The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 have been amended to expand eligibility for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) from 100 kW to 1 MW.
These changes apply to eligible mid-scale solar systems installed from 1 October 2026. Small-scale technology certificate (STC) applications for mid-scale systems will not open until mid to late November 2026. This allows time to implement the required systems and processes. Assessment of STC applications will begin after this time.
The STC deeming period for small-scale solar systems (up to 100 kW) declines as we move towards 2030, when the scheme is scheduled to end. A key feature of the expansion is that eligible mid-scale solar systems (100 kW to 1 MW) will have the benefit of a fixed 5-year deeming period.
Participants installing solar with the capacity of 100 kW to 1 MW will be able to choose between:
- applying for the upfront financial benefit under the SRES through STCs
- participating in the Renewable Electricity Guarantee of Origin (REGO) and gaining REGO certificates.
Participants should carefully consider which scheme best suits their circumstances before applying, as certificate eligibility under one scheme may affect eligibility under another. For example, if you choose to apply for STCs for your mid-scale solar system, you will not be able to create REGO certificates for the deeming period.
Getting started with mid-scale solar
Mid-scale solar is an extension of the existing SRES. Existing SRES eligibility requirements, processes and guidance continue to apply unless otherwise specified in the regulations.
Mid-scale systems must have its panels, batteries or inverters listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) list of approved components and meet Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) install guidelines.
Applications to create STCs for eligible mid-scale systems are expected to open in mid to late November 2026, once the necessary CER systems and processes are in place. Assessment of applications will begin after this time.
To help businesses understand the changes and support project planning, see our:
We will publish further guidance about mid-scale solar, including:
- defining the boundaries of related solar devices and power stations
- eligibility of existing systems, extensions and upgrades
- application process and timeframes.
Projects that commenced prior to regulations
While the CER must apply the eligibility requirements set out in the legislation, we may be able to provide practical guidance where issues arise directly from the transition to the new arrangements.
If your project was already underway before the regulations were made and you are concerned about the eligibility of a system installed on or after 1 October 2026, we encourage you to contact us. Please raise any transition-related issues as early as possible but no later than one week after applications for mid-scale systems open.