An STC is a small-scale technology certificate created under the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. In 2026 the spot market has been roughly $38 to $40, and the clearing house ceiling is $40. That narrow band is unusual for an environmental certificate, and it is a result of how the scheme is designed.
Why the price sits near $40
The Clean Energy Regulator runs a clearing house where STC holders can sell at $40 each, with a queue. Because that is a fallback, a trader will not expect to buy much below it for long. The spot price then reflects how quickly a seller wants cash. Traders pay a little under $40 to cover their risk and the wait. Our what an STC is worth in 2026 goes into the detail.
From certificates to dollars
STCs earned equal the system size, times the zone rating, times the deeming years, rounded down. In 2026 the deeming period is five years.
| 6.6 kW system, zone | STCs | At $38 to $40 |
|---|---|---|
| 1.622 | 53 | $2,014 to $2,120 |
| 1.382 | 45 | $1,710 to $1,800 |
| 1.185 | 39 | $1,482 to $1,560 |
See how much the solar rebate is for 6.6 kW for the full table.
Why the dollar value is falling
The price is steady, but the number of STCs per system is not. The deeming period drops each 1 January, from five years in 2026 to four in 2027 and down to one in 2030. The scheme ends on 31 December 2030. See is the STC scheme ending.
What affects what you actually receive
- The buyer. Rates and fees differ.
- Settlement time. Waiting costs money.
- GST. Rates are usually quoted ex GST.
- Claim quality. A rejected claim delays or loses the value.
From the desk: the price on the day you lodge is not always the price you get. Ask whether a rate is locked on lodgement.
What this means for you
Homeowners should look at the dollar discount on their quote and check it against a calculation. Installers should compare traders on published rates and settlement speed. Energy Merchants’ published rate is on pricing, and the STC trading page explains how it works.