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

December 2, 2025
Australia's NEM faces a fundamental transformation as solar PV generation and BESS drive the transition to a low-emissions energy system.
December 1, 2025
Victoria's first state-owned solar-plus-storage project has reached a major construction milestone, with the installation of all 212,296 PV modules at the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham, Australia.
November 24, 2025
Hydro Tasmania is seeking expressions of interest for wind and solar projects capable of delivering up to 1,500GWh of renewables annually.
November 20, 2025
Australia achieved a record-breaking 5.3GW of solar PV installations in 2024, marking a recovery for the market while highlighting the nation's unique position as a rooftop-dominated solar economy.
November 20, 2025
SunCable has submitted its 20GW Muckaty Solar Precinct proposal to Australia's EPBC Act for federal environmental assessment.
November 19, 2025
Recurrent Energy has sold its 275MWdc Gunning hybrid solar-plus-storage project in New South Wales, Australia.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
December 4, 2025
2pm GMT / 3pm CET
Upcoming Webinars
December 17, 2025
2pm GMT / 3pm CET
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy