Understand solar rebates before you compare quotes.

Understanding solar rebates

This is the ultimate guide to understanding solar rebates and solar incentives in Australia.

Here we are answering the most popular questions our customers ask us about the rebates.

So if you want to:

• Learn about the 2026 Federal Government Solar Rebate
• Check if your State Government has current subsidies
• Determine how much money you can save in 2026
• Confirm your eligibility

Then you'll find this page helpful.

What is the federal solar rebate?

If you're looking to invest in solar for your home, you are probably interested to learn about the solar rebates. You'll be pleased to know that there are potentially two types of rebates you are eligible for (depending on where you live), Federal and State Government incentives.

Despite everyone calling them 'rebates', they're not technically rebates, as you, the solar panel purchaser, are not directly receiving money direct from the Government.

Instead, the 'rebate' is assigned to your chosen solar panel installer at the point of sale, and deducted from your solar system's overall cost.

How much is the federal rebate worth?

In 2026, there are still thousands of dollars of deductions offered by the Australian Government for homeowners looking to purchase a solar system.

So how much exactly is the current solar rebate?

The exact figure depends on several factors, including your location, and most importantly, your system size.

In general, a larger eligible system can create more Small-scale Technology Certificates, which can increase the upfront discount shown in your solar quote.

The 2026 Federal Government Solar Rebate for a 6.6kW system (big enough for the average family home) installed in Brisbane, QLD (Zone 3) is up to approximately $1,800 at current certificate prices - the exact discount shown in your quote can be slightly lower once the installer's certificate trading costs are factored in.

What is the federal solar battery rebate?

The Federal Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program supports Australian households and small businesses with a discount on eligible small-scale battery systems connected to new or existing rooftop solar.

The program launched on 1 July 2025, and since 1 May 2026 the support is tiered by usable battery capacity: the highest rate applies to the first 14kWh, stepping down above 14kWh and 28kWh, with STCs available only for the first 50kWh. The battery discount is separate from the standard solar panel STC discount, so if you are comparing a solar-and-battery quote, ask the installer to show the solar STC discount, battery discount, equipment cost, and estimated savings separately.

State-level solar rebates & grants

Some states and territories offer solar, battery, hot water, or energy upgrade incentives in addition to the federal STC discount. These programs change often and can depend on household income, property type, equipment type, location, and remaining funding. Use the overview below as a starting point and confirm current availability when comparing quotes.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Home Energy Support Program - eligible concession-card holders can access a rebate of 50% of the cost of rooftop solar (capped at $2,500), plus a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000. The broader Sustainable Household Scheme also offers loans of up to $20,000 for energy upgrades - check the ACT Government's Climate Choices site for current terms.

New South Wales (NSW)

Home Energy Saver Program - announced in June 2026, this program offers interest-free loans of up to $15,000 for solar, batteries and efficient appliances (household income up to $210,000), plus an upfront discount of up to $4,000 for lower-income households. It's a new program, so check energy.nsw.gov.au for current details and availability.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland homeowners still qualify for the federal STC discount. Previous Queensland battery support programs have had specific eligibility rules and funding windows, so check current program availability before relying on a state battery discount in your quote.

Victoria (VIC)

Solar Panel Rebate - households that haven't had solar installed in the past ten years can access a rebate of up to $1,400 (with an optional matching interest-free loan) through Solar Victoria. Eligibility criteria apply, including a combined household income cap of $150,000 and a property value under $3 million - check Solar Victoria for current thresholds.

Batteries - Solar Victoria's battery loan program has closed; Victorian households installing a battery can instead access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program discount.

Hot Water Rebate - rebates of up to $1,000 (up to $1,400 for locally manufactured heat pumps) are available for replacing an old hot water system with an efficient heat pump or solar hot water system, under the same eligibility criteria.

Western Australia (WA)

WA Residential Battery Scheme - launched 1 July 2025 alongside the federal battery program, offering a rebate of $1,300 (Synergy customers) or $3,800 (Horizon Power customers) on home batteries, with interest-free loans of up to $10,000 for eligible households. Virtual power plant capability is required.

Other states and territories

South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS) and the Northern Territory (NT) currently have no broad additional state-level solar panel rebates. Homeowners in these states do still qualify for the Federal Government incentives!

Do you qualify for the solar rebate?

Most Australian homeowners installing an eligible solar system can access the federal STC discount when the system and installer meet the scheme requirements.

There are several criteria that your installation has to meet for you to be eligible:

1. The solar panels and inverter must be Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved
2. The components must meet the Australian standards.
3. Your system must be installed by a professional accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) - the accreditation body appointed by the Clean Energy Regulator - following the industry design and installation guidelines.

Your Solar Quotes helps you compare quotes from trusted solar installers. If you'd like to compare quotes and see how much of a discount applies to your system, click get quotes now.

Ask each supplier what documentation is needed, which rebate assumptions are included, and whether the final quoted price already includes the STC discount.

When does the solar rebate end?

The current STC scheme is scheduled to end in 2030, and the value of the incentive steps down each year until then — the phase-down chart earlier on this page shows how the discount shrinks over time.

While it is never a good idea to rush into an investment without first doing your due diligence, solar can still be a strong long-term investment for many households.

A residential solar power system can often pay itself off through energy savings over several years, depending on system size, usage, electricity tariffs, exports, and the installed price.

Every year you delay, the STC deeming period reduces and the upfront discount may become smaller.