Energy upgrades, simplified

Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme

This page explains the scheme in a clear, friendly and accurate way so you understand
exactly how it works and how it benefits you.

Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme Explained for Homeowners

A Complete Guide for Australian Households and Businesses.

Switching to solar is easier than most people think, and one of the biggest reasons is the Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme, usually called the SRES. This is the backbone of the national support system that helps reduce the upfront cost of installing rooftop solar panels, batteries and heat pumps.

If you have heard installers talk about the “solar rebate”, they are usually referring to this scheme, even though technically it operates through certificates and not a cash payout. The important thing is that SRES lowers the cost of installing clean energy systems for millions of Australians every year.

This page explains the scheme in a clear, friendly and accurate way so you understand exactly how it works and how it benefits you.

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What the Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme Actually Is

The SRES is a national program created by the Australian Government to encourage homes and small businesses to move towards renewable energy. It is part of the Renewable Energy Target, which aims to increase the share of cleaner energy in the electricity mix.

Under this scheme, when you install an eligible system, you receive Small Scale Technology Certificates, or STCs. These certificates represent the amount of energy your system is expected to generate over its lifetime. Each certificate has a monetary value.

Your installer will usually assign these certificates at the time of purchase and reduce your price by the value of the certificates. You do not have to apply separately for the scheme or wait for a refund. The financial benefit is included in your quote.

This is why solar installation costs appear much lower than the actual retail value of solar hardware.

Solar Power Systems

What Systems Are Eligible Under Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme

The scheme covers a wide range of small scale renewable energy systems. The most common are:

  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (rooftop solar)
  • Solar batteries and battery systems, under certain eligibility rules.
  • Air source heat pumps (for small-scale category)

System eligibility depends on parameters like capacity and expected output, which ensures fairness and compliance with regulations.

Am I eligible?

To do a quick check if you’re eligible for government rebates on heating and cooling systems, use the information below. If you’re still unsure, complete the form below and our team can help you out.

Residents

Why Small Scale Renewable Energy Schemes Matter to Homeowners

For most households, the Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme is the reason solar and batteries becomes financially achievable. Without the certificate discount, many families would need far larger budgets for solar.

The scheme helps you:
  • Install solar with a lower upfront cost
  • Reduce grid electricity bills immediately after installation
  • Increase your level of energy independence
  • Improve the value and efficiency of your home
  • Contribute to national carbon reduction goals
It is the main reason rooftop solar and batteries has become one of the most successful renewable energy initiatives in Australia.

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Responsibilities of System Owners

Although your installer handles most of the process, there are a few responsibilities that system owners need to be aware of.

You must:
  • Ensure the system is installed by an accredited professional
  • Use components listed on the approved product lists
  • Provide accurate information about your property and installation date
  • Keep records and documentation for compliance checks if required
These steps help maintain the integrity of the Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme and protect you from compliance issues in the future.

What This Program Means for a Typical Household

For many households, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program is the difference between “maybe one
day” and “we can actually do this now”

With a compliant battery system and rooftop solar, the program can:
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Take thousands of dollars off the battery part of your quote

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Let you run your home at night more often on stored solar, not grid power

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Provide limited backup during outages, depending on how the system is designed

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Shorten the payback time on your investment by combining bill savings with an upfront discount

How Auspro Group Fits into The Picture

Auspro Group can help you move through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program without confusion.

Here is what that looks like in practice:
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    Accredited installation

    Your battery is installed by professionals who meet national safety and compliance requirements.

  • document

    Accurate guidance on solar battery rebates in Tarneit

    We explain the program in simple terms and check your eligibility before you commit.

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    Approved battery products only

    We recommend reliable brands that appear on the permitted product lists for the national program.

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    Tailored system design

    We assess your solar production, daily usage and long-term needs to recommend the right battery size.

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    Support beyond installation

    We remain available to answer questions, assist with monitoring and ensure your system continues performing well.

You end up with a properly installed battery system where the program benefits are already built into the price, rather than something you have to chase later.

How Installers Apply SRES on Your Behalf

Most Australians never interact with the certificate system directly because accredited installers manage it for you. And Auspro Group does exactly that for you – no boring, tedius paperwork- how good?

In a nutshell, Auspro Group will:

  • Design a compliant system for your home
  • Calculates the number of STCs your system is eligible for
  • Assigns the certificates through the official registry
  • Applies the financial value of the certificates as a discount on your quote
  • Ensures all technical, product and installation standards are met

This is why you receive the benefit immediately rather than waiting months for a claim to process.

Residential Peoples
Small business team

Can You Combine Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme with Other Rebates

Yes, absolutely.

The Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme can be combined with:

  • State based solar rebates
  • Interest free loans (such as those offered in Victoria)
  • Feed in tariffs for exported solar energy
  • Some local council energy programs
  • The federal battery program, when installing a battery alongside solar

Each program has its own rules, but SRES is designed to work alongside other initiatives
to help reduce your costs even further.

Why Auspro Group Is a Trusted Choice

Auspro Group works with approved products, accredited installers and fully compliant system designs so you always receive the maximum eligible support under the Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

We explain the certificate calculation, show you exactly how much you save, handle all paperwork and make sure everything meets the Clean Energy Regulator requirements. Our clients get a transparent and straightforward experience from start to finish.

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Wonder why we're called Auspro? 😉

We’ve helped over 300,000+ households and 15,200+ businesses save on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, by installing more than 5,000,000+ energy efficient products. We’re Australian based and owned.

Our products are the best (no kidding)

We only offer government-approved superior quality products without compromise. We told you we weren’t kidding! This enables us to improve energy efficiencies and save money for businesses and households, all whilst protecting the planet.

We'll handle it all, to the moon and back

We do it all, make the right decisions, and make it easy for you. We will audit your current energy consumption and advise a cost effective way to manage it. We will guide and manage the complete end to end project.

Government incentives straight to your doorstep

We deal with the government ...so you don't have to! As an accredited provider, we deliver government incentives and access to discounted energy efficient products and services.

We're not afraid to commit – to you and the planet

At Auspro we genuinely care - about our customers and our staff, and our planet. We love that the work we do helps make for a better world. We are committed to deliver the right products and energy upgrade solutions for your home and business.

Find out what free energy upgrades you're eligible for

Send us a message and we’ll be in touch to discuss how we can make your business more energy efficient.

Got a question? We have answers!

Can I claim STC benefits if I'm on a rental property?

Yes, if the installation is done with agreement and the system meets eligibility, but certificate assignment needs to be handled correctly via the installer and property owner.

Will Aussie solar systems lose value as STC support declines?

The number of STCs available for new systems does decrease over time based on regulatory schedules. This means earlier installations tend to yield greater certificate value. So, if you’re considering getting solar and battery, now is the best time!

Are battery systems always eligible for STCs?

Batteries can be included under SRES eligibility if they meet defined criteria for capacity and operation.

Do I have to wait to receive my STC payment or incentive?

No. If your installer correctly assigns the STCs upfront, you receive the discounted price at the time of purchase or installation.

Are all solar panels automatically eligible?

They must meet safety and performance standards and be installed by accredited professionals for the system to qualify. All Auspro Group’s electricians are A-grade certified to provide you with the highest quality.

Planet-loving energy solutions, from yours truly

We’ve been Victoria’s leading energy efficiency brand since 2012. At Auspro we help you to improve energy efficiencies at home and at work – and in doing so, you save money and help make things better for our planet. How cool is that?

Tackle climate change and reduce your electricity bills in one go with renewable solar energy.

Use less energy to run your air conditioner so that staying comfortable indoors doesn’t have to break the bank.

With our professional accredited assessor, you’ll gain invaluable insights into your property’s energy performance.

Upgrade your fluorescent fixtures to LED lighting

Switch to cost-effective heat pumps driven by renewable energy

Get assistance with the upfront costs of solar PV systems

Save up to 70% on hot water costs by switching to a sustainable and cost effective heat pump,

Cut your power bills by up to 60% with a solar battery system that stores excess energy for use day/night.

Upgrade business lighting to slash your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

If you can measure it, you can manage it. Start monitoring your electricity usage in real-time

Singing in the shower comes at a great cost if you don’t have the right showerhead

Who let the air out? Wasting energy unnecessarily stinks

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