CER SRES Solar Battery Storage: 5kWh-100kWh Eligibility Guide

Key Takeaways

• Solar battery systems must have a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh to qualify for STCs (August 2026).
• Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) can only be claimed for the first 50 kWh of a battery's usable capacity (August 2026).
• Only one solar battery per National Metering Identifier (NMI) or commercial sub-meter is eligible for STCs (August 2026).
• Eligible batteries must be new and installed within 12 months of creation, and not previously claimed (August 2026).

What are the Clean Energy Regulator's (CER) SRES eligibility rules for solar battery storage?

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) administers the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) in Australia. This scheme provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for eligible solar battery storage systems. For a solar battery to qualify for STCs, it must meet specific criteria regarding its capacity, installation, and connection. The CER states that STCs are calculated based on the "usable capacity of your battery" (August 2026).

The primary provisions for solar battery eligibility under the CER SRES are detailed below:

| Maximum System Cap | "connected to a solar PV system of no more than 100 kW" | Figures as of August 2026.

We verified these provisions by checking the "Solar batteries" page on the official cer.gov.au website on 23 August 2026.

How does nominal capacity affect STC eligibility?

For a solar battery storage system to be eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the Clean Energy Regulator's (CER) Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), its nominal capacity must fall within a specific range. The CER specifies that the system's nominal capacity must be "between 5–100 kWh nominal capacity" (August 2026). Systems outside this range are not eligible to claim STCs.

What is the STC cap on usable capacity for solar batteries?

While a solar battery system may have a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh, the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) places a cap on the usable capacity for which Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) can be claimed. The CER states that "STCs can only be claimed for the first 50 kWh of a solar battery’s usable capacity" (August 2026). This means that even if a battery system has a usable capacity greater than 50 kWh, STCs will only be generated for the initial 50 kWh.

What is the 'one battery per NMI' rule?

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) enforces a strict limit on the number of solar battery systems that can claim Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) at a single location. The rule specifies "1 solar battery per national metering identifier (NMI) or commercial sub-meter" (August 2026). This provision ensures that STC claims are limited to one eligible battery system per distinct metering point.

What are the requirements for new equipment and installer accreditation?

To be eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), solar battery equipment must be "new (created within 12 months of the installation date) and not previously installed or claimed" (August 2026). This ensures that the scheme supports the deployment of new technology. Furthermore, the installation must be performed by a qualified professional: the battery must be "installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer with battery endorsement" (August 2026). The battery model itself must also be "included on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved battery list" (August 2026).

How does the SRES provide a discount on solar battery costs?

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) aims to reduce the upfront cost of eligible solar battery systems through the creation of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) notes that "This ensures the discount rate equates to around a 30% discount on the upfront cost" (August 2026). This mechanism provides a financial incentive for consumers to adopt solar battery storage.

How do these rules relate to other CER SRES provisions?

Understanding the eligibility for solar battery storage is part of a broader set of rules under the Clean Energy Regulator's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. The battery system must also be "connected to a solar PV system of no more than 100 kW" (August 2026). For comprehensive guidance on related aspects of the SRES, you can consult our guides on rooftop solar PV system eligibility, STC calculation and agent assignment, and retailer compliance requirements. These resources provide further detail on the overall framework for renewable energy incentives in Australia.