What is a STC?
For the purposes of STC calculations, Australia is divided up into 4 zones
based on how much renewable energy can be generated in a given area. Perth
area is Zone 3.
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
The Basics
1 STC = 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy generated or each MWh
displaced by not consuming carbon derived power to heat a conventional water
heating system.
The value of a Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC, formerly called Renewable Energy Certificate or a REC) can fluctuate daily. Their market value is determined by the supply and demand situation at any one point. Importantly for you, the discount that can be claimed on an approved solar power system or solar hot water system can be calculated by
No. of STCs x STC Value = Amount received as a point of sale discount
Solar Credits scheme
Connected to grid: STC’s are for systems up to 100KW , with an extra incentive offering 3 x the
usual number of STC’s issued for solar power systems up to 1.5kW
By increasing the number of STC’s issued with qualifying components and systems, the Australian
government hopes to achieve a goal of 45,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of
electricity via renewable means such as solar, wind and geothermal by the
year 2020; although there has been no adjustment to the target to represent
the “phantom” or multiplier certificates created for systems up to 1.5KW.
The STC on a solar Power system is calculated by multiplying the rated
output of the system in KW by the factor of the Zone (Zone 3 = 1.382),
multiplyed by the deeming period of 15 years, rounded down, and in the case
of systems up to 1.5KW multiplyed by 3.
For a 1.5KW system: 1.5 X 1.382 X 15 X 3 = 93 REC’s. (Zone 3).
For systems above 1.5KW add 93 REC’s to the KW figure over 1.5KW:
For a 4KW system: 93 + (2.5 X 1.382 X 15 = 51) = 144 REC’s (Zone 3)
Untied to grid / standalone systems STC’s available up to 20KW with no multiplier.
The value of each REC/STC as of 18th August 2011 is $25
Further information available from the Office of Renewable Energy Regulator:
In the case of Solar Hot water Systems the government tests each
manufactuers system and awards a number of STC”s directly relating to the
performance of the system and the solar zone where the SHWS is installed .
For example an Edwards L32 Titan attracts 34STC”s installed in the Perth
area (Zone 3). The value of each STC fluctuates on the STC trading market
with the value as of 8th August 2011 $25.
Therefore 34 X $25 = $850 of REC value may be assigned to the system once
installed.
Other Rebates:
For replacing an electric storage water heater with a qualifying SHWS with a
minimum of 20 REC’s a $1000 rebate is available from the Federal Government
( $600 for heat pumps). Note: available to home owners that have not already
accessed the Insulating Australian Households rebate.
Further information available from the Department of Climate Change and
energy efficiency:
http://www.climatechange.gov.au/default.aspx
A $500 rebate ($700 LPG ) is available from WA local government for
installing a qualifying SHWS boosted by gas.
Further information available from the Government of Western Australia
Office of Energy:
