Being out in the bush doesn’t mean you miss out on solar power rebates and incentives. While the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program ended some years ago, the federal government’s Small-scale Technology Certificates are still available, providing subsidies for off grid solar power systems.
As you explore sustainable energy solutions in remote locations, consider gaining insights into the potential benefits for your off-grid setup with FREE solar quotes from Energy Matters, ensuring a well-informed and environmentally conscious approach to powering remote spaces.
On this page
Energy Matters has been a leader in the renewable energy industry since 2005. We can connect you with our trusted local installers, who will provide up to 3 FREE solar quotes for your home and business solar energy system. You can also learn more about home and business solar panel system sizing here.
This page contains information on off grid solar power rebates for:
- households,
- communities,
- not-for-profits,
- business,
- government
- and other organisations in remote areas of Australia, far from a mains electricity power supply.
Federal Government – Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
As part of Australia’s Renewable Energy Target, financial incentives are available for people installing off grid solar power systems.
Households and businesses installing systems on buildings are eligible to receive Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The savings from STCs can amount to thousands of dollars for larger systems.
STC off grid guidelines
- The system must be an eligible small-scale solar panel system (or wind or hydro)
- The system installation must be at an eligible premise.
- It must be a new and full system
Your system, whether a Solar PV System, Wind Turbine or Hydro System, will be assigned a designated number of STCs. These STCs are equivalent to 1MWh (megawatt hour) of energy displaced or generated by the renewable energy system. The number of STCs assigned to your system will depend on the expected MWh of energy displaced or generated over the course of 5 years or a single maximum deeming period.
Small-scale technology certificates must be created within 12 months of the system being installed to be valid. For example, a system installed on 1 January 2023 is only eligible for certificates until 11:59 pm AEDST on 31 December 2023.
The Renewable Energy Certificate Registry (REC Registry) is an online system allowing Renewable Energy Target participants to create, transfer and surrender renewable energy certificates, including STCs and LGCs.
You will need a REC Registry account if you intend to:
- create STCs for a solar water heater, small-scale solar panel, wind or hydro installation that you own
- create STCs for installations on behalf of others
- apply to accredit a renewable energy power station
- create LGCs for an accredited power station
- purchase, transfer or surrender of STCs or LGCs, or
- use the STC Clearing House.
For more information, please see Create an account.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
RECs/STCs issue from the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator. They ensure that Australian Government meets its Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) of 20% by 2020.
Off grid solar power rebates
Small-scale Technology Certificates are provided when an eligible off grid wind energy or solar power system is installed. The value of STCs vary based on system size and location. Determining eligibility and calculating the value of STCs for your intended off grid equipment purchase can be something of a complex process, so contact our team for free, no-obligation advice.
Read more about off grid solar rebates and incentives
Switching to a better plan?
You may already have an energy plan but want to shop for a better deal. If you’re looking to save money on your electricity and gas bills, Energy Matters can help using our “Energy Health Check”!
Energy Matters’ “Energy Health Check” is a cutting-edge energy comparator tool that allows you to compare the most competitive retail offers in your area. We collect the data from our wide range of trusted retailers, allowing you to decide about changing your plan.
If your goal is to minimise the cost of your gas and electricity bills, switch to a better plan now!
Updated February 2023
