How many STCs a battery gets
Only usable capacity counts, and not all of it counts in full:
- the first 14 kWh counts in full
- from 14 to 28 kWh counts at 60%
- from 28 to 50 kWh counts at 15%
- above 50 kWh earns nothing
| Usable kWh | May to Dec 2026 | Jan to Jun 2027 | Jul to Dec 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kWh | 34 | 28 | 26 |
| 10 kWh | 68 | 57 | 52 |
| 13.5 kWh | 91 | 76 | 70 |
| 20 kWh | 119 | 100 | 91 |
| 30 kWh | 154 | 129 | 118 |
| 50 kWh | 174 | 146 | 133 |
How the factor falls
The factor goes by install date and steps down every six months to the end of 2030, so a job that slips past a date earns fewer certificates.
| Installed | Factor | 13.5 kWh battery | At $41 |
|---|---|---|---|
| May to Dec 2026 | 6.8 | 91 STCs | $3,731 |
| Jan to Jun 2027 | 5.7 | 76 STCs | $3,116 |
| Jul to Dec 2027 | 5.2 | 70 STCs | $2,870 |
| Jan to Jun 2028 | 4.6 | 62 STCs | $2,542 |
| Jul to Dec 2028 | 4.1 | 55 STCs | $2,255 |
| Jan to Jun 2029 | 3.6 | 48 STCs | $1,968 |
| Jul to Dec 2029 | 3.1 | 41 STCs | $1,681 |
| Jan to Jun 2030 | 2.6 | 35 STCs | $1,435 |
| Jul to Dec 2030 | 2.1 | 28 STCs | $1,148 |
Dollar figures use today's price for comparison. The STC price on a later date may differ.
Eligibility
- Between 5 and 100 kWh nominal capacity. A group of batteries must each be at least 5 kWh, with no more than 100 kWh in total.
- Installed with a new or existing solar system.
- The inverter it connects to must be able to take part in a virtual power plant, if the site is grid connected or within 1 km of the grid.
- On the approved list, and installed by an accredited installer.
- Only one battery is eligible at each premises, once. Check before you quote.
The regulator's battery page has the full rules, including how to treat added modules and off-grid sites.
The paperwork
Battery claims need more than panels, and the regulator warns that missing photos will delay or sink a claim:
- Separate statements. The battery gets its own written compliance statement from the designer and installer, and its own statement from the retailer, even when panels go in on the same job.
- More in the retailer's statement. It covers that solar is present and suitably sized, that the battery can join a virtual power plant, that sizing, warranty and modern slavery information was given in writing, and that accurate details went to the network.
- Geotagged, timestamped photos. These include the critical labelling, the serial numbers on the product and the installer on site.
- Sizing. The battery must suit the site's energy use and the solar system.
- Records. Keep them for at least 5 years. The regulator can ask for them even on an approved claim.
The BridgeSelect app captures geotagged photos, serial numbers and signatures on site, which covers much of this. What each claim needs.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026. Rules and market prices change. General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice: check your own position with your accountant.
- Solar batteries: eligibility (Clean Energy Regulator, updated 29 October 2026)
- Solar PV and solar battery retailers (Clean Energy Regulator, updated 29 October 2026)
- Create STCs: documents, audit and fees (Clean Energy Regulator, updated 2 November 2026)
- Battery certificate factors to 2030 (Renewable Energy (Electricity) amendment regulations)
- STCs for batteries, and government purchases (Australian Government, DCCEEW, updated 9 July 2026)