Solar Credits Scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

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Changes to Solar Credit Scheme on 5/5/2011

Changes to Qld Govt Solar Bonus Scheme (Feed-in-Tariff)

How Do I get Solar Credits?

In previous system installations, Cooloola Solar Systems offered the Recs as a point of sale discount. With the changes on 1st January 2011, this system will continue but the price of the STC is now $24 as we trade through an agent.

You have the option of registering with the RECs Register as a Registered Person and therefore receiving $40 for your STCs. Be aware, though the process through an agent will take up to 2-3 weeks to receive payment, and through the RECs Register, it could be 16 weeks before payment is received.

CSS is in the process of registering with the ORER as an agent, but these things to take time.

The Solar Credits Scheme replaced the support previously provided under the Solar Homes & Communities Plan, (SHCP), within the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA).

How much benefit can I expect to get from Solar Credits for installing a solar PV system?

Solar Credits are provided in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates, or 'STC's", for people who have installed a new solar PV system from 9th June 2009. Solar Credits apply to the first 1.5KW capacity of the system installed.

Why do Solar Credits vary across the conutry?

The number of Solar Credits created for a solar system depends on the amount of renewable energy the system generates.
- In Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Canberra and Adelaide the same number of REC's are created and therefore received.
- The same sized system installed in Melbourne or Hobart receive less REC's because there is less sunshine available to produce the renewable energy target.

Can I apply for the Solar Credits myself?

Generally when installing solar PV systems, owners transfer the right to create REC's to the installer in return for a discount on the price of the system being installed.

Owners of solar PV systems installed from 9th June 2009 can access Solar Credits themselves, rather than transferring their Solar Credits to their installer as a discount on their system. Owners can do this (generally through an agent) by applying to the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) any time within 12 months following the installation.

How do I know if my system is eligible for STCs or LGCs?

The eligibility rules are prescribed in the RET scheme regulations, administered by the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER).

Key rules are summarised below. Details of the rules are available on the ORER website

* The system must be an eligible ‘small generation unit’; being a solar PV system of up to 100 kilowatts (kW) capacity; a small wind turbine of up to 10kW capacity or a micro-hydro system of up to 6.4 kW capacity.
* The system must be installed at an eligible premise. Examples include houses, townhouses, residential apartments and shops.
* The system must be a new and complete unit.
* Premises receiving a grant or rebate under the Solar Homes and Communities Plan, the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP), or the National Solar Schools Program (NSSP) are not entitled to Solar Credits.
* No more than one system at an eligible premise (address) is entitled to Solar Credits.
* Solar Credits may only be created once for a particular installation, irrespective of whether the certificates are created for a 1-year, 5-year or 15 year deeming period. The system must have been installed no more than 12 months prior to the date of application for Solar Credits.

Will I be able to get both Solar Credits and the SHCP rebate?

No! Appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent double dipping in relation to the multiplier and the SHCP rebate.