wattbench
Scheme watch

Mid-scale solar SRES expansion is proposed — not yet in force

The government intends to extend SRES eligibility into mid-scale solar from October, but regulations and final eligibility guidance still have to land.

ProposalIntended start only — subject to regulations
Sources listedReviewed August 2026Our methodology

Update status

Authority
Proposal
Timing
Intended start only — subject to regulations
Jurisdiction
Australia
Evidence
Source checked
Reviewed
29 Aug 2026
Next review
12 Sep 2026

Announced government intention. The proposed start remains subject to regulations being in place.

Field brief

What changed
The government announced an intended SRES pathway for mid-scale PV in the 100 kW-to-1 MW range.
Why it matters
If implemented, eligible mid-scale projects would create STCs instead of relying only on the large-scale certificate pathway.
On the next job
Keep using the current eligibility rules. Do not treat 1 October as operative until the regulations and CER guidance confirm commencement and conditions.
Watch for
Final regulations, confirmed commencement, eligibility detail and any extra design, installation or compliance requirements.
Field diagramFrom announcement to operative schemeThe intended commencement is a checkpoint, not confirmation that the proposal is in force.
  1. Completed

    Government intention announced

  2. Current

    Regulations and detailed requirements pending

  3. Pending

    Intended start, subject to regulations

Source1

Status now

The Australian Government announced the intended expansion on 5 August 2026.

Source1

The stated 1 October 2026 start is conditional on regulations being in place, so it is not a current field entitlement.

Source1

What the proposal would change

The proposed arrangements cover total onsite solar PV capacity between 100 kW and 1 MW and would allow eligible systems to create STCs.

Source1

Existing accredited large-scale systems would remain under their current LRET arrangements, while existing SRES arrangements below 100 kW would be unchanged.

Source1

What to check before relying on it

CER says additional design, installation and compliance requirements are still being considered and further commencement and eligibility information will be published.

Source1

Put it to work

Official source ledger

  1. Expansion of solar photovoltaic eligibility under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme

    Clean Energy Regulator · web page

    Source checked 29 Aug 2026 · Published 5 Aug 2026

Did this help you move the job forward?

Tell us what is missing

Ask Watt

Ask the bench a question.

Answers on fault codes, calculators, AS/NZS scope and current field updates, every one drawn from Wattbench with the source attached. It won’t guess a code or a standard.