South Australia Solar Rebates & Incentives: The Ultimate Guide

South Australia SOLAR REBATES

Are you looking to save money on solar panel & battery installations in South Australia? The South Australia solar rebates program, combined with federal incentives, makes it easier to transition to clean, renewable energy. By taking advantage of these rebates and feed-in tariffs, homeowners and businesses across Adelaide and South Australia can significantly reduce upfront costs of solar system installation and the impacts of ongoing electricity bills.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about SA solar rebates in 2024. From federal incentives like the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to local programs such as feed-in tariffs and battery storage incentives, we’ll help you navigate your options and maximize your savings.


Key Solar Rebates & Incentives in South Australia

ProgramTypeDetailsMaximum Amount
Federal Solar Rebate (SRES)Solar Panel RebateSmall-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)Approx. $400–$600 per kW
SA Feed-in TariffFeed-in Tariff CreditCredits for exporting excess solar energy3–8 cents per kWh
City of Adelaide Solar PV RebateSolar Panel RebateCovers 20% of the installed cost for solar PV systems:
– 1.5–10 kW: Up to $1,000
– 10–20 kW: Up to $2,500
– 20+ kW: Up to $5,000
Up to $5,000
City of Adelaide Battery RebateBattery RebateCovers up to 50% of installed costs for battery systems.Up to $2,000
SA Home Battery Scheme [Closed]Battery SubsidyProvided subsidies for battery storage systemsUp to $2,000
Virtual Power Plant (VPP)Battery Sharing IncomeIncentives for participating in VPP programsVaries by provider
Key Solar Rebates & Incentives in South Australia

How Much Can You Save with SA Solar Rebates?

Example Savings for a Standard 6.6 kW Solar System in Adelaide

MetricAmount
Average System Cost$5,510
Federal Rebate (SRES)-$2,000
City of Adelaide Rebate-$1,000
Out-of-Pocket Cost$2,510
Annual Energy Savings$1,622
Payback Period1.5 Years
Example Savings for a Standard 6.6 kW Solar System in Adelaide

Solar Battery Rebate Example

Battery ModelCapacity (kWh)CostRebateOut-of-Pocket CostPayback Period
Tesla Powerwall 213.5$13,500$2,000$11,5007.2 Years
Alpha-ESS SMILE511$10,000$2,000$8,0005.8 Years
Solar Battery Rebate Example

City of Adelaide Sustainability Incentives

Solar PV Rebate

  • Covers 20% of the installed cost:
    • 1.5–10 kW systems: Up to $1,000.
    • 10–20 kW systems: Up to $2,500.
    • 20+ kW systems: Up to $5,000.
  • Eligibility:
    • Available for tenants, concession card holders, and residential strata properties.
    • Systems purchased through solar leases or power purchase agreements qualify if ownership transfers at the end of the term.

Battery Storage Rebate

  • Covers 50% of installed costs, up to $2,000.
  • Eligibility:
    • Available to owner-occupied, tenanted, or Commonwealth concession card holder properties.
    • Battery systems must be configured to optimize solar consumption.

To learn more you can explore the city of Adelaide grants and incentives for sustainability page.


Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Programs in SA

The SA Virtual Power Plant connects battery systems to work collectively as a power source. Benefits include:

  • Reduced Electricity Rates: Participants enjoy discounted power prices.
  • Additional Income: Some programs offer financial credits for grid support.

Key Providers:

  • Simply Energy VPP: Offers $1,275–$2,550 in credits.
  • Tesla Energy Plan: Provides $220/year in grid support credits.
  • AGL VPP: Discounts of $1,000 on batteries with long-term contracts.

You can explore more in our comprehensive guide to Virtual Power Plants.


Understanding Feed-in Tariffs in SA

South Australia offers feed-in tariffs that allow you to earn credits for excess solar energy exported to the grid. However, rates vary by provider:

  • Standard Rates: 3–8 cents per kWh.
  • Premium Rates: Up to 10–12 cents per kWh (with specific providers).

While feed-in tariffs have decreased in recent years, self-consumption of solar energy remains the most effective way to save on electricity bills.


FAQs about SA Solar Rebates

James Shand

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