Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are like an electronic currency that are part of the Commonwealth Government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) policy. They respond to fluctuations in the market, and essentially pay you back for each megawatt of electricity generated. Since 2011 RECs have been split into two different categories: The Large-Scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET), and the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). It is from the SRES where Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s) are issued.

STC’s were designed to provide financial incentive for households and small businesses to invest in solar panels. You will receive your own STC when you have a new solar panel system installed. The amount of STC that you will get is dependent on the size of the panel fitting, as well as where you live in Australia. For the purpose of STC creation, Australia is divided into four zones, based on the amount of sunlight received.