Installing a rooftop solar panel system can help you save on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint - two big ticks. However, the steep upfront costs can stand in the way of adopting solar for some.
There are a range of federal and state government incentives available to help offset the costs of installing a solar panel and solar battery system. To help you on your journey, we’ve created a state-by-state guide to the solar panel and battery rebates available around the country.
With our 0% Interest Payment Plan, you can close the cost gap on your solar panel or battery purchase and pay us back over time in manageable fortnightly instalments.
"I don't have to worry on my power bills. I'm on a credit at the moment. Very very happy customer here” - Marietta VIC
National solar rebates
Under the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, people who install an eligible solar panel system are entitled to small-scale technology certificates (STCs), which reduce the overall cost of the system.
How much is the Australian Government rebate?
The rebate amount you receive will depend on the size of your system, where you live and when it is installed. The STCs are provided upfront for a system's expected power generation from installation up until 2030 when the scheme ends.
You can use this calculator to estimate the number of STCs you will receive for your system. The STCs can either be sold on the open market, where prices fluctuate, or through the Clean Energy Regulator's STC clearing house, where prices are set at $40 (ex GST).
Who is eligible for the rebate?
To be eligible for the rebate, the system must be designed and installed by a Clean Energy Council accredited designer and installer, and must have a capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts (kW). For the full eligibility criteria, visit the Clean Energy Regulator website.
How do I claim the rebate?
Solar installers typically apply for the federal scheme on behalf of their customers and apply the discount to their price. You can check with your vendor whether you are eligible for the scheme and if the rebate has been applied when discussing a quote.
New South Wales solar rebates
In New South Wales, eligible low-income households can swap their energy rebate for a free 3kW solar panel system or energy-efficient home upgrades through the Energy Bill Buster scheme.
Who is eligible for the NSW Energy Bill Buster scheme and how do I apply?
To be eligible to receive a free 3kW solar system under the NSW Government's Energy Bill Buster scheme, you must:
- Currently receive the Low Income Household Rebate and agree not to receive the rebate for 10 years
- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
- Own and live in your home
- Not already have a rooftop solar panel system
- Live in one of the locations listed here
If you currently receive the Low Income Household Rebate and are not eligible for a free solar system, you can get a free, no-obligation energy assessment. You can then swap your energy rebate for one or more of the recommended upgrades, up to a value of $4,000. The upgrades could include an energy-efficient dryer, air-conditioner or hot water system, for example.
To be eligible for this offer, you must:
- Currently receive the Low Income Household Rebate and agree not to receive the rebate for 10 years
- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
- Not be eligible or suitable for the rebate swap for solar offer
To see the full eligibility criteria and apply for the Scheme, visit the NSW Government’s Energy Saver website.
Australian Capital Territory solar rebates
The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) offers a rebate for rooftop solar and 0% interest loans for a range of sustainable home upgrades through an exclusive partnership with Brighte.
How much is the solar panel rebate in the ACT?
Under the SHS, eligible homeowners can access a rebate of up to 50% of the total cost of installing a solar power system, up to $2,500.
Who is eligible for the ACT solar rebate and how do I apply?
To be eligible for the rebate, you must:
- Hold an Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
- Have an eligible property that you own and occupy
- Have attended a free Home Energy Support workshop delivered by the ACT Government
You can see the full terms and apply for the rebate here.
What loans are available under the Sustainable Household Scheme and how do I apply?
The SHS offers 0% interest loans of between $2,000 and $15,000 to eligible ACT households for household solar panel systems, household solar battery storage systems, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, electric heating and cooling systems, hot water heat pumps, efficient electric stove tops, and new and used electric vehicles. You can see the full product list and eligibility criteria and apply here.
Victoria solar rebates
Victorian homeowners can apply for a solar panel rebate or a solar battery rebate through the Victorian Government's Solar Homes Program. Solar Victoria is also running a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) pilot program which offers a larger solar battery rebate for eligible Victorians who join an approved VPP program.
How much is the solar panel rebate in Victoria?
Rebates of up to $1,400 are available for installing a solar panel system.
Who is eligible for the Victorian solar panel rebate and how do I apply?
To be eligible for the rebate, households must meet the following criteria:
- You are the owner-occupier of an existing property or the owner of a home under construction where the system is to be installed
- The combined household taxable income of all owners is less than $210,000 per year
- The property is valued at under $3 million, or a home under construction that will be valued at under $3 million at the time of completion
- The property address has not previously received a solar panel (PV) rebate under the Solar Homes Program
- The property has not had a solar panel (PV) system installed in the last ten years*
*If you are participating in the Premium Feed-in Tariff scheme you should consider whether you will be better off if you replace your existing system before the scheme ends in November 2024.
For the full terms and to apply for the rebate, visit the Solar Victoria website.
How much is the solar battery rebate in Victoria?
There are 4,500 interest-free loans of up to $8,800 available in 2023-24.
Who is eligible for the Victorian solar battery rebate and how do I apply?
To be eligible for a battery rebate, the products must be on an approved products list and households must meet the following criteria:
- You are the owner-occupier of an existing property where the system is to be installed
- The combined household taxable income of all owners is less than $210,000 per year
- The property is valued at under $3 million
- The property address has not previously received a solar battery rebate
- The property has a solar panel system with an inverter capacity equal to or greater than 5kW,or will have one installed in conjunction with the solar battery installation.
- The energy storage solution has a capacity equal to or greater than 6kWh and is listed on Solar Victoria’s battery product list and the property does not have an existing energy storage system.
- Pre-approval is obtained from your Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) to safely connect a battery to the grid
- The owner/s agrees to receive information from their Distribution Network Service Provider about taking part in battery trials to maximise the value households get from them.
For the full terms and information on how to apply for the rebate, visit the Solar Victoria website.
South Australia solar rebates
There are no current state rebate programs for installing solar panels or batteries in South Australia.
Western Australia solar rebates
There are no current state rebate programs for installing solar panels or batteries in Western Australia, however, the state offers payments for electricity that is exported to the grid by households under its Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS).
What is WA’s Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme?
The DEBS offers eligible customers payment for electricity they export to the grid from rooftop solar panel systems, solar batteries and electric vehicles (EVs).
How much are households paid for this energy?
The rates paid for electricity vary depending on location and the time of day the energy is exported, with a higher price paid for electricity exported during the late afternoon and evening when demand is high. For more information on the rates, visit the WA Government website.
Who is eligible for the Scheme?
To be eligible for the Scheme, households need to consume less than 50MWh of electricity per annum and have a solar power system with a generating capacity of between 500W and 5kW. For the full terms and to apply for the Scheme, visit the WA Government website.
Northern Territory solar rebates
In the Northern Territory, homeowners can apply for a grant of up to $6,000 to buy and install a solar battery system under the Home and Business Battery Scheme.
How much is the home battery rebate in the NT?
Eligible homeowners can access a grant of $400 per kilowatt hour (kWh) of usable battery system capacity, up to a maximum grant of $5,000.
Who is eligible for the NT battery grant and how do I apply?
You can apply for the grant if you are a registered owner of a residential property in the Northern Territory. For the full terms and to apply for the rebate, visit the NT Government website.
Queensland solar rebates
There are no current state rebate programs for solar panels or batteries in Queensland.
Tasmania solar rebates
The Tasmanian Government has announced an Energy Saver Loan Scheme The Scheme offers 0% interest loans of up to $10,000 to residential households, landlords of residential properties, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations to assist in accessing a range of energy efficient products.
Once you get your solar panels, check out our maintenance tips of your solar battery system and how to optimise your solar panels.
Page updated: 28th November 2023