Point-of-sale discount

Written and checked by the Energy Merchants desk · Reviewed 3 October 2026

A point-of-sale discount is how most Australian households receive the benefit of STCs. Instead of waiting for a payment later, the customer sees a lower price on the quote and the seller keeps the certificates.

How it works

The customer owns the STCs at installation. By signing the assignment form, they hand the right to the seller. The seller applies the estimated STC value as a discount on the gross price. After installation, the seller or its agent creates and sells the STCs to recover that discount.

Worked example

A 6.6 kW system in zone 3 in 2026 creates about 45 STCs. At $38 each, that is $1,710. If the gross price is $7,500, the quote shows a point-of-sale discount of $1,710 and a net price of $5,790. The customer pays $5,790. If the seller’s STCs settle for $1,710 or more, the books balance.

In practice

The seller carries the price and compliance risk. If the STC price falls, or the claim fails, the discount has already been given. This is why careful sellers quote from a published rate, keep a small margin of safety and check their paperwork. The number of STCs also depends on the installation date. See installation date.

The discount should be itemised. A clear quote shows the gross cost, the STC discount and the net cost. See gross cost and net cost.

Common confusion

A point-of-sale discount is not a government rebate paid to the customer, and not a cash-back. It is the seller’s decision to pass the value on, funded by the certificates. It is also not a separate state grant. Battery STCs work the same way under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. See battery STCs.

See what an STC is worth in 2026, pricing and the glossary.