You’ve probably heard the term, but what actually is an STC?
STC stands for Small-scale Technology Certificate. It’s part of a national rebate scheme designed to help homeowners transition to renewable energy by reducing the upfront cost of eligible systems.
And while it’s not a flashy “government grant” kind of rebate, STCs are often the largest financial incentive in any solar, battery, or hot water quote, even in 2025.
They’re applied as a discount, so you don’t have to fill out forms or wait for money back. But the catch is… they’re going down every calendar year.
How STCs work, minus the jargon
When you install an eligible system, like solar panels, a battery, or a heat pump hot water unit, you earn a number of certificates based on:
- The size of your system
- Where you live (your “zone”)
- The date of installation
Your installer then sells these certificates on the renewable energy market and passes the value on to you as a discount.
More certificates = a bigger rebate.
Fewer certificates = less off the price.
And since the number of STCs available reduces every year until the scheme ends in 2030, the sooner you install, the more you get.
STC example for 2025
If you install a 10kW solar system in Gisborne in 2025, you’ll receive around 82 STCs.
At a market rate of $35 per certificate, that’s:
82 × $35 = $2,870 off your system price.
That’s a rebate you receive upfront, without any extra paperwork or waiting.
What you can claim STCs on
STCs are available on:
- ✅ Solar panel systems
- ✅ Battery storage systems
- ✅ Heat pump hot water systems
And yes, you can claim them on more than one upgrade, as long as each install meets the requirements.
Common misconceptions about STCs
“I already claimed the rebate, so I can’t get STCs too”
→ STCs are separate from the Solar Vic rebate and VEECs. You can stack them together. You can even claim solar on the same house multiple times as you expand and replace.
“I’ll just wait until next year”
→ Every year, you get fewer STCs for the same system size. That means less value, even if prices don’t change.
“They’re not worth much anymore”
→ For many homes, STCs are still worth $2,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on system size.
Why STCs still matter in 2025
- They apply to multiple technologies, not just solar
- They’re often the largest single discount on your quote & they’re not means-tested
- They’re only going down—never up
- They’re essential if you want to claim support through the Cheaper Home Battery Program
- You don’t need to apply separately—your installer takes care of it
Want help calculating what you could claim?
We’ll help you understand:
- How many STCs your system qualifies for
- What they’re currently worth
- How do they work with other rebates like VEECs or Solar Vic
Book your free rebate consult here or call us on (03) 5426 5522.
No sales pressure, just honest local answers to help you make a smart move while STCs are still in your favour.