Solar PV dominates STC volume, so many traders handle hot water as an afterthought. That shows up when a claim stalls on a missing model code or a photo they do not know how to check.
What is different about hot water claims
Hot water STCs depend on the product being on the registered list, the unit’s capacity and zone, and the replacement or new installation status. Evidence usually includes the compliance plate, serial numbers and photos of the old and new units. If you are unsure which installation type applies, see new, replacement or additional installation.
What to ask a trader
- How many hot water and heat pump claims do you settle in a typical month?
- Who checks the product code and serial before lodgement?
- What is the settlement time, from complete claim to cash?
- Is the rate locked on lodgement?
- Can you handle VEECs for Victorian heat pump jobs?
How to compare them
| Item | What good looks like |
|---|---|
| Pre-check | A named person reviews each claim before lodgement |
| Rate | Published, with the lock point stated |
| Fees | None, or listed in full |
| Speed | A specific number of days |
| Paper | Clear checklist for photos and forms |
A short test claim
Before you move your hot water volume, send one real job. Pick a clean, complete one. Time it from lodgement to funds, and note whether the trader asked any questions you could not answer easily. If the answer is a quick yes on both counts, send a few more. If you ended up chasing, you have learned something without risking a month of cash. Hot water jobs are lower volume than solar, so a test is cheap, and the information is valuable.
What this means for installers
We buy hot water and heat pump STCs, with our compliance desk pre-checking each claim and 24-hour settlement for established partners. The hot water STC page explains how it works, the checklist lists the evidence, and pricing shows the rate. For a wider comparison method, read choosing a certificate trader.