STCs are a federal scheme, so the market is national. There is no Victorian STC price or Queensland STC price. At the time of writing certificates have traded at roughly $38 to $40 each, with the Clearing House ceiling at $40.
What does vary by location
The price per certificate is the same; the number of certificates per system is not. Australia is split into four postcode zones with ratings of 1.622, 1.536, 1.382 and 1.185. A system in a sunnier zone generates more certificates for the same kilowatt rating. With a 5 year deeming period for 2026 installs, a 6.6 kW system gives roughly 52 certificates in zone 1 and 45 in zone 3.
What does not vary
Whether you are in Perth or Hobart, the price a certificate fetches in the market is the same. Differences in what you receive come from the buyer. The state schemes, such as VEECs in Victoria or ESCs in New South Wales, are separate markets and do not move the STC price. VEEC prices are tracked separately.
Why prices may change soon
The deeming period falls to 4 years for 2027 installs, shrinking certificates per system and reducing supply over time. The scheme ends 31 December 2030. Market watchers expect those dynamics to matter more as the end date approaches. The 2027 changes are covered in the insights section.
What this means for you
Homeowners benefit through the upfront discount, installers through the cash they receive on sale. If you are an installer, see our daily rate on the pricing page and the STC trading overview for how a claim becomes a payment.
Prices move, so treat any number here as a snapshot and check the live figure before you quote a job.
If you are quoting homeowners, remember that they care less about the market price than about the dollar discount on the invoice. Show the certificate count and the value separately, and explain that the value follows the market. It keeps the conversation honest if the price moves between quote and install.