About the rebate
Australia’s Small-scale Technology Certificate scheme brings forward the value of rooftop solar as an upfront discount. An eligible system creates certificates from expected generation over its deeming period, and most buyers assign those certificates to a registered agent for a point-of-sale discount instead of creating and selling them.From 1 October 2026 that support extends to eligible solar systems from 100 kW to 1 MW under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, so larger sites no longer need to undersize at 100 kW to keep support. Eligible 100 kW to 1 MW systems receive a fixed 5-year deeming period while systems to 100 kW continue declining to 2030, which gives a stable base to value certificates and price power with confidence. In the 100 kW to 1 MW band you choose upfront STCs or REGO certificates for the deeming period, not both, and that choice needs comparing before lodgement because it affects lifetime value. Existing scheme eligibility, processes and guidance carry over unless the new regulations state otherwise, with further detail still to come on system boundaries, existing plant and upgrades, and process timeframes.
Installs from 1 October 2026 are in scope but lodgement for this band does not open until mid to late November 2026 while systems are updated, with assessment to follow. Design, grid, approvals and metering can progress now so you are ready to lodge when the window opens, which suits how large commercial work actually runs across consumption analysis, network connection and build. Accredited design and install, electrical safety, metering and documentation still decide whether the claim succeeds, alongside network constraints, site conditions, operational needs and future load. We manage that full pack and model your confirmed size, location and price at creation before you commit, because certificate volume follows size, zone rating and deeming years and right-sizing to match daytime load changes the value materially.
Why this matters for commercial roofs
Australian business rooftops hold 39 GW of technical potential with only 5.6 GW built while homes have passed 22 GW. Many larger sites held at 100 kW and kept buying most daytime power from the grid, and this reform lets size follow load and roof capacity while retaining upfront support.Larger commercial solar typically pays back in 5 to 6 years at more than 20% return, yet still loses in the capital queue as non-core spend with hurdle rates above cost of capital. Most space is also tenanted, where owners control the roof but do not pay the bill and occupiers pay the bill but cannot carry a 10 to 25 year asset on a 3 to 5 year lease. That combination of capped size, rationed capital and split control is why strong roofs stayed empty, and removing the cap clears the first block while our funded model clears the other two.
How you get a better rate with MetroElectro
Because we fund, own and operate the system at our cost, we apply the STC value to lower our funded cost and sell power back to you cheaper from switch-on with no capex, no asset on your books, no lease fee and no stranded asset. Owners hold a stronger, more sustainable asset with zero spend that supports leasing and retention, without carrying technology or performance risk. Bill-payers cover more daytime use with roof power below grid rates and save more than was possible under the old cap, because the system can finally be sized to load. Where evening peaks and demand charges justify it, we design solar and storage together so surplus daytime energy cuts high-cost imports later.If your last proposal stopped at 100 kW, send it for a resize to the right size up to 1 MW and you will receive confirmed eligible size, indicative rate and annual saving versus full retail grid power.
Read more about it on: https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-renewable-energy-systems/mid-scale-solar#preparing-for-1-october