CER SRES Solar PV 100kW Eligibility and STC Rules: Australian Requirements

Key Takeaways

• Solar PV systems must have a capacity of no more than 100 kW.
• Annual electricity output must be less than 250 MWh for SRES eligibility.
• Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) must be created within 12 months of installation.
• All system components must be on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved list.

What are the Clean Energy Regulator's (CER) SRES Eligibility Rules for Solar PV Systems up to 100 kW?

The Australian Clean Energy Regulator (CER) sets specific rules for solar PV systems to be eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). For a system to qualify, its capacity must be no more than 100 kW (August 2026). Additionally, its annual electricity output must be less than 250 MWh (August 2026). These are foundational requirements for participation in the scheme.

The table below outlines the primary eligibility provisions as set by the CER:

Figures as of August 2026.

How do we verify CER SRES eligibility information?

We verify all eligibility criteria directly against official publications from the Clean Energy Regulator (CER). This includes their online resources for scheme participants and industry agents. Our verification for this article was completed on 23 August 2026. We specifically checked the "Small-scale renewable energy systems" section of the CER's website, which details the requirements for systems eligible for certificates.

What are the component and installer requirements for STC eligibility?

For a solar PV system to be eligible for STCs, all its major components must meet specific standards. This means that its panels, batteries, or inverters must be listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) list of approved components (August 2026). This ensures that only tested and compliant equipment is used.

Beyond components, the installation itself must adhere to strict professional standards. The system must be designed and installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited designer and installer (August 2026). This accreditation must be appropriate for the specific installation type. These measures protect consumers and ensure the quality and safety of renewable energy installations.

What are the rules for STC creation and system upgrades?

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) must be created within 12 months of the installation date (August 2026). Missing this deadline means the system will not be eligible for STCs.

For system upgrades, specific rules apply. If you upgrade an existing system, the total capacity after the upgrade must still be no more than 100 kW (August 2026). Additionally, any new panels and inverters used in the upgrade must be new and have no previous STC claims (August 2026). This prevents double-claiming for the same equipment. Systems that increase in capacity to more than 100 kW may become eligible for accreditation as a power station under the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET), which operates under different rules.

When did battery storage become eligible for STCs, and what are the limits?

Solar batteries became eligible under the SRES from 1 July 2025 (August 2026). This expanded the scheme to support energy storage solutions. There are specific capacity limits for eligible batteries. The solar battery's nominal capacity must be no less than 5 kWh and no more than 100 kWh inclusive (August 2026). This applies to both single battery units and modular battery installations.

How do these rules impact your solar PV system planning?

Understanding these eligibility rules is crucial when planning a solar PV installation or upgrade in Australia. The 100 kW capacity ceiling and 250 MWh annual output limit directly influence system sizing. Ensuring your components are CEC-approved and your installer is SAA-accredited is non-negotiable for STC eligibility. You should also be aware of the 12-month STC creation timeline to avoid losing potential financial incentives.

For more detailed guidance on related topics, you can consult our other resources:

• Learn about the deeming period and battery multiplier for STCs in our Australia Solar STC Deeming Period and Battery Multiplier Guide.
• Understand grid connection requirements with the SA Power Networks Embedded Generation Compliance Guide and the ACT Evoenergy Embedded Generation Connection Guide.
• If you are planning a system, our solar sizing tool can assist with initial estimates, though specific STC eligibility depends on the rules outlined here.