STC Solar Rebates Explained 2025 | Battery Solar World

Understanding STCs and How They Help You Save on Solar in 2025

If you’re considering installing solar panels — or adding a battery to your existing system — it’s worth understanding one of the biggest built-in savings available right now: the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

What Are STCs?

STCs are government-issued certificates that form part of Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). When you install an eligible solar system, you earn a certain number of STCs based on your system size, location, and the number of years remaining in the scheme.

These certificates are then traded to reduce the upfront cost of your solar installation — so instead of waiting for a rebate later, the discount is applied immediately to your quote.

In simple terms:

• Your installer estimates how many STCs your system will generate.

• The value of those STCs is deducted from your total system cost.

• The number of STCs depends on your system size (kW), location (solar zone), and deeming years remaining.

How STCs Are Calculated in 2025

Here’s the basic formula used to calculate the number of STCs you can claim:

STCs = System Size (kW) × Zone Rating × Deeming Years

Key factors:

• System Size: The larger your solar system, the more STCs you can receive.

• Zone Rating: Australia is divided into zones based on sunlight exposure. Higher ratings mean more STCs. For example, Sydney and Melbourne fall into Zone 3 (rating ≈ 1.382).

• Deeming Years: This represents how long your system is expected to generate renewable energy under the scheme. It decreases each year until 2030.

Example

For a 6.6 kW system in Sydney (Zone 3) installed in 2025:

• STCs = 6.6 × 1.382 × 6 = ~54 STCs

• If each STC is valued around $40, that’s roughly $2,160 off your upfront cost — instantly lowering your investment.

What’s Changed in 2025

Here’s what’s new this year:

• The deeming period has dropped from 7 years (in 2024) to 6 years in 2025. This means slightly fewer STCs compared to previous years.

• From July 2025, eligible home battery systems will also start generating STCs — unlocking even more savings for households adding battery storage.

• The government’s updated Small-scale Technology Percentage (STP) continues to regulate the market and maintain STC values near their target range.

Why STCs Matter

Even with the annual reduction in deeming years, STCs still provide a significant financial benefit, reducing the average solar installation cost by thousands of dollars.

Because the number of deeming years decreases every January, installing your system sooner means you’ll receive more STCs and a higher rebate for the same setup.

To qualify, your system and installer must meet Clean Energy Council (CEC) standards — which is why working with an accredited provider like Battery Solar World is so important.

How to Maximise Your STC Savings

Here are a few tips to make the most of the program:

• ✅ Install sooner rather than later – more deeming years means more STCs.

• ✅ Choose a trusted, CEC-accredited installer – ensuring your system qualifies.

• ✅ Check your location zone – different regions earn different STC values.

• ✅ Ask for a clear STC breakdown in your quote – Battery Solar World includes your expected STC count and rebate amount upfront.

• ✅ Consider adding a battery – from mid-2025, batteries will earn STCs too.

How Battery Solar World Can Help

At Battery Solar World, we simplify the process and help you maximise your savings. Our team:

• Calculates your expected STC rebate based on your home, system size, and location.

• Uses CEC-approved products and installers to ensure full eligibility.

• Provides transparent quotes showing exactly how your STC discount is applied.

• Offers expert advice on system design, installation, and battery integration for the best long-term return.

Final Thoughts

The STC rebate remains one of the best ways to reduce the cost of going solar in 2025. Even as the deeming period steps down each year, you can still enjoy thousands in savings by installing sooner and choosing a reputable provider.

Get in touch with Battery Solar World today for a free consultation and STC rebate estimate — and start your journey toward clean, affordable solar energy.