives more STCs. Less sunny places, such as Melbourne, are in Zone 4 and receive slightly fewer STCs.
At the time of writing, STCs are worth $27.40 per certificate. By multiplying the STC entitlement with the STC price, the total amount of STC rebate can be calculated.
DNX Energy handles all the paperwork required, and our clients are able to pay a reduced amount for their solar systems.
| System size | STC price | 2017 STC entitlement* | Total 2017 STC rebate** | 2018 STC entitlement* | Total 2018 STC rebate** |
| 1.5 kW | $27.40 | 29 | $795 | 26 | $712 |
| 3 kW | $27.40 | 58 | $1,589 | 53 | $1,452 |
| 5 kW | $27.40 | 96 | $2,630 | 89 | $2,439 |
| 6.5 kW | $27.40 | 127 | $3,480 | 116 | $3,178 |
| 10 kW | $27.40 | 193 | $5,288 | 179 | $4,905 |
| 15 kW | $27.40 | 290 | $7,946 | 269 | $7,371 |
| 30 kW | $27.40 | 580 | $15,892 | 538 | $14,741 |
| 40 kW | $27.40 | 773 | $21,180 | 718 | $19,673 |
| 60 kW | $27.40 | 1160 | $31,784 | 1077 | $29,510 |
| 80 kW | $27.40 | 1547 | $42,388 | 1437 | $39,374 |
| 100 kW | $27.40 | 1934 | $52,992 | 1796 | $49,210 |
*Zone 3: Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury, Margaret River, Augusta, Lancelin etc.
**Please note: Residential solar system sizes are marked above in blue. Commercial solar system sizes in black. STC prices are subject to change. This table only serves illustrative purposes. Please contact us for a quote for current figures.