Looking to save on solar installation in 2024? Australian solar rebates are designed to significantly reduce the upfront costs of solar systems for homeowners and businesses. By taking advantage of both federal and state incentives, you could save thousands on your solar energy system. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about federal solar rebates, state-specific rebates, incentives, programs, and feed-in tariffs by region.
List Of Solar Rebate Programs & Incentives
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of available programs across each state, outlining location, type, rebate amount, and eligibility:
| Program | Location | Type | Rebate/Incentive Amount | Eligibility Criteria Brief |
| Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) | Federal | Solar Panel | Approx. $400-$600 per kW, varies by system size and location | Systems <100kW, installed by CEC-accredited installers |
| Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) | Federal | Solar Panel (Commercial) | LGCs approx. $46.25 each, generated monthly | Commercial systems over 100kW |
| NSW Solar Battery Rebate (PDRS) | NSW | Battery | $1,600-$2,400 for battery, $250-$400 for VPP connection | Existing solar system, battery installed by Accredited Certificate Providers |
| NSW Grants & Subsidies for Apartment Solar Projects | NSW | Solar Panel & Community Solar | Grants up to 50% of installation costs, savings up to $600/year | Apartment residents & low-income households |
| Empowering Homes Program | NSW | Loan (Solar-Battery) | Interest-free loans up to $14,000 | Homeowners with household income < $180,000 |
| Victoria Solar Homes Program | VIC | Solar Panel & Battery | Up to $1,400 for panels; interest-free loan for batteries | Homeowners and rental properties meeting income and property criteria |
| Solar for Apartments Grant | VIC | Shared Solar PV | Up to $2,800 per apartment; capped at $140,000 per building | Apartment buildings; application period are open until December 4th 2024 |
| [Closed] Queensland Battery Booster Loan and Rebate | QLD | Loan and Rebate (Battery) | Loans up to $6,000, rebates up to $3,000 | Owner-occupied homes, income and property eligibility applies |
| Incentives for Sustainability (City of Adelaide) | SA | Cash-back Incentive | Cash-back incentives for solar and sustainable practices | City of Adelaide residents, businesses, and groups |
| [Closed] SA Home Battery Scheme | SA | Battery Subsidy | Up to $2,000 for battery storage | Owner-occupiers, landlords, VPP-compatible systems |
| [Closed] Next Gen Energy Storage Program | ACT | Battery Rebate | Up to $3,500 for battery installations | Households, businesses, accredited systems and installers required |
| Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) | ACT | Rebate and Loan | No interest loans for solar, battery, EV chargers | Households or Community Groups meeting eligibility criteria |
| Home and Business Battery Scheme | NT | Battery Rebate | Up to $5,000 for eligible battery installations | Homeowners, businesses, and non-profits |
| Northern Territory Apartment Solar Rebate | NT | Shared Solar PV | Grants up to 50% of installation costs, capped at $7,500 per dwelling | Body corporates and multi-dwelling buildings |
| Feed-in Tariff (NT) | NT | Feed-in Tariff Credit | Payments vary by provider | Households and businesses with solar |
| Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) | WA | Feed-in Tariff | Up to 10 cents/kWh for exported energy during peak times | Residential solar system owners in WA |
| Switch Your Thinking Program | WA | Discounts on Sustainable Products | Discounts on sustainable products for residents in participating council areas | Residents in participating WA council areas |
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What is a Solar Rebate?
A solar rebate is a financial incentive designed to make solar power more affordable for you by reducing the upfront solar panel installation costs in Australia. These incentives are offered at both federal and state levels, often as tradable certificates or credits that apply directly to your purchase. Some programs also target specific groups or housing types, like social housing, rentals, or apartment buildings, making solar more accessible across diverse settings.
Learn more about solar panel pricing and battery storage costs and ROI in our comprehensive guides.
Is It Really a Rebate?
Technically, federal solar incentives under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) don’t provide a direct cash rebate. Instead, solar systems generate Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which have a market value and can be sold to offset installation costs. Installers will be the ones that usually manage the STC process, applying this credit directly to your bill, creating a discount that feels like a rebate. While not a traditional rebate, this mechanism helps significantly lower initial costs, bringing solar within reach for more Australians.
This financial structure is part of the broader Renewable Energy Target (RET), which also includes the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) for commercial solar projects. The combined effect of SRES, LRET, and additional state-specific programs can lead to substantial savings, supporting Australia’s shift toward clean, affordable energy.
Federal Government Solar Rebates & Incentives
The Australian Federal Government solar rebates and incentives offer substantial savings through its Renewable Energy Target (RET) program, helping homeowners and businesses reduce solar installation costs.
Key Federal Solar Incentives
Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES):
Designed for systems under 100kW, the SRES provides upfront savings through Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These certificates reduce installation costs by being sold or assigned to installers as a “rebate”.
- How STCs Work: STCs are based on the total amount of renewable energy your system is expected to generate over a set period. The number of STCs you earn depends on your system’s size, location, and the remaining years until the STC program ends in 2030. Each certificate roughly represents 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of anticipated energy production.
- Eligibility: Systems must be installed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited professional.
(Use Solarchoice to compare 3 free quotes from local pre-vetted installers) - Why Act Now: STCs decrease annually and will end in 2030, so early adopters enjoy maximum savings.
Choosing high-quality solar panels is essential for maximizing rebate benefits and system performance. For the latest recommendations, check out the 10 best solar panels in Australia.
Large-Scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET):
The LRET supports larger commercial systems over 100kW by generating Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs), which provide ongoing revenue rather than a one-time discount.
- How LGCs Work: LGCs are created based on the actual amount of renewable electricity generated by large-scale systems (above 100 kW capacity). For each megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy produced, one LGC is created. These certificates can be sold or traded, allowing businesses to earn revenue from their renewable energy production.
- Environmental Impact: In addition to financial benefits, LRET helps businesses lower their carbon footprint, aligning with Australia’s sustainability goals.
By combining these federal programs with state-based rebates, you can maximise your savings, often reducing installation costs by many thousands of dollars. Australia’s commitment to renewable energy through the RET supports a cleaner, more cost-effective future with solar power.
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Solar Rebates by State in Australia
Australian states and territories offer a range of solar rebate programs that can be paired with federal incentives, allowing homeowners and businesses to maximise their savings on solar installations.
Here’s a summary of the key programs in each state and territory:
NSW Solar Rebates
- NSW Solar Battery Rebate / Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS): Provides up to $2,400 for battery installations, with an additional $250–$400 incentive for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) participation.
- NSW Solar & Energy Efficiency Grant for Apartments: Grants cover up to 50% of solar installation costs for apartments, plus subsidies for shares in offsite solar gardens.
- Empowering Homes Program: Offers interest-free loans up to $14,000 for solar-battery systems for eligible households with income under $180,000.
- Smart Distributed Batteries Project: Up to a $4,950 discount on the Tesla Powerwall 2 costs for properties in the South Coast region. That being said its worth comparing Tesla Powerwall 2 vs Powerwall 3 before going ahead.
- Local Council Incentives: For instance residents of Randwick can receive a 10% rebate on solar and battery installations.
VIC Solar Rebates
- Victoria Solar Homes Program: Up to $1,400 rebate on solar panels, along with interest-free loans for battery systems.
- Solar for Rentals Program: A $1,400 rebate for landlords, encouraging solar adoption in rental properties.
- Solar for Apartments: Rebates up to $2,800 per apartment for shared solar installations in apartment buildings.
- Interest-Free Battery Loans: Up to $8,800 interest-free loans for eligible households looking to add solar battery storage.
Learn More about VIC Solar Rebates
QLD Solar Rebates
- Queensland Battery Booster Loan and Rebate: This program is now [closed]. It provided interest-free loans up to $6,000 and rebates up to $3,000 for battery installations.
Find Out More about QLD Solar Rebates
SA Solar Rebates
- SA Home Battery Scheme: This offer is now [closed]. Previously offers up to $2,000 in subsidies for battery storage, available to both homeowners and landlords with compatible systems.
- Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Incentives: Extra incentives are available for battery systems that participate in VPP schemes, helping optimise energy savings.
Discover SA Solar Rebates
ACT Solar Rebates
- Next Gen Energy Storage Program: This program is [closed]. The program previously provided rebates of up to $3,500 for battery installations for eligible homes and businesses.
- Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS): Zero-interest loans for solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle chargers, with options from $2,000 to $15,000.
Get Details on ACT Solar Incentives
WA Solar Rebates
- Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS): Offers a feed-in tariff of up to 10 cents/kWh (peak) for exported energy, allowing homeowners to earn for surplus energy fed back into the grid.
- Switch Your Thinking Program: Discounts on sustainable products and services for residents in participating council areas, supporting broader sustainable living choices.
Learn About WA Solar Rebates
NT Solar Rebates
- Northern Territory Apartment Solar Rebate: Provides grants covering up to 50% of installation costs for shared solar PV systems in apartment complexes, with a maximum of $7,500 per dwelling.
- Home and Business Battery Scheme: Grants of up to $5,000 for eligible battery installations, available for homeowners, business owners, and non-profits.
- Feed-in Tariff: Payments for surplus energy sent to the grid, helping to offset installation costs and reduce payback time.
More on NT Solar Rebates
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Feed-in Tariffs by Region
Feed-in tariffs provide payments for surplus energy exported back to the grid, helping homeowners maximise savings:
- NSW: Varies by provider; check with local electricity retailers for exact rates.
- VIC: Averages around 6.7 cents/kWh but can differ by provider.
- QLD: Offers between 3 and 10 cents/kWh in most regions.
- SA: Typically around 3-5 cents/kWh.
- WA: 10 cents/kWh (peak) and 3 cents/kWh (off-peak) through DEBS.
Including feed-in tariffs in your solar planning can further reduce payback times, especially in regions with higher rates.
How Solar Rebates are Calculated
The primary metric for calculating Australian solar rebates is the number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) your system generates:
- System Sise: Larger systems generate more STCs.
- Location: Higher solar radiation areas receive more STCs.
- Installation Date: The closer to 2030, the fewer years of energy generation credited.
Example Calculation:
A 6.6kW system in Sydney generates approximately 91 STCs. At $38 per STC, this results in a $3,458 rebate.
See STCs, Prices & Calculations Explained in our comprehensive guide
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the solar rebate in Australia for 2024?
When did solar rebates start in Australia?
How are solar rebates calculated in Australia?
Can I combine state and federal solar rebates?
When will the solar rebate end?
How do I claim my solar rebate?
What is the difference between a solar rebate and a feed-in tariff?
What other benefits can I get from installing solar in Australia?
- Guide To Commercial Solar Rebates & Incentives: LRETs & LGCs - 14 November, 2024
- Solar Rebates in Australia 2024: Ultimate Guide - 13 November, 2024
- Victoria Solar Rebates & Incentives: Ultimate Guide - 13 November, 2024
