CER SRES: STC Calculation and Registered Agent Assignment Guide

Key Takeaways

• The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) governs Australia's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) (August 2026).
• Eligible systems in Australia earn Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on electricity generation or displacement (August 2026).
• System owners can assign the right to claim STCs to an agent for an upfront discount (August 2026).
• Australian electricity retailers must surrender STCs to meet Small-scale Technology Percentage obligations (August 2026).

What is the Clean Energy Regulator's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)?

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) oversees the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) in Australia. This scheme allows eligible systems to earn Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on the amount of electricity they generate, store, or displace (August 2026). The SRES is part of the broader Renewable Energy Target framework in Australia (August 2026).

This article details the Australian scheme as provided in our source data. We have not verified equivalent schemes or regulations for Pakistan, and the information presented here is specific to the Australian context.

How are Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) created and used?

STCs are a key component of the Australian SRES. System owners have the right to create and sell these certificates (August 2026). These STCs represent the deemed future electricity generation or displacement from eligible small-scale renewable energy systems (August 2026).

Electricity retailers in Australia have an obligation to purchase and surrender a certain number of STCs. This requirement helps them meet their commitments under the Renewable Energy Target (August 2026). The specific number of STCs they must submit is determined by the Small-scale Technology Percentage (August 2026). This mechanism creates a market for STCs, providing an incentive for the installation of small-scale renewable energy systems.

How can you assign STCs for an upfront discount?

Most system owners in Australia choose to assign the right to sell their STCs to a registered agent (August 2026). This is typically done in exchange for an upfront discount on the cost of their solar installation or a delayed cash payment (August 2026). This process simplifies the STC creation and sale for the system owner, as the agent handles the administrative tasks.

For system owners who have installed an eligible system in Australia within the past 12 months and have not yet assigned their STCs, the option to assign them to an agent may still be available (August 2026). It is important to note that STCs are assigned to a specific property address, not to a property owner (August 2026).

What is the role of electricity retailers in the SRES?

Under the Australian Renewable Energy Target, electricity retailers must buy and surrender STCs to fulfill their obligations (August 2026). The volume of STCs they need to surrender is calculated based on the Small-scale Technology Percentage (August 2026). This percentage is a statutory requirement that ensures a market for STCs and supports the growth of small-scale renewable energy generation in Australia.

The Clean Energy Regulator collaborates with various bodies, including state and territory electrical safety regulators, Solar Accreditation Australia, and the Clean Energy Council, to ensure the integrity and compliance of the SRES (August 2026).

How we verified this information

We sourced all information for this article directly from the Clean Energy Regulator's official website (cer.gov.au) on 23 August 2026. The details provided pertain specifically to the Australian Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (August 2026).

Understanding STC eligibility and system sizing

While this article focuses on the administrative aspects of STC assignment in Australia, understanding the eligibility criteria for systems and appropriate sizing is crucial for maximizing benefits. For readers in Australia, further details on system eligibility can be found in our guide on CER SRES Rooftop Solar PV System Eligibility and STC Rules.

If you are considering a solar installation, understanding how to size a system correctly is important. You can use a solar sizing tool to estimate your energy needs. For information on other Australian solar incentives, you may consult guides such as Solar Victoria Solar Panel Rebate and Eligibility Guide and Solar Victoria Interest-Free Loan and Repayment Rules. Please note these are Australian-specific resources.