• In practice, installers of solar photovoltaics (PV) systems usually offer a discount on the price of installing a solar PV system in return for the Solar Credits. Households considering installing solar PV systems are encouraged to shop around for the best deal on their solar PV system.

How much benefit can I expect to get from Solar Credits for installing a solar PV system?

• Solar Credits are provided in the form of Renewable Energy Certificates, or ‘RECs’ or STCs, for people who have installed a new solar PV system from 1 July 2011. Solar Credits apply to the first 1.5 kilowatts (kW) of capacity of the system installed.

• The level of support provided by Solar Credits will depend on the price of RECs (which may vary over time) and the location and size of the system. For example, based on a $40 REC, x3 multiplier:

a solar PV system in Brisbane and will receive:
- $3,720 for a 1.5 kW system.

Why do Solar Credits vary across the country?

• The number of Solar Credits created for a system will depend on the amount of renewable energy the system generates.
A solar PV system in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra will create the same number of RECs and receive the same amount of support.

The same sized system installed in Melbourne or Hobart will receive fewer RECs as these areas have less sunshine so less renewable energy is produced.

What if I want to apply for Solar Credits myself?

• Generally when installing solar PV systems, owners transfer the right to create RECs, STCs to their solar panel installer in return for a discount on the price of the system being installed.