STC Calculator
Solar Zones in Australia
Australia is divided into four solar zones based on sunlight exposure:
- Zone 1: High sunlight areas (e.g., Northern and central parts of Australia) with a factor of 1.622.
- Zone 2: Moderate sunlight areas (e.g., Brisbane, Perth) with a factor of 1.536.
- Zone 3: Average sunlight areas (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide) with a factor of 1.382.
- Zone 4: Lower sunlight areas (e.g., Tasmania and parts of southern Victoria.) with a factor of 1.185.
STC Calculator: Calculate Your Solar Incentive in Australia
Investing in solar energy is a step toward sustainability and cost-efficiency. In Australia, the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are a crucial aspect of reducing the upfront cost of installing solar systems. Our STC Calculator is designed to help homeowners and businesses accurately calculate the number of STCs their solar system qualifies for and the corresponding monetary incentive.
What is an STC?
An STC, or Small-scale Technology Certificate, is a tradable certificate issued under the Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme. These certificates are awarded based on the amount of renewable energy a system is expected to produce over its lifetime. Each certificate represents one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated by your solar system.
STCs are a key factor in reducing the overall installation cost of solar power systems in Australia, making clean energy more accessible to households and businesses.
Annual Reduction of STCs
Each year on January 1st, the number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) available per solar project decreases. This reduction impacts the number of certificates generated, not their individual price. As a result, the end cost of a solar system for customers increases by approximately 4-5% annually. This serves as a compelling reason to install solar systems sooner rather than later, ensuring you maximize your rebate.
How Does the STC Calculator Work?
Our easy-to-use STC Calculator requires just three inputs:
- System Size (kW): The total capacity of your solar system.
- Solar Zone: The geographical zone where your system is installed, as different regions in Australia receive varying levels of sunlight.
- Installation Year: The year you plan to install your solar system, as the RET scheme operates on a declining scale until 2030.
The calculator instantly provides:
- Total STCs: The number of certificates your system is eligible for.
- STC Incentive: The monetary value of these STCs, calculated at $40 per certificate.
STC Calculation Formula
To estimate the number of STCs your solar system will generate, use this formula:
Postcode Zone Rating × Deeming Period Years × System Size in kW = Number of STCs
Example Calculation:
A 6.6kW solar system installed in Sydney (Zone 3) generates approximately 9.1 MWh per year. Considering the current deeming period (remaining years until 2030), this system would produce around 91 STCs.
If the STC price is $40, the total rebate would be: 91 STCs × $40 = $3,640
Can You Claim STCs More Than Once?
In some scenarios, you can claim STCs again, depending on the modifications to your solar system. Here’s a breakdown of when you may be eligible:
Eligible Scenarios:
1. Adding More Panels
You can claim additional STCs if you add more panels to your existing system without changing the inverter.
2. Installing a Separate System
Installing a new system (with new panels and a new inverter) on the same property allows you to claim STCs for the new installation.
3. Replacing the Entire System
If both the solar panels and the inverter are replaced, you can claim STCs for the new system.
Ineligible Scenario:
1. Replacing Only the Panels
If you replace solar panels but keep the same inverter, you cannot claim additional STCs. This rule, implemented in 2018, prevents misuse of the system, such as replacing low-quality panels under warranty while continuing to claim STCs.
Understanding these eligibility rules ensures you make informed decisions about system upgrades or replacements.
Why Use Our STC Calculator?
- Accurate Calculations: Estimate your savings based on precise solar zone and system capacity factors.
- Transparency: Know the exact value of your STC rebate before investing in a solar system.
- Quick Results: Get your results in seconds with a user-friendly interface.
Benefits of STCs for Australian Solar Owners
- Lower Upfront Costs: Reduce your solar system’s initial expense significantly.
- Government-backed Scheme: Trust the reliability of incentives backed by Australia’s Renewable Energy Target.
- Sustainable Savings: Minimize your carbon footprint while maximizing your financial benefits.
The zone where you install your system significantly impacts the number of STCs your system generates.
Why Choose Isolux Solar?
At Isolux Solar, we are committed to empowering Australians with cost-effective and sustainable solar energy solutions. Our experts help you navigate the STC process, ensuring you receive the maximum rebate for your system.
Whether you’re looking to install a residential solar system or a large-scale commercial setup, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Try Our STC Calculator Today!
Don’t leave your solar incentives to guesswork. Use our STC Calculator to understand your savings and make informed decisions about your solar investment.
Visit Isolux Solar today to learn more about how we can help you switch to renewable energy and maximize your benefits under Australia’s Renewable Energy Target program.
Frequently Asked Questions
The value of one STC is approximately $40, although it can vary slightly depending on market conditions.
STCs are calculated based on your system’s expected performance for up to 15 years or until 2030, whichever comes first.
Yes, you can sell your STCs in the open market or assign them to your solar installer for an upfront discount on your system.