Solar Credits

What are Solar Credits?

The Solar Credits scheme is a federal government initiative under the Renewable Energy Target legislation. The main participants in operating the scheme are renewable energy companies like Clear Solar, electricity retailers and the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator. The Solar Credits scheme allows householders and businesses to create five times the normal number of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) on the first 1.5kW of their solar power systems. The normal number of RECs can be created on the capacity of the system above 1.5kW.

How much are they worth?

The number of RECs that apply to your system depend upon its size and your postcode. More RECs can be created in sunnier areas such as Alice Springs than in Melbourne or Hobart. The following table shows the number of RECs that can be created for a 1.5 kW system eligible for Solar Credits in different locations:

Location	Zone	Number of RECs
Alice Springs	1	182
Darwin	2	172
Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth	3	155
Melbourne, Hobart	4	133

More RECs can be created on larger solar power systems. he value of RECs generally varies with market conditions. During 2010 prices ranged between $30 and $47 per REC. Your Clear Solar Energy Consultant advise you of the price reduction that applies to your system.

From January 2011 the RECs created by most solar power systems will be classified as small-scale technology certificates (STCs). STCs will most likely be purchased at a price between $35 and $40 each.

Are there any conditions?

You can only claim Solar Credits if you have not previously received them for an installation at the same address. You are also ineligible if any solar power system at the address has been supported by other federal government programs such as the Solar Homes and Communities Program.

How do I access Solar Credits?

The simplest way is to assign your RECs to Clear Solar, and we will reduce the price of your solar power system at the time of purchase.

Who pays for this scheme?

RECs are purchased by electricity retailers and other wholesale buyers of electricity to fulfil their obligations under the Renewable Energy Target. Ultimately, the cost of the Solar Credits Scheme is spread across all buyers of electricity.

Read about state specific feed-in tariffs.

Learn how Solar Power Systems work with your home.

Learn about our latest offers.