STC Calculator & Solar Rebate Guide
The "solar rebate" most Melbourne homeowners talk about is actually a discount created by Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Here's how they work, what changes your entitlement, and a direct link to the official government calculator for an exact figure.
Official STC Calculator
Run by the Clean Energy Regulator � enter your postcode and system size for an exact certificate count.
What is an STC, really?
A Small-scale Technology Certificate is a tradeable credit created when an eligible solar, battery or heat pump system is installed under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. Your installer typically assigns these certificates to us in exchange for a discount on your system price � that upfront discount is the "solar rebate."
System Size (kW)
Larger systems generate more certificates, since STCs are calculated per kilowatt of installed capacity.
Solar Zone Rating
Australia is split into zones based on average solar exposure. Melbourne sits in a zone rating that factors directly into your certificate count.
Deeming Period
The scheme assumes your system generates renewable energy for a set number of future years, paid upfront � this number shrinks annually.
The rebate reduces every year
Deeming period shrinks each 1 January
The scheme was designed to phase out gradually, with the deeming period reducing by one year annually.
Fewer future years = fewer certificates
As the deeming period shortens, the number of STCs � and the rebate value � reduces for the same size system.
Certificate price also floats
STC prices move with market supply and demand, so the dollar value of your rebate can vary slightly week to week.
Illustrative only � the deeming period reduces annually toward the scheme's scheduled 2030 end date. Use the official calculator for your exact current entitlement.
Why we don't show a fixed rebate figure on this page
Because the deeming period and STC price change regularly, any number we print here could be outdated within months. For an accurate, current figure for your address and system size, always use the official Clean Energy Regulator calculator linked above � or ask us for an up-to-date quote and we'll apply the current rebate for you.