Small-scale technology certificates are tradable certificates which you can create and trade yourself, or assign the right to create to a registered agent in exchange for an upfront discount off the cost of your system or a cash payment.
The majority of system owners choose to assign the right to small-scale technology certificates to a
registered agent, as receiving an upfront financial benefit is often a simpler process, and faster than creating and trading the certificates independently through the open market or
STC clearing house.
All small-scale technology certificates must be created within 12 months after your system is installed.
Assigning the right to create small-scale technology certificates to a registered agent
Once your small-scale system has been
completely installed, you may
assign the right to create the small-scale technology certificates to a registered agent.
The upfront financial incentive you receive is generally based on the market price of the small-scale technology certificates at the time of installation—which fluctuates depending on supply and demand.
Claiming small-scale technology certificates yourself
Although a majority of owners choose to assign the right to create their small-scale technology certificates to a registered agent, you also have the option to create and trade the certificates yourself. This process involves:
The Clean Energy Regulator cannot provide an estimate of how long it will take for small-scale technology certificates to sell in the STC clearing house—certificates will only sell when a buyer is available and owners should plan their system purchase with this in mind.
Calculating small-scale technology certificates for your system
The number of
small-scale technology certificates a system may be eligible for varies depending on the type and size of the system, installation date and geographic location.
The Clean Energy Regulator has developed small-scale technology certificate calculators to provide you with an approximate amount of certificates a system may be eligible for. These calculators should be used as a guide only.
The price of small-scale technology certificates
The price of STCs is driven by supply and demand of the renewable energy certificate market and fluctuates daily. For more information see
Buying and selling small-scale technology certificates.
By researching how many certificates a system may be eligible for, and their current market value, you will be better informed about the financial incentives available before you enter a contract to buy or install a small-scale renewable energy system.