Mid-scale solar SRES expansion is now in force

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

CER confirmed on 1 October 2026 that the changes apply to eligible mid-scale solar installed from that day.

Applications are expected to open in mid to late November 2026; systems installed from 1 October 2026 can apply once they open.

Solar PV systems from 100 kW to 1 MW are now eligible under the SRES.

CER gives mid-scale systems a fixed five-year deeming period; for systems up to 100 kW the period still declines towards the scheme's scheduled end in 2030.

The August announcement said existing accredited large-scale systems would remain under their current LRET arrangements and existing SRES arrangements below 100 kW would be unchanged.

CER says panels, batteries and inverters must be on the Clean Energy Council's approved components list and the system must meet SAA installation guidelines.

Existing SRES eligibility requirements, processes and guidance continue to apply unless the regulations say otherwise.