Australia has one of the most generous solar incentive structures in the world, but it's spread across federal and state programs that often confuse people. Here's a clear breakdown of what's available in 2026 and what you actually qualify for.
The Federal Government Rebate: STCs
The Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme is the main federal rebate — and it applies to almost everyone installing solar across Australia.
How it works
When you install a solar system, it's assigned a number of STCs based on the system's size and how much electricity it's expected to generate over its life, adjusted for your location's solar irradiance. These certificates have a market value (roughly $35–$39 each in 2026), and your installer redeems them on your behalf — meaning the rebate is automatically deducted from your purchase price.
What it's worth in 2026
With the deeming period now at 5 years, the rebate is smaller than in previous years. For a 6.6kW system in a capital city:
- Brisbane (high solar zone): ~$2,000–$2,500 rebate
- Sydney/Melbourne: ~$1,700–$2,200 rebate
- Hobart (lower solar zone): ~$1,400–$1,800 rebate
The scheme dereates every year
The STC scheme reduces by 1/15th on January 1 each year. It ends completely in 2031. As of 2026, the deeming period has dropped to 5 years (from 6 in 2025), meaning this year's rebate is noticeably smaller than last year's. This year's rebate is still worth more than next year's — so waiting costs money.
Do you need to do anything?
No. Any CEC-accredited installer will handle the STC process for you. If an installer doesn't mention STCs, ask why — they might be trying to pocket the value themselves, which is unethical and worth walking away from.
State Government Rebates and Incentives
Victoria — Solar Homes Program
Victoria has one of Australia's most active state solar programs:
- Solar panel rebate: Up to $1,400 for eligible households (income under $210k/yr, property value under $3M). Check current eligibility at solar.vic.gov.au
- Battery storage: The main battery rebate is now the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (~$336–$372/kWh), available in all states including Victoria. Check solar.vic.gov.au for any additional state-level programs.
- Solar for rentals: Landlord rebates conditional on tenant electricity bill reductions
- Interest-free loans: Up to $1,400 interest-free loan available alongside the panel rebate to cover remaining costs
Queensland — Battery Booster Program
Queensland's focus has shifted to battery storage. The Battery Booster program provided subsidies to eligible households — check the current status at epw.qld.gov.au as programs open and close.
New South Wales
NSW's main solar-adjacent programs include the Empowering Homes program (interest-free loans for solar and battery) and various grid support schemes via Essential Energy and Ausgrid. NSW doesn't offer the direct panel rebate that Victoria does, but loan programs reduce upfront barriers.
South Australia — Home Battery Scheme
SA has historically had strong battery storage incentives. Check energy.sa.gov.au for the current program status — these programs are subject to funding and change regularly.
Western Australia
WA's Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) sets the feed-in tariff at 10¢/kWh for households (time-varying). WA has had solar rebate programs in the past — check Synergy and the WA government's energy pages for current incentives.
ACT — Sustainable Household Scheme
The ACT offers zero-interest loans up to $15,000 for solar, batteries, EV chargers, and other sustainable home improvements. One of the most accessible programs for people who own their home. Check actsustainability.org.au.
Tasmania
Tasmania has had various programs — check the current state government energy page. Solar payback in Tasmania is affected by lower solar irradiance compared to mainland capitals.
Feed-In Tariffs: The Ongoing Benefit
Beyond installation rebates, your ongoing benefit from solar includes the feed-in tariff — what your retailer pays you for electricity you export to the grid. This isn't a government rebate exactly (rates are set by retailers with some regulatory floors), but state governments do set minimum rates in some cases:
- Victoria: Minimum FiT set annually by the Essential Services Commission
- NSW: No regulated minimum, but retailers compete
- QLD: No regulated minimum for most retailers
- SA/WA/ACT/TAS: Vary by distributor and retailer
In 2026, most standard feed-in tariffs sit between 3¢ and 10¢/kWh depending on your state and retailer. Shopping your FiT rate when you install solar — or switching retailers afterwards — can add $200–$500 per year to your savings.
How to Claim Everything You're Entitled To
- STCs: Your installer handles this automatically — just make sure they're CEC-accredited
- State rebates: Apply through your state program before signing a contract — most require pre-approval
- Feed-in tariff: Compare retailers at your state's energy comparison site (e.g. Victorian Energy Compare, EnergyMadeEasy.gov.au) after installation
Know What You're Working With
Rebates change the cost equation, but so does your existing bill. Upload your electricity bill to GridBeater and we'll factor in the applicable rebates for your state to show you the real net cost and payback period for your specific situation.
Get your personalised solar savings estimate → Upload your bill free at GridBeater