SGU Owners Guide
RET process for Owners of Small Generation Units (SGUs)
small-scale solar photovoltaic panels, wind and hydro electricity systems
Option 1 - Agent Assisted
Gaining a financial benefit through REC assignment
A majority of owners of SGUs find it convenient to assign their rights to create RECs to a registered agent at the time the SGU is installed in exchange for a financial benefit. RECs are assigned when the owner completes a REC Assignment Form. A registered agent will:
- Determine whether your SGU is eligible for the RET
- Determine for you how many RECs your SGU is entitled to under the RET scheme
- Offer a financial benefit to you. This may be in the form of a cash payment or discount on your SGU.
Before assigning your right to create RECs to the agent through a REC Assignment Form:
- Make sure the unit is installed. RECs cannot be assigned prior to installation.
- Obtain all safety and compliance documentation from your agent/installer. See Installation advice and procedures.
- Make sure you are satisfied with the financial benefit and the date of payment the agent is offering for your RECs.
- Check that details are recorded in writing through a REC Assignment Form that should be provided by your agent.
Keep a copy of the REC assignment form for your records. If you experience a delay in receiving payment for your RECs contact the agent you have agreed to sell them to.
- Agents offer differing financial benefits for your RECs. ORER recommends that you contact a range of agents before entering into any contractual agreement.
Visit - List of registered agents
Calculating the RECs yourself
The number of RECs an SGU is entitled to is calculated by determining the amount of electricity the SGU produces over a determined period (called a deeming period). Units are usually deemed for the maximum period of 15 years to receive the maximum amount of RECs upfront. If you would like to determine the approximate number of RECs that your unit could receive under the RET the REC Registry contains a Small Generation Unit REC Calculator.
Visit – Small Generation Unit REC Calculator
It is important to note that agents list different prices and payment processes for RECs. After buying the RECs from you the agent will register your RECs and usually bundle them with other small generation unit and solar water heater RECs for sale and transfer in the REC Registry.
Solar Credits
If your system is installed on or after 9 June 2009 it may be eligible for additional RECs under Solar Credits. The multiplication for additional RECs under Solar Credits is as follows.
| Installation Period | Multiplication |
|---|---|
| 9 June 2009 - 30 June 2010 | 5 x |
| 1 July 2010 - 30 June 2011 | 5 x |
| 1 July 2011 - 30 June 2012 | 5 x |
| 1 July 2012 - 30 June 2013 | 4 x |
| 1 July 2013 - 30 June 2014 | 3 x |
| 1 July 2014 - 30 June 2015 | 2 x |
Your agent should factor this multiplication into your REC calculation and resulting financial benefit. Your agent will determine the eligibility of your system but if you wish to understand the eligibility criteria for Solar Credits see Option 2: Individual Trading/Step 4: Determine if your system is eligible for Solar Credits.
Installing additional capacity
If you wish to install additional capacity to an existing system it may be entitled to RECs. Additional capacity is not entitled to the REC multiplier through Solar Credits. To determine the number of RECs the additional capacity may be entitled to insert the rated power output (in kW) for the additional capacity into the Small Generation Unit REC Calculator. Note the number of RECs without Solar Credits in the results page.
Visit – Small Generation Unit REC Calculator
- ORER does not set the price of RECs nor does it get involved in disputes between buyers and sellers. Payment for RECs or the rights to create RECs is a contractual matter between the buyer and seller.
