STCs, or Small-scale Technology Certificates, are a commodity that you can use for trade. You can obtain these certificates when you purchase a renewable energy system.

Currently, when you install one of these pieces of equipment, solar hot water systems included, you can claim STCs.

The amount of electricity that is generated or displaced by your system will determine the number of STCs assigned to you.

Solar hot water systems can reduce – or displace – the amount of electricity your household requires from the grid. Rather than using traditional electricity, solar hot water systems use the sun to generate power to heat your water.

The number of megaWatt hours of electricity created will determine the number of STCs you receive. A bigger system will naturally garner more of these certificates as it has a bigger capacity and means less electricity needs to be taken from the grid.

The number of these certificates you will be entitled to can also vary depending on your geographic location and the size of your system.

What are my STCs worth?

Since these certificates are not physical copies, but exist only online in the RET (renewable energy target) registry database, you may wonder just what their purpose is.

They can be sold either through the open STCs market, where prices will be subject to market forces, or through the STCs clearing house. Here, the certificates are price fixed at $40, which excludes GST.

Alternatively, STCs can be assigned to an agent so they can be exchanged for a discount or delayed cash payment.

Apricus Australia has a solar hot water rebate calculator, which you can use to get an indication of the value of STCs you are eligible for.

What paperwork do you need to get when a system is installed?

When you purchase a solar water system, you will be given a copy of the STC Assignment Form, which you need to sign after installation is completed.

You may also need to ensure you have any additional documentation required by your state in order to certify installation, such as a certificate of installation report.

Another thing to bear in mind is if you are installing a larger unit that contains more than 700 litres you will also need a statutory declaration to the effect that the unit will remain in its current location and configuration for its lifetime.

Apricus will supply another statutory declaration about the unit model, location, storage, usage, appropriateness and the expertise of the installer.

To chat to an expert about what your requirements, rights and responsibilities are, contact the friendly team at Apricus, who are here to help you through the entire process. Or watch our video on how Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water System works.

Remember, you can check your STC eligibility using the Apricus Solar Rebate Calculator.