After a hailstorm, insurers often pay for replacement panels. The homeowner naturally asks whether a fresh rebate is available as well. In most cases it is not, because the scheme already paid for the generation capacity when the system was first installed.
Like-for-like replacement
The CER’s guidance is that systems with replaced panels that previously received STCs are not eligible for additional STCs. A hail-damaged array swapped panel for panel is that situation. The insurer pays for the equipment, and no new certificates are created.
When a new system may qualify
A different outcome is possible if the whole system is destroyed and replaced. Where all old components are removed and a new set of approved components goes in, the CER treats it as a replacement system, and STCs may be available. It is not automatic, and the insurer, installer and owner should all know how the claim is described before the work starts. See replacing solar panels and old systems.
Upgrading as part of the repair
Customers commonly use an insurance payout to go bigger. If the new array is larger, the extra capacity may be treated as an extension, with its own certificates. For example, upgrading from 6.6 kW to 10 kW in zone 3 in 2026 could add 3.4 x 1.382 x 5 = 23 STCs for the added capacity. At roughly $38 to $40 each at the time of writing, that is about $900. See adding panels to an existing system for the rules.
Inverters
If hail or lightning damages the inverter rather than the panels, an inverter replacement alone does not create STCs. See replacing an inverter.
What this means for installers
Ask the customer early whether the job is an insurance repair. Ask for the insurer’s scope of work, record the serial numbers of old and new equipment and note which components are replaced. Do not include an STC discount in an insurance quote unless the installation type supports it. Remember that insurers may account for any STC value separately, so settle terms in writing.
For broader context, see STC trading, current rates and the installation type guide.