Are you looking to save on solar & battery installation costs in Queensland? Solar rebates and incentives are designed to make clean energy more affordable for homeowners and businesses across the Sunshine State. In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know about Queensland solar & battery rebates in 2024. Whether you’re installing solar panels for the first time or exploring battery storage options, this comprehensive overview will help you navigate the available incentives and maximise your savings.
For a complete overview of all solar rebates and incentives available in Australia, visit our comprehensive guide on Solar Rebates.
List of Solar Rebates & Incentives in Queensland 2024
| Program | Type | Details | Maximum Amount |
| Federal Solar Rebate (SRES) | Solar Panel Rebate | Reduces installation costs via tradable Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). | Approx. $400–$600 per kW |
| Queensland Feed-in Tariff | Feed-in Tariff Credit | Earns credits for exporting surplus solar energy to the grid. | Between 6 and 10 cents per kWh |
| [Closed] QLD Battery Rebate | Battery Rebate & Loan | Offered interest-free loans and rebates for eligible battery installations. | Up to $6,000 (loan) & $3,000 rebate |
| Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Program | Income & Savings | Earns payments for sharing stored solar energy with the grid. | Varies by provider |
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Overview of Queensland Solar Rebates
Federal Solar Incentive (SRES)
- What it Offers: Upfront savings through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
- Rebate Amount: Approximately $400–$600 per kW, depending on system size and location.
- Eligibility: Systems under 100 kW installed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer.
- Example Savings: For a typical 6.6 kW system in Queensland, the SRES can reduce upfront costs by around $2,500.
Queensland Feed-in Tariff
- What it Offers: Credits on electricity bills for excess solar energy exported to the grid.
- Current Rates: Varies by retailer, typically between 6 and 10 cents per kWh.
- Eligibility: Households with solar systems connected to the grid.
[Closed] Queensland Solar Battery Rebate
Although this program has ended, it previously provided:
- Rebate: Up to $3,000 for battery storage systems.
- Interest-Free Loans: Up to $6,000 for eligible battery installations.
Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Programs
- What it Offers: Financial incentives for homeowners who allow their battery systems to support the grid during peak demand.
- Potential Savings: Varies based on energy shared and provider agreements.
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How Much Can You Save with QLD Solar Rebates?
Example for a standard 6.6 kW system in QLD:
- Average Installation Cost After Federal Rebate: $6,000–$7,000
- Annual Savings on Electricity Bills: Up to $1,500
- Payback Period: 3 to 5 years
See more in our guide to solar panel pricing in QLD.
Example: A Real-World Scenario
Let’s take a closer look at how much you could save with a 6.6 kW solar system:
| Metric | Amount |
| Total System Cost | $9,000 |
| Federal Rebate (STCs) | -$3,000 |
| Out-of-Pocket Cost | $6,000 |
| Annual Energy Savings | $1,500 |
| Payback Period | 4 Years |
| Savings Over 10 Years | $15,000+ |
Assumes a typical Queensland electricity rate of $0.28/kWh and feed-in tariff of $0.08/kWh.
Additional Considerations for Solar Savings
- Larger Systems for High Energy Use: If your household consumes more than 20 kWh per day, consider upgrading to a 10 kW system to maximise self-consumption and savings.
- Battery Storage Options: While adding a battery increases upfront costs, it enhances energy independence and provides backup power during outages. Payback periods for batteries are longer (7–10 years).
Factors Influencing Your Savings
- Federal Rebate via STCs
Queensland residents benefit from the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the federal government’s rebate program. For a 6.6 kW system, this equates to a reduction of approximately $2,500–$3,000 in upfront installation costs, depending on system size and location. The rebate is applied directly by your installer, so there’s no extra paperwork for you. - Energy Usage and Self-Consumption
Maximise your savings by using as much of your solar energy as possible during the day. Excess energy exported to the grid earns feed-in tariff credits but at a lower rate (typically 6–10 cents per kWh) than what you’d pay for grid electricity. - Feed-in Tariffs
Queensland’s feed-in tariffs vary by electricity provider. By selecting a competitive plan, you can further offset your electricity bills and reduce payback time. - Sunshine Advantage
Queensland’s sunny climate offers an average of 5.5 peak sun hours daily. This makes solar panels particularly effective, enabling higher energy generation compared to less sunny states.
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Additional Solar Programs in Queensland
Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and Aggregation Programs
- How it Works: Allows battery owners to share excess stored energy with the grid.
- Benefits:
- Earn additional income.
- Contribute to grid stability.
- Reduce network costs for all Queenslanders.
Community Solar Initiatives
- Emerging programs aimed at providing solar solutions for shared housing and rental properties.
When considering solar installations in Queensland, it’s worth checking if your area has any community renewable energy programs. Initiatives like Local Renewable Energy Zones (LREZ) can offer additional opportunities to save on energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable grid. For example, the Caloundra LREZ pilot highlights the potential of community-focused energy solutions.
LREZ Highlights for Queenslanders:
- Shared Solar Access: Homeowners, renters, and unit residents can benefit from locally generated solar energy stored in network-connected batteries.
- Cost Reductions: Solar energy generated during the day is stored and redistributed at night, lowering peak electricity costs.
- Community Collaboration: The program maximises local solar energy use, even for those unable to install panels.
The Caloundra pilot, launching in January 2025, is one of the first steps in expanding such projects statewide. For more details or to see if your area is eligible, visit the Queensland Government’s LREZ Program.
Exploring local programs like LREZ can complement solar rebates and feed-in tariffs, offering even greater savings and energy efficiency.
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Maximising Your Queensland Solar Rebates
Queensland solar rebates provide significant savings, making solar power more accessible and affordable for residents. By leveraging federal incentives and feed-in tariffs, you can reduce upfront costs and save on energy bills. Contact local CEC-accredited installers to explore your options and maximise your solar savings today.
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FAQs about QLD Solar Rebates
Is there a rebate for solar in QLD?
What is the $3,700 homeowner rebate in QLD?
What is the 2024 rebate for Queensland?
Who is eligible for the Solar Bonus Scheme in Queensland?
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