Are you eligible for a Small-Scale Technology Certificate?

Posted on 19 July 2018

Are you eligible for a Small-Scale Technology Certificate?

Solar panels are the preferred way for Australians to reduce their carbon footprint and electricity bills.

However, that means that many Australians are already looking to add or replace their solar system. This may affect their eligibility for small-scale technology certificates, though. Those certificates can be used to make back some of the money you invested into your system in the first place.

In this blog, we’ve created a handy guide to help you know whether you are STC eligible and the criteria you need to follow.

1. Check your Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for STC certificates, there are a few things you will need to do. One of which is getting a Clean Energy Council accredited company to design and install your solar panels. In addition to that, the components installed will need to meet Australian standards as well as CEC ones. Of course, it also has to be small-scale which means that it should have less than 100kW capacity.

This means that you will need to find a solar retailer who can provide those services. Solar Power Direct has been in the business since 2011, so we can provide you with expert knowledge on STC eligibility as well as all of the elements you need to get your certificate.

2. Are you STC eligible if you want to add or replace your current system?

It depends. If you add to your existing system, you’ll need to make sure that your inverter and the panels already installed are on the CEC approved list. Plus, your system still can’t exceed 1,000Kws.

If you want to add a new completely separate system, you’ll also be eligible if you meet the criteria. Similarly, if you want to take the whole system down and replace it, you will be STC eligible.

However, you may not be eligible for STC if you replace one or several solar panels. This is because at least one major component was used to claim the certificate in the past.

3. Are you eligible for new small-scale systems?

For those who are just about to install their first small-scale solar system and who meet the criteria, the answer is yes. At Solar Power Direct, we can help you design your first system and make sure it meets the criteria set by the government and the CEC.

Need any more help with solar panels? Get in touch with us and we’ll be able to provide you with our expert services.

Solar Power Direct is a proud member of the Smart Energy Council, working towards a safe climate and a strong renewable economy.