Your hot water system is on its way out. It's 15 + years old and you don't want to wait until a chilly winter's morning to discover its untimely death. It's time. And choosing a sustainable and cost-effective solution could land you some serious rebates. The Australian Government's Small-scale Technology Certificate (STCs) program, part of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme offers a "credit" system rebate if you upgrade an old electric system to a solar or heat pump hot water installation.

What's eligible under the STC Program?

With the STCs program, installing eligible small-scale renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, heat pump hot water systems, and solar water heater installation, can now come with substantial financial incentives. Whether you opt for a solar or heat pump hot water system, you could be eligible for a sizable rebate. The best part? You don't have to navigate the paperwork yourself— your solar and heat pump hot water installers get tasked with that job - they just give you the money!

Eligible Installations for STC Rebates

To qualify for an STC Rebate, your installation must meet specific eligibility criteria. Typically, the renewable energy systems must be small-scale, with a capacity of 100 kilowatts or less, and comply with the Clean Energy Council (CEC) guidelines. For those considering solar hot water, incorporating solar panels for the first time is a qualifying factor. Alternatively, if you already have existing rooftop solar panels, upgrading to a heat pump hot water system makes you eligible for the rebates.

Creation of STCs is a Certificate-Based Rebate

When you install an eligible renewable energy system, it will be awarded a certain number of STCs based on its expected renewable energy generation over its lifetime. The quantity of STCs granted depends on the size, type, and location of the system. Unlike typical rebates, the STCs program operates on a certificate-based system, entitling you to cash back for the projected savings your installation will generate.

Avoiding All Applications and Paperwork by Assigning

Once your new solar or heat pump hot water installation is complete, you can assign the STCs to your plumber. By doing so, you give your installer the credit for the STC rebate, making the process seamless for you. Your plumber will then provide you with cash back or deduct the assigned STC credit from your installation cost, taking care of all the paperwork on your behalf.

Queensland Small Business Installations - Additional Considerations

STCs play a pivotal role as the currency of renewable energy, driving environmental accountability for businesses. As tradable commodities, their value may fluctuate based on market demand and supply, influenced by factors such as the number of renewable energy systems installed and government policies. For small businesses in Queensland looking to install an STC eligible hot water system, careful consideration of the paperwork may be necessary to ensure compliance with environmental obligations.