Small-scale technology certificates for solar still below targets in Australia

May 16, 2016
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Flickr: Coop Biodiversity

Small-scale technology certificates (STCs) were created for 10,487 solar PV systems, totalling 56.3MW capacity, in Australia in April, but this fell well below the STC targets set by the regulator.

Once created and validated, STCs act as a form of currency and can be sold to recoup a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing a power system, or transferred to other individuals and businesses at a negotiated price, according to the Clean Energy Regulator.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

A report from research and advisory firm Green Energy Markets stated that STC creation remains “noticeably below the rate required for the 2016 target, running at an average of 279,000 STCs per week (year to date) compared to a 327,300 target”.

Commercial PV systems accounted for 26% of the installed capacity with STCs in April.

Installed capacity by state for past month and year to date +10kW. Credit: Green Energy markets

Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) were accredited to five solar power stations last month, well below the record 17 power stations accredited in March.

Solar water heater (SWH) system numbers surged, up 18% on last month's figures to 5,670. The growth was driven entirely by the state of Victoria, where the number of systems were up 75%, However New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania all recorded falls in system numbers.

Read Next

March 11, 2026
The Western Australian government has unveiled an AU$153.3 million (US$109 million) 'Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program (MEAIP)' designed to accelerate decarbonisation across the state's manufacturing sector through low-interest loans of up to AU$15 million per business.
March 10, 2026
The New South Wales (NSW) government has approved the 15MW Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia project in Moree, Australia.
March 9, 2026
Australia & Canada have signed their first bilateral Clean Energy Partnership, establishing a framework for cooperation across five key areas.
March 9, 2026
Mining giant Fortescue has begun construction of its 440MW Solomon Airport solar PV power plant in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
March 5, 2026
Potentia has completed the installation of nearly 161,000 solar modules at its Quorn Park hybrid solar-plus-BESS in Australia.
March 4, 2026
Edify Energy has named DT Infrastructure its preferred EPC contractor for two solar and BESS projects in Queensland.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain