NSW solar rebates make it easier than ever to adopt solar and battery storage solutions, helping residents reduce energy bills and lower their carbon footprint. This guide covers everything you need to know about current NSW solar incentives, rebates, and solar battery storage programs available in 2024.
With NSW’s commitment to reducing emissions by 70% by 2035 and reaching net zero by 2050, these programs make renewable energy accessible and affordable.
List of NSW Solar Rebates & Incentives 2024
| Program | Type | Details | Maximum Amount |
| Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) | Federal Rebate | Provides upfront cost savings through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for solar installations | Up to 30% off installation costs (e.g., $2,500 for a 6.6kW system) |
| Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) / NSW Solar Battery Rebate | NSW Solar Battery Rebate | Reduces peak energy demand with rebates for battery installations; additional incentives for VPP connections | $1,600 – $2,400 for battery; $250 – $400 for VPP connection |
| Solar for Apartments Grant | Shared Solar PV | Provides grants for shared solar systems in apartment buildings. Apartment buildings; application period Dec 4th 2024 | Up to $2,800 per apartment; capped at $140,000 per building |
| Empowering Homes Program | Interest-Free Loan | Interest-free loans for solar-battery systems to reduce upfront costs | Up to $14,000 for solar-battery systems; $9,000 for battery-only retrofits |
| [Closed] Solar for Low Income Households | Free Solar System | Offers free solar systems for eligible low-income households | Free 3kW solar system |
| Smart Distributed Batteries Project | Battery Discount | Provides discount on Tesla Powerwall 2 for South Coast installations, supporting a Virtual Power Plant | Up to $4,950 off Tesla Powerwall 2 |
| Local Council Rebates | Additional Rebates | Rebates offered by certain local councils for solar and battery installations | Example: 10% discount for Randwick residents |
| NSW Feed-in Tariffs | Feed-in Tariff Credit | Provides credits for excess solar energy fed back to the grid, rate varies by electricity provider | Varies by provider and region |
Overview of NSW Government Solar Rebates & Incentives
NSW Solar Battery Rebate / Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)
Starting November 2024, NSW’s PDRS offers substantial support for battery installations to manage peak energy demand:
- Rebate Amount: $1,600–$2,400 based on battery size.
- Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Connection: Additional $250–$400 for connecting your battery to a VPP, claimable twice within three years.
Eligibility:
- Available to homes and businesses with existing solar systems.
- Batteries between 2 kWh and 28 kWh.
- Installation by an Accredited Certificate Provider (ACP) is required.
Empowering Homes Program
Interest-free loans for eligible NSW households:
- Loans Up To: $9,000 for battery systems or $14,000 for combined solar-battery systems.
- Eligibility: Household income under $180,000, owner-occupied homes connected to the grid.
NSW Grants & Subsidies for Apartment Solar Projects
The NSW Solar & Energy Efficiency Grant provides $206 million to support apartment residents and low-income households with renewable energy solutions. Key benefits include:
- Rooftop Solar Rebates: Covers up to 50% of installation costs for eligible apartments, potentially saving residents up to $600 annually on energy bills.
- Solar Gardens Subsidies: For renters or those unable to install rooftop solar, subsidies are available for shares in offsite solar farms, offering an alternative way to access renewable energy.
Solar for Low Income Households
The Solar for Low Income Households program in New South Wales (NSW) offered eligible low-income households a free 3-kilowatt (kW) solar system to help reduce electricity bills. However, this program has closed, and applications are no longer being accepted.
Similarly, the Rebate Swap for Solar offer, which allowed eligible recipients of the Low Income Household Rebate to exchange their rebate for a free, fully installed 3 kW solar system, has also closed.
For those seeking to reduce energy costs, consider the following alternatives:
- Energy Efficiency Measures: Implementing energy-saving practices and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can lower consumption and costs.
- Energy Plan Comparison: Utilise services like Energy Made Easy to compare energy plans and find the most cost-effective option for your household.
While these specific solar programs have ended, exploring other government initiatives and rebates may provide additional support for energy savings.
Smart Distributed Batteries Project
The Smart Distributed Batteries Project, launched in August 2020, offers a $4,950 discount on Tesla Powerwall 2 installations for eligible homeowners and businesses in specific NSW council areas. This initiative aims to develop a 6 MW Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to enhance the NSW electricity network and reduce consumer electricity costs.
As of March 2024, 2.814 MW of battery capacity has been installed and connected, with project completion targeted by the end of 2025. Interested participants can contact SolarHub for more information or to obtain a free quote.
- Discount: Up to $4,950 on Tesla Powerwall 2.
- Objective: To support a Virtual Power Plant and stabilise the electricity grid.
Local Council Rebates
As of November 2024, Randwick City Council continues to offer sustainability rebates to support residents in adopting renewable energy solutions. These rebates include:
- Rooftop Solar Rebate: Up to 10% of the installation cost, capped at $500 for households, $5,000 for apartment blocks, and $1,000 for businesses.
- Solar Battery Rebate: Up to 10% of the installation cost, with a maximum of $1,000 for households, $2,000 for apartment blocks, and $1,000 for businesses.
These incentives aim to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable for the community. It’s advisable to check with your local council for similar programs, as many councils offer rebates and incentives to promote renewable energy adoption.
To check your eligibility requirements for both Energy Savings Scheme and the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme you can use the NSW governments Eligibility tool.
Federal Solar Rebates Available For NSW Residents
Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
The federal SRES rebate, provided as Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), offers significant upfront cost savings:
- Rebate Value: Covers up to 30% of solar system installation costs for systems under 100kW.
- Example Savings: A 6.6kW system could save NSW residents approximately $2,500 through STCs depending on location and STC market price.
NSW Feed-in Tariffs
Through feed-in tariffs, NSW residents earn credits on their electricity bills by sending unused solar power back to the grid. While rates have declined over the years, feed-in tariffs remain an important part of solar savings.
How Much Can You Save on Solar?
Example Savings
A typical 6.6kW system in NSW is around $2,300 to $2,500 annually, depending on the exact location and current STC market value, with a payback period of around 4–5 years. Larger systems and battery storage can further increase long-term savings by maximising self-consumption and reducing grid dependence.
It’s important to note that these figures can change over time as the STC scheme is gradually phased out towards 2030, with the number of STCs decreasing each year.
Long-Term Financial Impact
Solar systems provide ongoing financial benefits, continuing to cut electricity expenses even after initial investment recovery.
For more on this see our comprehensive guide on NSW Solar Panel Installation.
How Solar Choice can help you install solar & batteries
Solar Choice is Australia’s top-rated solar quote comparison platform, offering a streamlined way to compare solar quotes for different system sizes and configurations. As the only independent company in Australia providing instant online access to a wide range of solar quotes, Solar Choice allows you to view and compare options without waiting, ensuring you get the best possible value for your solar or battery installation.
Here’s why Solar Choice stands out:
- Compare Quotes Online Instantly: Solar Choice instantly enables you to compare multiple quotes apples-for-apples on our online comparison platform.
- Accredited and Pre-Vetted Installers: Solar Choice has been assessing and creating a curated list of Australia’s most reputable solar and battery installers since 2008. We regularly turn companies away that don’t meet our criteria.
- Transparency and Convenience: Solar Choice simplifies the process, allowing you to see and compare quotes at a glance without the hassle of individually contacting multiple installers.
- Expert Guidance: The team at Solar Choice provides support throughout the quoting and installation process, helping you make informed decisions that match your energy needs and budget.
- Trusted Resource: Since 2008, Solar Choice has helped over 350,000 Australians choose solar solutions, with its data regularly used by government and industry bodies as a benchmark for solar pricing.
With Solar Choice, you’re assured of a transparent, reliable, and efficient way to compare solar and battery options, maximising both your savings and the quality of your installation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is solar worth it without a rebate in NSW?
Can renters in NSW benefit from solar rebates?
What happens if I move after installing solar?
Which electricity company offers the best solar rebate in NSW?
What are the NSW government solar rebate dates for 2024?
What is the $7,000 solar rebate eligibility in NSW?
How much can I save with current NSW solar incentives?
How do I apply for the solar rebate in NSW?
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