As you begin your journey to purchase a solar system, you may have come across information about a government rebate to help lower the upfront costs. While there is financial assistance available, it’s important to clarify that in Australia, there isn’t technically a rebate.

What many people refer to as a rebate is actually the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This federal initiative aims to reduce the upfront costs of solar installations through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which effectively act like a rebate to lower your overall investment in solar.

What Are Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)?

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) offers incentives for homeowners and businesses to install solar systems by issuing Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These are essentially virtual certificates that represent the amount of renewable energy your system is expected to produce over its lifetime. The number of STCs issued is based on factors such as the size of your system, its location, and the year of installation. These STCs are then sold to energy companies, which reduces the overall cost of your solar system at the point of purchase.

Why Use the STC System?

The STC system is designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy by allowing polluting companies to “buy” these certificates to offset their carbon emissions. This means that the financial benefit you receive doesn’t come directly from the government but from corporations purchasing your STCs. Your solar installer, such as Elite Vin Solar, handles the process of selling these certificates, so you don’t need to worry about paperwork. This system makes solar more affordable for you while contributing to the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions.

How Is Your Rebate Calculated?

The amount you save through STCs depends on several factors, including:

System Size

Larger systems generate more power, which leads to more STCs.

Location

Australia is divided into zones based on how much sunlight each region receives. Sunnier locations earn more STCs.

Year of Installation

The SRES program is being phased out by 2030, meaning the earlier you install your system, the more STCs (and savings) you’ll receive.

The value of each STC fluctuates with the market, but as of today, it’s around $38.50 per STC. For example, if your system is eligible for 110 STCs, your total savings would be:
110 STCs x $38.50 = $4,235.00

This effectively reduces the upfront cost of your solar system, making it more affordable.

Government Incentives and State Rebates

In addition to the federal SRES program, some states like Victoria offer additional rebates for solar installations. These state-level rebates can further reduce your costs. It’s important to check what incentives are available in your specific area to maximize your savings. At Elite Vin Solar, we’ll help you navigate through all available incentives and rebates to ensure you get the best deal possible.

Ready to Take Advantage of the Solar “Rebate”?

While the solar “rebate” might not be a direct payout from the government, the STC system offers a valuable opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of your solar installation. By working with a certified installer like Elite Vin Solar, you can ensure that the process is handled smoothly, and you receive the maximum benefit. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take advantage of these incentives and start saving with solar!