Federal Government Incentive

Government Incentives (STCs) — How Much Do You Save?

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are the federal government's main solar incentive — a point-of-sale discount built into your quote, available to every eligible household and business in Australia, including here in NSW.

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STC values change often — the certificate price fluctuates on an open market, and the number of certificates a system earns reduces slightly each year as the scheme winds down toward 2030. Figures below are indicative as of September 2026. Always confirm the exact current value at the Clean Energy Regulator or with our team.

The Scheme

What Is an STC?

A Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) is a tradeable credit created when you install an eligible solar, solar hot water, or heat pump system. It's often called "the solar rebate" — though technically it isn't a cheque you receive. Your installer sells the certificates on your behalf, and the value comes off your quote upfront.

The number of certificates your system earns depends on your location (postcode zone), your system's size, and a "deeming period" that shrinks slightly each year as the national scheme phases down toward its scheduled end in 2030 — meaning installing sooner generally locks in a larger discount than waiting.

Illustrative Example — 6.6kW System, Sydney (Zone 3)

Estimated certificates earned~68–70 STCs

Typical certificate value~$37–$40 each

~$2,000–$2,500

Estimated Upfront Discount

How It's Calculated

Three Factors Decide Your Discount

Your Postcode Zone

Australia is divided into solar zones based on sunshine levels — sunnier zones generally earn more certificates per kW.

Your System Size

Larger systems (up to 100kW) generally earn more certificates, in proportion to their generating capacity.

The Market Price

STCs trade on an open market, so the per-certificate value moves slightly over time based on supply and demand.

Why It's Shrinking Every Year

The Scheme Is Legislated to Phase Down by 2030

Each year, the "deeming period" used to calculate certificates gets shorter, so new systems earn fewer STCs than they would have the year before. Installing sooner rather than later generally means a larger discount today, instead of a smaller one down the track.

The Process

How It Works With Poly Engineering

Quick Assessment

We check your postcode zone and ideal system size for your property.

STC Calculation

We calculate your estimated certificate value at current market pricing.

Discounted Quote

The STC value is applied directly to your quote — no separate claim needed.

Professional Install

Our SAA-accredited team installs your system to a high standard.

Why Choose Us

Why Sydney Households Choose Poly Engineering

SAA Accredited & Licensed

Fully licensed design and installation, compliant with Australian standards.

STC Applied Automatically

We handle the certificate paperwork — the discount just shows up on your quote.

Transparent Pricing

Free, obligation-free quotes showing exactly what the STC discount is worth.

Common Questions

FAQs

Do I need to apply for the STC discount myself?

No — as your installer, we handle the certificate creation and sale on your behalf. The discount is simply built into your quote as a point-of-sale reduction.

Is this a NSW-specific rebate?

No, STCs are a national federal scheme available to eligible households and businesses right across Australia — it isn't tied to any one state. NSW currently doesn't run its own separate solar rebate on top of this, but batteries have their own state-level incentives.

Why does the discount amount vary between quotes?

The exact value depends on your system size, your postcode zone, and the STC market price on the day your system is installed — so it will differ slightly between properties and over time.

Should I wait for a bigger discount later?

Generally, no — the number of certificates a new system earns reduces each year as the scheme phases down toward 2030. Installing sooner typically locks in a larger discount than waiting.

Does this apply to batteries too?

Batteries use a related but separate certificate mechanism under the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program — see our dedicated battery rebate page for details.

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