In Perth, the primary financial incentive for residential and small business solar installations comes through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These certificates are part of the national Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), offering upfront discounts when installing eligible rooftop solar panel systems.
The number of STCs awarded is determined by:
- The solar system’s capacity in kilowatts (kW)
- Perth’s location in STC Zone 3
- The remaining years in the scheme, which ends in 2030
STCs are assigned a market value, and installers typically offer this as a point-of-sale discount, effectively reducing upfront system costs by 25–30%, depending on system size and timing.
Current WA Incentives for Solar Panel Installation
Although Western Australia does not offer a separate state solar rebate for panels, Perth residents benefit from the following:
- Federal STC-based rebates: Available for solar PV systems under 100 kW, applied as a discount at the time of installation.
- WA battery rebates and low-interest loans: Support available for battery systems, often linked to Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs.
- Export buyback schemes: Households feeding solar energy back into the grid can receive credits through the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS).
These incentives, combined, lower installation costs and increase long-term savings for both residential and commercial users.
How STC Values Are Calculated in Perth
To estimate your STC benefit:
- Identify your system size in kilowatts (e.g. 6.6 kW)
- Multiply it by the applicable zone rating and deeming period (currently 5 years)
- Multiply the resulting STC count by the current STC market price
A 6.6 kW system in Perth might attract around 55 STCs. At an average STC market price of $38, this equates to a rebate of over $2,000 — deducted from your quoted installation cost.
The number of certificates available declines each year, so delaying installation reduces the total rebate value.
Eligibility & Compliance Requirements
To qualify for STC rebates and other WA government incentives, your installation must meet specific requirements:
- The system must be under 100 kW and classified as small-scale
- Installation must be performed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer
- Components must be on the approved list of eligible solar panels and inverters
- STCs must be created or assigned within 12 months of installation
- For battery rebates, registration with a recognised VPP may be required
Failure to meet these criteria can result in disqualification from the STC scheme and any related incentives.
How to Claim Your STC Rebate
- Select an accredited solar installer who includes the STC rebate in their quote
- Review your quote to ensure the STC discount is clearly shown
- Proceed with installation by a certified installer using approved components
- Installer assigns STCs on your behalf, offering you the rebate as an upfront discount
- Connect your system to the grid, if exporting energy
- Apply separately for battery rebates or VPP participation, if relevant
Most Perth homeowners will not need to manage certificates directly, as reputable installers handle the entire process.
What Perth Homeowners Should Know
- The value of the STC rebate decreases each year; acting sooner ensures higher savings
- Choose an installer who manages all compliance and registration paperwork
- Larger systems may generate more STCs but must match your energy needs to be cost-effective
- Battery systems can unlock additional support, especially when paired with VPPs
- Exporting excess energy provides long-term benefits through WA’s buyback scheme
Conclusion
For anyone considering solar panel installation in Perth, the combination of federal STC rebates, WA battery incentives, and grid feed-in programs offers a compelling reason to act now. With installation prices effectively reduced by thousands of dollars and energy savings beginning immediately, installing a compliant solar system through an accredited provider is a practical investment in long-term cost reduction and energy independence.
