LGC economics are different from STC economics, and fees are a big reason. STCs are created up front from a deemed figure, so the cost of handling is small and many traders absorb it. LGCs are measured over years, so ongoing admin counts.
The cost layers
Accreditation. The CER charges an application fee for accrediting a power station. See what it costs and how long it takes for the detail and check the CER’s fees page for current figures.
Per-certificate fee. The CER charges a small fee per LGC created. It is a fixed cost, so it matters more as the certificate price falls.
Metering and data. Revenue-grade meters, calibration and data retrieval carry set-up and ongoing costs. See metering requirements.
Registry and admin time. Creating certificates monthly or quarterly takes time. Some owners outsource it, which adds a service fee.
Broker or trader commission. Traders either charge a fee, take a spread between what they pay and what they sell for, or both. Ask for the net per certificate in writing.
Why it matters now
LGCs are oversupplied and cheap in 2026. Spot has been roughly $6 to $9 in September 2026 after a low near $4 in February. A 200 kW system generating around 300 MWh a year produces about 300 LGCs, so a few dollars of difference per certificate can decide whether the effort is worth it. For worked numbers see what LGCs are worth for a 200 kW system.
Fee comparison, small versus mid-scale
| Item | STC path (to 1 MW from 1 Oct 2026) | LGC path |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | System registered via installer | Power station application |
| Creation | Once, up front | Periodic, from metered data |
| Metering | Not required for deeming | Required |
| Trading | Lodge claim with trader | Registry transfer |
What this means for owners
Before choosing LGCs, compare the net, after-fee cash against the STC option. For systems above 100 kW and up to 1 MW installed from 1 October 2026, the STC route may be simpler: see mid-scale solar STCs and LGC vs STC at 100 kW.
If you install smaller systems and want zero fees on STCs, see pricing and start trading. For other background, read selling LGCs from a commercial system.