Solar Rebates and Incentives in Australia Explained

Australia offers several solar incentives that significantly reduce the cost of installing solar. Understanding them helps you maximise your savings.

Federal: Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides a federal discount on solar system purchases through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

How STCs Work

• Each kilowatt of solar installed generates a number of STCs based on your location's solar zone and the system's expected generation until 2030
• STCs are created when your system is installed and are typically sold by your installer (the discount is already factored into your quote)
• The STC value is not a fixed dollar amount per kW. It varies with the system size, installation location, installation date, the remaining deeming period to 2030 and the market value of STCs. Use the Clean Energy Regulator's current calculator or your installer's itemised quote for the current value.

What This Means for You

When you see a solar price advertised (e.g., "6.6kW system — $5,500"), the STC discount is usually already applied. You don't need to apply separately — your installer handles the paperwork.

The STC scheme is scheduled to end in 2030, with the discount reducing each year. Installing sooner means a larger discount.

Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs)

Feed-in tariffs are the amount your electricity retailer pays you for excess solar energy exported to the grid.

Current Feed-in Tariffs

Feed-in tariffs vary by electricity retailer, tariff and location and can change frequently. Compare the full electricity plan — including usage rates, supply charge and feed-in tariff — rather than choosing a retailer on the export rate alone.

In many households, using solar energy in the home can be worth more than exporting it and buying electricity back later. The actual benefit depends on your tariff and usage pattern.

Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program

From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides around a 30% upfront discount on eligible small-scale battery systems connected to new or existing rooftop solar. The support is delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and the discount generally appears through the retailer or installer.

The discount depends on battery capacity and eligibility and will change over time, so confirm the current amount before purchasing.

State and Territory Incentives

State, territory and local incentives change regularly and may include rebates, loans, tariffs or other support. Check the current government program for your location rather than relying on an older rebate amount.

How to Access Rebates

1. Solar STCs — an SAA-accredited installer generally handles the STC paperwork and the value is usually reflected in the quote
2. Cheaper Home Batteries Program — eligible battery support is generally provided through the retailer or installer under the SRES
3. Feed-in tariffs — compare the full electricity plan, not just the FiT
4. State or local incentives — check the relevant government website for any current additional programs before you buy

Your solar installer should be able to advise on all available rebates and help you access them.

Maximising Your Solar Savings

1. Use energy during the day — run dishwashers, washing machines, and pool pumps when the sun is shining
2. Choose a retailer with a good feed-in tariff — but compare the full bill, not just the FiT
3. Consider a battery — the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program can reduce the upfront cost of an eligible battery, which may improve the economics
4. Monitor your system — most modern systems include apps that show generation and consumption

Find a solar installer on Trade Connect who can help you access all available rebates, or read our guide on is solar worth it.