A clear quote wins jobs and avoids disputes. The STC line is where most quotes are least clear, and where the Australian Consumer Law and common sense both apply.
A layout that works
- System price. The full tax-inclusive price of the system.
- STC discount. The count of STCs, and the assumed value per STC, shown separately.
- Net price. What the customer pays.
- Assumption note. A sentence stating the discount depends on the STCs being created, and who bears the risk.
An example of the maths: a 6.6 kW system in zone 3 in 2026 creates about 45 STCs. At an assumed $38 that is about $1,710. See how many STCs a 6.6 kW system makes.
Choosing the assumed value
STC spot has been roughly $38 to $40 at the time of writing, capped by the $40 clearing house price. Use a figure you can reliably achieve, and check the live rate when you quote. Understand the gap between the market and clearing house at trading price vs clearing house.
Words to avoid
Avoid “free solar”, “government rebate cheque” and anything that implies the money comes from the government to the customer. The customer is assigning a certificate in return for a discount.
Wording that works
A short note under the figures keeps things clear. For example: ‘The STC discount reflects 45 certificates at an assumed $38 each. It is based on the system being installed in 2026 and the certificates being created under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. If the number of certificates changes because of a change to the system, the price will be adjusted.’ That tells the customer what the discount is, what it depends on and that it is not a government cheque, in a few lines they will actually read.
What this means for installers
Put the STC line on every quote, keep the assumed value in one place in your template and update it when the market moves. How the invoice and GST work with traders is in RCTI explained. For how we buy and settle, see how it works and the STC trading page.