A small-scale technology certificate (STC) is equal to 1 megawatt hour of renewable electricity either generated or displaced by eligible small-scale renewable energy systems such as solar PV, wind and hydro and solar water heaters and air source heat pumps. STCs create a financial incentive to install small-scale renewable energy systems by reducing upfront installation costs.
Under the
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), eligible small-scale renewable energy systems are entitled to a number of STCs.
The number of certificates that can be created per system is based on its geographical location, installation date, and the amount of electricity in megawatt hours (MWh) that is:
- generated by the small-scale solar panel, wind or hydro system over one or 5 years, or a single maximum
deeming period, or
- displaced by the solar water heater or heat pump over a single maximum deeming period.
You can calculate the number of certificates a system may be eligible for using the
small generation unit STC calculator and
solar water heater STC calculator.
The
Renewable Energy Target is supported by an online registry system, called the
REC Registry, which facilitates the creation, validation, auditing and transfer of certificates
Once created and validated, these certificates act as a form of currency and can be sold to recoup a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing the system, or transferred to other individuals and businesses at a negotiated price.
Find out more
Learn more about
creating,
buying and selling and
failed certificates.