A message arrives a few weeks after the install: the installer has not received your STC form and says you now owe the amount of the discount. It feels like a threat, but the real position is simpler and more manageable than it sounds.
Why the form matters to them
The installer’s price assumed they would collect the certificates. The assignment form is the evidence the Clean Energy Regulator wants that you handed over the right. Without it, the certificates cannot be created for their benefit, and the money they gave you as a discount is unrecovered. That is why they chase it.
What if I do not sign
If you refuse or never get around to it, three things can follow:
- The installer cannot claim, so they may invoice you for the discount value under the contract’s terms.
- You, as the system owner, could create the STCs yourself or through another agent. Certificates must be created within 12 months of installation, and owner registration involves identity checks that can take weeks.
- If the dispute is not resolved, it can go to your state fair trading office.
Whether you owe anything depends on your signed quote or contract. If the contract says the discount applies “subject to assignment”, they have a point. If it says nothing, push back and ask for the clause.
What if I lose the form
Losing a copy changes nothing legally. The form’s job is done once it is signed and lodged. If you lost the only copy before returning it, ask the installer to email a fresh one, check every field, and sign it. If you are not sure whether you already returned it, ask them to confirm in writing what they hold.
What this means for you
Return the form promptly, completed, and keep a copy. If you have changed your mind about assigning, do not simply ignore it. Read how to cancel an STC assignment, which covers when you can step back and what it costs. For the mechanics, see why installers ask for the form.
If a company is pressuring you aggressively, check accreditation and read our note on avoiding STC scams. The homeowners guide lists your options, and installers can use the assignment form resource to avoid the problem in the first place.
If the installer escalates
Ask for any demand in writing with the amount, the contract clause and the claim details. Do not be rushed by a call or text threatening collections. If you cannot agree, your state fair trading office can help, and returning the properly completed form often ends the matter within days.