Solar Rebates Australia 2026: Every Federal and State Incentive
There are two big federal levers and a patchwork of state schemes that can stack on top. This guide pulls them all together so you can see exactly what you're entitled to and roughly what it's worth.
Solar is cheaper than most people expect in 2026, largely because of layered government incentives. There are two big federal levers, plus a patchwork of state schemes that can stack on top. This guide pulls them all together so you can see exactly what you're entitled to and roughly what it's worth.
The short version: there's a federal rebate for solar panels (via STCs), a separate federal rebate for batteries (the Cheaper Home Batteries Program), and then state-specific programs that vary widely. Here's how each works.
The two federal rebates
1. The STC rebate (for solar panels)
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) rewards new solar systems with Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Your installer claims them and passes the value through as an upfront discount on your invoice.
It applies to systems under 100 kW that use Clean Energy Council-approved panels and inverters installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited professional.
For a typical 6.6 kW system, it knocks roughly $1,500–$2,000 off the price. A 10 kW system saves more, around $2,000–$3,000.
Important 2026 change
On 1 January 2026, the STC “deeming period” dropped from six years to five, cutting the rebate on a standard 6.6 kW system by roughly $500–$600 compared with 2025. The scheme continues to step down each year until it ends at the close of 2030.
The panel rebate still meaningfully lowers your cost, but it's worth a little less each year.
2. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program (for storage)
Launched 1 July 2025, this covers around 30% of the cost of an eligible home battery, again delivered through STCs and applied upfront at the point of sale.
To qualify, the battery must:
- Have a usable capacity of 5–50 kWh
- Be VPP-capable
- Be installed by an SAA-accredited installer
- Be connected to a solar system (new or existing)
One rebate per property applies.
From 1 May 2026, the program's funding expanded to roughly $7.2 billion, the discount now steps down every six months, and support tapers for very large batteries to encourage right-sizing.
For a full breakdown, see our dedicated guide to the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
State and territory incentives (2026)
State schemes change frequently and eligibility is specific, so treat the below as a map, not a guarantee. Always confirm current details for your address.
| State / Territory | Key scheme(s) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Empowering Homes, PDRS | Interest-free loan up to $14k for solar+battery (eligible postcodes); upfront PDRS payment ~$1,500–$2,500 for VPP-registered batteries |
| VIC | Solar Homes Program | Rebates and interest-free loans for panels, hot water, and batteries for eligible households; means-tested |
| QLD | CleanCo / regional programs | Interest-free loans for batteries in select regions; check eligibility by postcode |
| SA | Home Battery Scheme | Subsidy delivered via approved VPP providers; SA has highest battery penetration nationally |
| WA | Household Battery Subsidy, DEBS | Battery rebate for eligible households; Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme offers above-standard export rates |
| ACT | Sustainable Household Scheme | Interest-free loans up to $15k for batteries, EVs, and efficient appliances |
| TAS / NT | Limited schemes | Check directly with state energy agencies; federal rebates still apply |
The most generous state support for batteries in 2026 tends to sit in NSW and WA. The strongest financial case for batteries (due to low feed-in tariff value) sits in high-penetration states like SA.
How rebates are actually applied
You almost never “apply for” these yourself. For both federal rebates, the accredited installer creates the certificates and discounts your invoice at the point of sale. State schemes vary: some are point-of-sale discounts, others require an application. A good installer will walk you through which ones apply to your address and handle the paperwork that can be handled for you.
What's changing in 2026 and what it means for timing
Three dated changes matter this year:
- STC deeming dropped to five years (1 Jan 2026) — the panel rebate is slightly smaller.
- Battery rebate recalculated (1 May 2026) — bigger budget, faster six-monthly step-downs, taper by size.
- Feed-in tariffs change around 1 July — retailers reset rates annually.
All three point the same way: the incentives gradually shrink, and the end of the financial year is the natural decision point. If solar or a battery already stacks up for your household, the rebate environment rewards acting sooner rather than later.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the solar rebate and the battery rebate?
They're separate federal schemes. The STC rebate discounts solar panels; the Cheaper Home Batteries Program discounts storage. You can claim both on a combined solar-and-battery install.
Is there a single 'government solar rebate' I can apply for?
No, it's a set of programs. The two federal ones are applied automatically by your installer; some state schemes need an application.
Do rebates depend on income?
The federal STC and battery rebates aren't income-tested. Some state programs have eligibility criteria (which can include income or property thresholds), so check the specific scheme.
Will rebates still exist next year?
Yes, but smaller. The STC scheme steps down annually to 2030, and the battery rebate steps down every six months. Both are scheduled to keep running for now.
Can renters or apartment owners get rebates?
It's harder but not always impossible. Some schemes and VPPs are expanding to renters and strata. Eligibility is property-specific.
Information is current as at May 2026. STC values and rebate eligibility change — always verify current figures.
See how this applies to your address.
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