How to Apply for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for Solar Hot Water Systems
A practical guide for System Owners and Plumbing Traders installing eligible Solar Hot Water and Air Source Heat Pump systems under Australia's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
What is STC Assignment?
When an eligible hot water system is installed, the system owner becomes entitled to create Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Instead of creating and selling the certificates themselves, most owners choose to assign the right to create the STCs to a Registered Agent.
When an eligible hot water system is installed, the system owner becomes entitled to create Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Instead of creating and selling the certificates themselves, most owners choose to assign the right to create the STCs to a Registered Agent.
For System Owners
1
Purchase an eligible system
Install an eligible Solar Hot Water or Air Source Heat Pump system that meets the Clean Energy Regulator requirements.
Install an eligible Solar Hot Water or Air Source Heat Pump system that meets the Clean Energy Regulator requirements.
2
Choose to assign your STCs
Most homeowners assign their STCs to a Registered Agent instead of creating certificates themselves.
Most homeowners assign their STCs to a Registered Agent instead of creating certificates themselves.
3
Complete the STC Assignment Form
After installation, sign the assignment form confirming you are transferring the right to create STCs for your system.
After installation, sign the assignment form confirming you are transferring the right to create STCs for your system.
4
Provide supporting information
Your installer or trader may request proof of ownership, installation details and other mandatory documents required by the CER.
Your installer or trader may request proof of ownership, installation details and other mandatory documents required by the CER.
5
Receive your discount
Once the STCs have been assigned, the Registered Agent generally provides the agreed financial benefit, usually as an upfront discount already applied to your invoice.
Once the STCs have been assigned, the Registered Agent generally provides the agreed financial benefit, usually as an upfront discount already applied to your invoice.
For Traders & Installers
1
Confirm system eligibility
Ensure the product is listed as eligible for STCs and installed according to the relevant standards.
Ensure the product is listed as eligible for STCs and installed according to the relevant standards.
2
Complete installation
Finish the installation and ensure all compliance requirements have been satisfied before any paperwork is signed.
Finish the installation and ensure all compliance requirements have been satisfied before any paperwork is signed.
3
Collect mandatory documentation
Gather installer declarations, owner declarations, photographs and all mandatory information required by the Clean Energy Regulator.
Gather installer declarations, owner declarations, photographs and all mandatory information required by the Clean Energy Regulator.
4
Obtain signed STC Assignment
The system owner signs the assignment form transferring the right to create STCs to the Registered Agent.
The system owner signs the assignment form transferring the right to create STCs to the Registered Agent.
5
Submit through your Registered Agent
The Registered Agent verifies the documentation and creates the STCs within the REC Registry.
The Registered Agent verifies the documentation and creates the STCs within the REC Registry.
Typical STC Assignment Workflow
| Stage | Responsible Party |
|---|---|
| Purchase eligible system | System Owner |
| Installation completed | Licensed Installer |
| Compliance documents completed | Installer & Owner |
| STC Assignment Form signed | System Owner |
| Documents reviewed | Registered Agent |
| STCs created in REC Registry | Registered Agent |
| Owner receives agreed financial benefit | Registered Agent / Trader |
Documentation Checklist
Before submitting an STC claim, make sure you have:- ✔ Installation completed
- ✔ Product model details
- ✔ Installer details
- ✔ Owner details
- ✔ Signed STC Assignment Form
- ✔ Mandatory declarations
- ✔ Required photographs (where applicable)
- ✔ Compliance documentation required by the CER
Official Government Resources
Important
- The system owner owns the right to create STCs unless they assign that right to a Registered Agent.
- STC assignment should only occur after the eligible installation has been completed.
- The Registered Agent cannot legally create STCs without a valid assignment from the system owner.
- STCs must be created within 12 months of the installation date.
