Households considering adding a solar PV system to their home should be aware that the value of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) will drop from the 1st of January 2017. STCs are a form of rebate under Renewable Energy Target, an Australian Government scheme designed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in the electricity sector and encourage the additional generation of electricity from sustainable and renewable sources.
STCs are currently based on 15 years of solar output. As of January 1st 2017, this will reduce to 14 years and will continue to step down annually.
At the moment, a MASH 5.2kW system attracts STCs valued at $3,534; that is if there were no STCs, a MASH 5.2kW system would cost $3,534 more.
From 1st January 2017, the STCs on a MASH 5.2kW system will fall by $235.60. That means that the out of pocket cost will increase by $235.60, all else being equal.
STCs are based on the date of installation, not the date of ordering. We recommend that should you wish to install a solar PV system, that you place your order as soon as possible. If people place their order for a MASH system before the middle of November, we will lock in the price, even if we install after 1st January. Orders placed after mid November will need to be at the higher price.
To register your interest in MASH, call 1300-466-274 or visit the online registration page.
Further reading
STCs are issued under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Target (part of the Renewable Energy Target). The SRES was developed to assist households, small business and community groups with the cost of installing a solar PV system. Learn more about STCs.
The Renewable Energy Target was reviewed by the Government and reduced in June 2015 from the previously legislated 41,000 GWh to 33,000 GWh. Learn more about the RET.