NSW solar incentives

Every NSW solar rebate, explained in plain English.

Three programs do most of the work in NSW today: the federal STC scheme, the NSW Empowering Homes battery loan, and the PDRS battery incentive. Below is what each one is, who qualifies, what you get, and how Photon Leads applies it to your address.

STC explainedEmpowering HomesPDRSNetwork-side rebates
Federal

Small-scale Technology Certificates

Upfront discount on all eligible NSW solar systems.

Read more →NSW Govt

Empowering Homes

Interest-free battery loans for eligible postcodes.

Read more →NSW Govt

Peak Demand Reduction Scheme

Payments for batteries that ease peak grid demand.

Read more →
Federal

Applied upfront — you see a smaller bill

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

STCs are tradeable certificates the federal government issues for every megawatt-hour of clean energy your system will generate over 10 years. In practice: your installer claims them, sells them on the open market, and discounts your invoice by the value upfront. You never touch the paperwork.

How it works

  1. 1Your installer calculates the certificates based on your system size and NSW zone (Zone 3).
  2. 2They claim and trade the certificates on your behalf.
  3. 3Your invoice is based on the trade value (currently ~$34 per certificate).

What you get

3.3 kW

~$1,660 off

6.6 kW

~$3,320 off

10 kW

~$5,030 off

13.2 kW

~$6,640 off

STC values fluctuate on the open market and the multiplier steps down each January. Waiting usually loses you money.
NSW Government

Interest-free, up to $14k, 8-year term

Empowering Homes' interest-free battery loan

Empowering Homes is the NSW government's interest-free loan for eligible households adding a battery (with or without solar) in select postcodes. Loan amount up to $14,000, 8-year term, no interest, no fees.

  1. 1Check eligibility by address (postcode + income test).
  2. 2Approved installer quotes the battery + solar combo.
  3. 3The loan is disbursed to the installer; you pay it back over 8 years as a fixed line on your bill.
Eligible postcodes change. The current list is the source of truth; we check it live during your check.
NSW Government

Battery owners get paid for easing the grid

Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)

PDRS pays households and businesses for batteries (and other devices) that reduce peak grid demand. Payments are made by accredited certificate providers; your installer or VPP operator usually claims them on your behalf.

Typically $1,500–$2,500 of upfront value, or higher annual VPP payments.

Some installers don't claim PDRS by default, ask. Our matched partners always do.

Other rebates we watch for you.

Network operators (Ausgrid, Endeavour, Essential) occasionally run targeted programs, solar-friendly tariff trials, off-peak hot-water swaps, and EV-charger rebates. We check current programs against your network area during every free roof check.

See exactly which rebates apply to your address.

60-second check · Free · NSW only.

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