Solar Rebates and Incentives
The Australian Government and several state governments offer financial support to reduce the upfront cost of solar panels and home batteries. These incentives can save you thousands of dollars on your installation.
This page explains every current rebate and incentive available to residential homeowners, how each programme works, who is eligible, and how the discount is applied. All information is sourced from official government publications and linked to the relevant programme pages.
Rebate amounts and eligibility criteria can change when governments update their policies. We review this page regularly, but we recommend confirming current details through the official links provided.
| Programme | What the programme provides | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | ||
| Federal solar panel rebate (STCs) |
The federal government provides an upfront discount on residential solar panel systems through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). The discount is delivered via Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). |
Source: energy.gov.au |
| Federal battery rebate (Cheaper Home Batteries Program) |
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides around a 30% discount on eligible home battery systems. To qualify for the battery rebate, the following conditions must be met:
|
Source: DCCEEW |
| State and territory | ||
| NSW Home Energy Saver Program |
Eligible NSW households can apply for a zero-interest loan of up to $15,000 to cover the cost of approved energy-saving upgrades. Loans are repayable over up to 10 years. Eligibility: household combined taxable income of up to $210,000. Targeted discounts of up to $4,000 are available for NSW households with a combined annual income of up to $80,000, or eligible concession card holders. |
Source: NSW Government |
| Victoria: Solar Homes Program |
The Victorian Government's Solar Homes Program offers rebates and interest-free loans for solar panels, batteries, and solar hot water systems for eligible homeowners, renters, and landlords. From 1 July 2026, eligibility may be subject to revised household income thresholds. |
Source: solar.vic.gov.au |
| Queensland: Renewable Energy and Jobs Fund |
Queensland does not currently offer a direct point-of-sale battery rebate equivalent to the federal programme, but VPP-linked incentives through energy retailers can reduce the net cost of battery ownership. |
Source: energy.gov.au rebates |
| South Australia: REPS incentive |
South Australian households may access incentives through the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS), which provides subsidies for energy-efficient products including battery storage. REPS incentives are typically delivered through participating energy retailers. |
Source: energy.gov.au rebates |
| ACT: Sustainable Household Scheme |
The ACT Government's Sustainable Household Scheme provides zero-interest loans for eligible households to install solar panels, batteries, and other energy-efficient products. The scheme also offers additional support for concession card holders. |
Source: climatechoices.act.gov.au |
| Western Australia and Tasmania |
Western Australia and Tasmania do not currently operate standalone state solar or battery rebate programmes beyond the federal incentives (solar STCs and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program). |
Source: energy.gov.au rebates |
Scroll the table sideways to read the full programme details.
Federal Solar Panel Rebate (STCs)
The federal government provides an upfront discount on residential solar panel systems through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). The discount is delivered via Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
How STCs Work
When a solar system is installed, it generates a number of STCs based on the system size, the installation postcode (which determines the solar zone), and the number of years remaining until the scheme ends in 2030. Each STC has a market value that fluctuates but typically trades close to the government's clearing house price.
Your installer creates the STCs on your behalf, sells them (usually to an STC aggregator), and deducts the value from your purchase price. You do not need to create, sell, or manage STCs yourself.
How Much Is the Solar Rebate Worth?
The STC value depends on your system size and location. Larger systems in sunnier zones receive more STCs and a bigger discount. The scheme reduces each year as it approaches its 2030 end date, which means systems installed in 2026 receive a larger discount than systems installed in 2027 or later.
This reduction is built into the scheme's design and is not a promotional deadline.
How Your Installer Handles the Rebate
In virtually all residential installations, the STC discount is already applied to the price on your quote. When you see an "installed price" or "out-of-pocket cost," the STC value has already been deducted. If a quote shows both a "before rebate" and "after rebate" figure, the "after rebate" price is what you will pay.
Your installer must be SAA accredited and the system must use panels and inverters from the CEC-approved product list for STCs to be claimed.
Federal Battery Rebate (Cheaper Home Batteries Program)
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides around a 30% discount on eligible home battery systems. It is the largest residential battery incentive programme in Australian history, with funding expanded from $2.3 billion to an estimated $7.2 billion over four years.
How the Battery Rebate Works
The discount is delivered through the same STC mechanism as the solar panel rebate. When an eligible battery is installed, STCs are created based on the battery's usable capacity. Your installer claims the STCs and applies the discount to your purchase price at the point of sale.
The discount amount is based on the usable capacity of the battery (not the nominal capacity) and the current STC factor, which is adjusted periodically to reflect declining battery costs.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the battery rebate, the following conditions must be met:
- The battery must have a usable capacity between 5kWh and 100kWh
- The battery must be connected to new or existing rooftop solar
- The battery must be from the CEC-approved product list
- The installer must hold SAA accreditation with Grid Connected Battery Systems (GCBS) certification
- The battery must have virtual power plant (VPP) capability if connected to the grid
- The battery must be installed for permanent use (not portable or temporary)
The programme is not means-tested. There is no income threshold for the federal battery rebate.
How the Discount Is Applied
Like the solar STC rebate, the battery discount is applied at the point of sale. You do not need to apply separately or wait for reimbursement. Your installer handles the STC creation and applies the discount to your quote.
Programme Timeline
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched on 1 July 2025 and is funded until 2030. The discount is designed to reduce over time as battery prices decrease, with the STC factor adjusted periodically. Over 400,000 batteries were installed under the programme in its first year.
NSW Home Energy Saver Program
The NSW Government's $557 million Home Energy Saver Program offers eligible households two forms of financial support for energy-saving upgrades including solar panels, batteries, insulation, and efficient appliances. The programme launched on 17 June 2026.
Zero-Interest Loans
Eligible NSW households can apply for a zero-interest loan of up to $15,000 to cover the cost of approved energy-saving upgrades. Loans are repayable over up to 10 years.
Eligibility: household combined taxable income of up to $210,000.
How to access: loans are provided through approved finance partners Brighte and Plenti. You select an approved supplier, receive a quote, and apply through the finance provider.
This is a $480 million commitment expected to benefit over 32,000 households.
Discounts for Lower-Income Households
Targeted discounts of up to $4,000 are available for NSW households with a combined annual income of up to $80,000, or eligible concession card holders. Discounts are delivered by Creditex.
Eligible households can apply for both a discount and a loan. The NSW Government recommends applying for the discount first, then seeking a loan to cover the remaining amount.
Victoria: Solar Homes Program
The Victorian Government's Solar Homes Program offers rebates and interest-free loans for solar panels, batteries, and solar hot water systems for eligible homeowners, renters, and landlords.
Eligibility thresholds and rebate amounts are updated periodically by Solar Victoria. From 1 July 2026, eligibility may be subject to revised household income thresholds.
For current eligibility and rebate amounts, visit the Solar Homes website.
Queensland: Renewable Energy and Jobs Fund
Queensland households may be eligible for incentives through the state's Renewable Energy and Jobs Fund, which supports battery storage through Virtual Power Plant (VPP) participation programmes.
Queensland does not currently offer a direct point-of-sale battery rebate equivalent to the federal programme, but VPP-linked incentives through energy retailers can reduce the net cost of battery ownership.
For current Queensland energy incentives, visit the Queensland Government energy website or check the national rebates directory.
South Australia: REPS Incentive
South Australian households may access incentives through the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS), which provides subsidies for energy-efficient products including battery storage. REPS incentives are typically delivered through participating energy retailers.
For current South Australian incentives, check the national rebates directory.
ACT: Sustainable Household Scheme
The ACT Government's Sustainable Household Scheme provides zero-interest loans for eligible households to install solar panels, batteries, and other energy-efficient products. The scheme also offers additional support for concession card holders.
For current eligibility and loan details, visit the ACT Government Climate Choices website.
Western Australia and Tasmania
Western Australia and Tasmania do not currently operate standalone state solar or battery rebate programmes beyond the federal incentives (solar STCs and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program).
WA and Tasmanian homeowners still benefit from the full federal solar STC discount and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program's ~30% battery discount, which apply nationally regardless of state.
For the most current information on any new state incentives, check the national rebates directory.
Can You Stack Federal and State Incentives?
In most cases, yes. The federal solar STC rebate and the federal battery rebate are applied at the point of sale and are available in every state. State-based programmes operate separately and can typically be used alongside the federal incentives.
For example, an NSW homeowner installing a solar-plus-battery system could receive the federal STC discount on their solar panels, the federal battery rebate (~30% discount) on their battery, and access a zero-interest loan of up to $15,000 through the Home Energy Saver Program to cover the remaining cost.
Check the eligibility requirements of each programme individually, as some state programmes have income thresholds, property ownership requirements, or product specifications that may affect your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for the solar rebate?
No. Your installer handles the STC creation and applies the discount to your quote. The rebate is already included in the price you see. You do not need to fill out a separate application for the federal solar STC rebate.
Is the battery rebate means-tested?
No. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program has no income threshold. Any Australian household or small business installing an eligible battery can access the discount, provided the system meets the programme's eligibility requirements (SAA accredited installer, CEC-approved battery, VPP capability).
Do I need existing solar panels to get the battery rebate?
The battery must be connected to new or existing rooftop solar. You can install solar panels and a battery at the same time, or add a battery to an existing solar system. A standalone battery without solar is not eligible under the current programme.
Will the rebate amounts stay the same?
Both the solar STC scheme and the battery rebate are designed to reduce over time. The STC scheme reduces annually and ends in 2030. The battery rebate's STC factor is reviewed periodically and adjusted as battery prices decrease. Systems installed sooner receive a larger discount.
Can I claim the battery rebate if I add more capacity to an existing battery?
Yes, in some circumstances. If your existing battery did not receive support under the programme and the additional capacity is at least 5kWh, the upgrade may be eligible. The total upgraded capacity must not exceed 100kWh. Check the DCCEEW eligibility page for current requirements.
How do I find out what I am eligible for in my state?
The Australian Government's energy.gov.au website maintains a comprehensive directory of all federal and state rebates, loans, and concessions. You can search by your location and the type of support you are looking for.
Find Out How Much You Could Save
Government rebates and incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of solar panels and batteries. Request a free, no-obligation quote and we will show you exactly which rebates apply to your installation, with all discounts applied to your price.
