What are Carbon Credits?

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What Are Australian Energy Efficiency Certificates?

In Australia, energy efficiency and carbon reduction efforts are supported by a system of tradeable certificates. These certificates fall into three main categories: Carbon Credits, Renewable Energy Certificates, and White Certificates.

Each certificate acts like a tradeable unit—similar to a stock—designed to drive the adoption of renewable energy generation, support energy efficiency projects, and enhance the accessibility of carbon reduction initiatives.

Certificates are issued under both federal and state-based programs, depending on the nature and location of a project. The primary state-based programs operate in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, while federal certificates apply across all states and territories.

Navigating the certificate market can be complex, but at Resinc Solar, we specialise in helping businesses maximise their energy efficiency opportunities.

What Can Organisations Do with Certificates?

Organisations have several options when it comes to managing their energy efficiency and carbon reduction certificates. They can leverage financial incentives to reduce the capital expenditure (CapEx) of a project, create an additional revenue stream, or surrender certificates to lower their carbon footprint.

Certificates are traded on an open market, similar to a stock exchange, where liable entities such as energy retailers purchase them to meet their regulatory requirements. When sold, the revenue generated can help offset some or all of the project implementation costs.

Different certificates serve different purposes, and only Accredited Certificate Providers (ACP)—such as RESINC SOLAR—can generate many types of certificates.

Want to maximise the value of your certificates? Chat with the experts at RESINC SOLAR today

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Federal Energy Certificates

Australia’s energy certificate market operates at both federal and state levels, offering various incentives for businesses and individuals to reduce carbon emissions and invest in renewable energy.

Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs)

Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) are Australia-based carbon credits generated through activities that avoid or remove greenhouse gas emissions.

1 ACCU = 1 tonne of CO₂ removed or avoided through an eligible project.

These projects can include:

  • Reforestation and land restoration
  • Improved energy efficiency initiatives
  • Carbon farming and soil carbon sequestration
  • Waste management and methane capture

ACCUs can be sold on the carbon market for financial gain or surrendered to help organisations meet carbon reduction targets.

At RESINC SOLAR, we help businesses navigate federal and state energy certificate programs to maximise benefits and support a sustainable future.

Chat with the team at RESINC SOLAR today to learn how you can take advantage of ACCUs and other energy certificates.

Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)

Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) quantify renewable energy produced by solar, wind, hydro, and biomass projects. These certificates are issued under the Renewable Energy Target (RET)—a federal initiative driving Australia’s transition to cleaner energy.

Each LGC represents 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy. Businesses can either trade LGCs for financial returns or surrender them to claim the environmental benefit and contribute to sustainability goals.

The Renewable Energy Target (RET) Scheme

The Renewable Energy Target (RET) is an Australian Federal Government initiative aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions. It does this by:

  • Reducing reliance on fossil fuels in the electricity sector
  • Promoting renewable energy generation to combat climate change

Under the RET scheme, both large-scale and small-scale power stations can earn certificates for every MWh of electricity they generate:

  • Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) – Forward-created and paid as a lump sum after system installation.
  • Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) – Created annually over a fixed period.

Electricity retailers purchase and surrender these certificates to the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) to meet their legal requirements under the Renewable Energy Target.

Maximise Your LGC Benefits with RESINC SOLAR

At RESINC SOLAR, we help businesses maximise the financial and sustainability benefits of LGCs, ensuring they make the most of their renewable energy investments.

Chat with our team today and discover how LGCs can work for you.

What Are Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs)?

Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are tradeable certificates within Australia’s renewable energy market. They form part of the federal government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme, designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy systems such as solar panels, wind, and hydro power.

Each STC represents 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity that is either generated by a renewable energy system or displaced by an installed system (such as solar panels reducing reliance on the grid).

How Are STCs Calculated?

The number of STCs a system is eligible for depends on:

  • The system’s location
  • The amount of electricity generated or displaced
  • The remaining years in the RET scheme (which runs until 2030)

State Energy Certificates

What Are Peak Reduction Certificates (PRCs)?

Peak Reduction Certificates (PRCs) are tradable certificates created under the NSW Government’s Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS).

Each PRC represents 0.1 kilowatts (kW) of peak demand reduction capacity, averaged over one hour during the peak summer period.

Why Do PRCs Matter?

PRCs are designed to:

  • Encourage businesses and households to reduce electricity use during peak demand times
  • Ease pressure on the electricity grid to improve reliability
  • Help lower energy prices by reducing strain on the system

By participating in the PDRS, businesses can earn, trade, or surrender PRCs to gain financial incentives while contributing to a more sustainable energy system.

What Are Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs)?

Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) are tradable credits issued under the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme. They are awarded for eligible energy efficiency upgrades across homes, businesses, and industrial sites.

How Do VEECs Work?

The number of VEECs generated depends on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions avoided due to an energy efficiency upgrade. The more emissions reduced, the more VEECs issued. These certificates can then be:

  • Traded for financial benefits
  • Used to offset project costs
  • Surrendered to claim emission reductions

Maximise Your VEEC Benefits with RESINC SOLAR

At RESINC SOLAR, we help businesses and households navigate the VEET scheme, ensuring they maximise financial returns while improving energy efficiency.

Want to take advantage of VEECs? Get in touch with RESINC SOLAR today.

What Are Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs)?​

Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) are tradable certificates issued for electricity, gas, and other energy savings achieved through technology upgrades or modifications.

ESCs are created under the New South Wales Government’s Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) and are exclusive to projects within NSW.

How Do ESCs Work?

ESCs serve as a market-based incentive to encourage businesses and households to adopt energy-efficient technologies. These certificates can be generated from projects ranging from large industrial facilities to residential properties.

  • Issued for measurable energy savings
  • Tradable for financial benefits
  • Help reduce energy costs and carbon footprints

Maximise Your ESC Benefits with RESINC SOLAR

At RESINC SOLAR, we help businesses identify, claim, and trade ESCs to maximise financial returns and improve energy efficiency.

Ready to unlock the value of ESCs? Contact RESINC SOLAR today.

The climate is changing around us. And the conversation around it is getting louder. The need for sustainable solutions and cooperation from all walks of life is certain. But for businesses, playing our part isn’t always straightforward. Our objective is clear, but the pathway often isn’t. It’s not as simple as turning off a light or two. But with the right help, reducing your emissions can be easier than you think.

As you begin your emissions journey, you’ll likely come across environmental attributes. Including certificates, credit units, and offsets, environmental attributes are tradeable assets that represent a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

There are heaps of different kinds, but all are generated by projects that reduce, remove, or prevent greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. This could be projects as simple as upgrading lighting or as complex as savanna burning.

Once created, there are two things you can do with your attributes: you can sell them, or you can surrender them. Selling them will put a little money in your pocket but often means you give up your right to claim the reduced emissions as your own.

Surrendering your attributes means you retire them from trade and claim the reduction yourself. There’s no direct financial benefit, but you’ll see your emissions total shrink. You may want to surrender attributes you’ve generated or purchase them specifically for this purpose.

But not all attributes are created equal. There are many kinds, created and traded under specific rules both locally and internationally.

For example, in Australia, ACCUs are offset units generated by activities that avoid, reduce, or remove greenhouse gas emissions, whereas LGCs are certificates generated by the large-scale production of renewable energy.

There are even attributes that you can sell and still claim as reductions of your own.

With so many different attributes and even more options for dealing with them, there is no one answer for how to make the most of the environmental market. It can depend on your business, your climate targets, and the kinds of attributes you have in play.

So, wrangling this market is often best left up to the experts, but understanding it can help you make the right decisions for your business.

Chat to the experts. Find out how to make the most of your attributes and get in touch with the team at RESINC SOLAR today.

Current Federal and State schemes available in Australia

Federal Incentives

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

  • Eligibility: Solar PV systems under 100kW.
  • Benefit: Upfront discount on installation costs.
  • Application: Certificates can be sold to recoup part of the installation expenses.

Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)

  • Eligibility: Systems over 100kW.
  • Benefit: Ongoing revenue through the sale of certificates based on energy production.
  • Application: Requires accreditation with the Clean Energy Regulator.

Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs)

  • Eligibility: Projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Benefit: Earn credits for each tonne of CO₂-e abated, which can be sold or traded.
  • Application: Participation in the Emissions Reduction Fund.

State-Based Incentives

Energy Savings Scheme (ESS):

  • Benefit: Earn Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) for implementing energy-saving projects.
  • Application: Accredited Certificate Providers can assist businesses in claiming ESCs.

Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS):

  • Benefit: Incentives for battery installations that reduce peak demand.
  • Application: Work with accredited providers to access rebates.

EV Destination Charging Grants:

  • Benefit: Up to 75% co-funding for EV charger installation in regional areas.
  • Application: Eligible businesses can apply through the NSW Government.

Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU):

  • Benefit: Receive Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for approved energy-saving activities.
  • Application: Businesses can work with accredited providers to implement eligible projects.

EV Charging Incentives:

  • Benefit: Support for EV charger installations through state-funded initiatives.
  • Application: Details available through the Victorian Government's energy programs.

Solar for Business Program:

  • Benefit: Interest-free loans and rebates for small businesses installing solar PV systems.
  • Application: Eligibility criteria apply based on business size and energy consumption.

EV Charging Infrastructure Support:

  • Benefit: Financial support for purchasing and installing commercial EV chargers.
  • Application: Details available through Business Queensland.

Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS):

  • Benefit: Obligated retailers offer incentives for businesses to undertake energy-saving activities.
  • Application: Engage with participating energy retailers for available offers.

City of Adelaide Sustainability Incentives Scheme:

  • Benefit: Rebates for installing sustainable technologies, including solar PV and battery systems.
  • Application: Available to businesses within the City of Adelaide.

Charge Up EV Charging Grants:

  • Benefit: Funding for EV charger hardware, software, and installation costs for businesses.
  • Application: Open to small and medium enterprises, local governments, and not-for-profits.

Battery Rebate & Loan Scheme:

  • Benefit: Rebates up to $7,500 and interest-free loans up to $10,000 for eligible battery systems.
  • Application: Available from July 1, 2025, for eligible households and businesses.

Business Energy and Water Program:

  • Benefit: Rebates for businesses implementing energy and water efficiency projects.
  • Application: Eligible projects include lighting upgrades, HVAC improvements, and solar installations.

Business EV Charger Rebate:

  • Benefit: Rebates up to 50% of the cost (capped at $3,000 excluding GST) for EV charger installations.
  • Application: Available to businesses installing EV charging infrastructure on their premises.

Home and Business Battery Scheme:

  • Benefit: Grants up to $12,000 for the purchase and installation of solar PV and battery systems.
  • Application: Available to homeowners and businesses meeting specific criteria.

EV Charger Grants Scheme:

  • Benefit: Grants up to $2,500 for businesses to install EV chargers.
  • Application: Applications open and administered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Energy Saver Loan Scheme:

  • Benefit: Interest-free loans up to $10,000 for energy-saving upgrades, including solar PV and battery systems.
  • Application: Available to households, small businesses, and not-for-profit organisations.

ChargeSmart Grants:

  • Benefit: Funding up to $50,000 for installing or upgrading EV charging stations.
  • Application: Open to businesses with a matching co-contribution requirement.

Our Process: With You Every Step of the Way

We conduct a thorough evaluation of your energy needs, site conditions and project feasibility, including shading and energy data analysis – to maximise solar efficiency.
Our in-house SAA-accredited engineers and master electricians design high-performance systems with optimised panel placement and full regulatory compliance.
We help secure the best financing options – purchase, lease or PPA, while ensuring all applicable rebates and incentives are applied. Transparent contracts include industry-leading warranties.

A dedicated project manager oversees the entire process, coordinating approvals, timelines and team communications for an efficient and top-quality installation.

We handle all network connection requirements, liaise with Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) and secure approvals for seamless grid connection.

Our SAA-accredited installers complete panel and inverter installation, all electrical work and comprehensive system testing prior to final inspection.

Post-installation inspection ensures your system meets performance benchmarks, complies with all Australian standards (AS/NZS 5033, 4777), and delivers optimal safety, energy output and long-term reliability.

We implement smart monitoring systems providing real-time performance tracking, system alerts and energy production insights.

We stand by our installations with robust manufacturer and workmanship warranties. Our team provides expert troubleshooting and fast resolution of equipment or performance issues to ensure system reliability.

Why Choose RESINC SOLAR?

Whether you’re looking to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, modernise operation – or all of the above – commercial solar is a smart, future-focused investment.

  • A well-designed solar system can reduce energy costs by 40–50% compared to grid electricity
  • Capital Expenditure (CapEx) solar investments often deliver payback in approximately 5 years, with systems built to last 30 years or more
  • Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) can provide cash-flow positive outcomes from day one, with no upfront cost

Beyond the financial benefits, commercial solar helps your business:

  • Meet sustainability and ESG targets
  • Attract environmentally-conscious shareholders and customers
  • Strengthen your brand’s reputation in a carbon-conscious marketplace

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Ready to Start Saving with Solar?

Talk to RESINC SOLAR today about a tailored Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) designed to suit your business—no upfront cost, immediate savings.

All photos are owned by RESINC and are installations completed by RESINC Solar.