Federal rebates (every state)
Australia runs two federal solar incentives that apply to every household in every state and territory: the Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme for solar panels, and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program for storage.
Federal STC rebate
Point-of-sale discount on every CEC-accredited solar system. Amount depends on system size and your STC zone (1–4, based on latitude). Drops by ~25% each January until the scheme phases out on 31 December 2030.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Federal battery rebate launched 1 July 2025. About $3,612 off a 14 kWh battery, with reduced rates above (60% on kWh 14–28, 15% on kWh 28–50, nothing above 50). Stacks with NSW PDRS and WA Residential Battery Scheme.
State and territory rebates
Pick your state for full details, eligibility, and the stacked total most households claim:
How the stack works
Rebates aren't either/or — they're additive. A NSW household installing a 6.6 kW system with a 13.5 kWh battery in 2026 might stack:
- $1,386 federal STC rebate (6.6 kW × Zone 3 × 4 deeming years × $38, on the panels)
- $3,612 federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (full rate on first 14 kWh of a 13.5 kWh battery)
- ~$4,388 NSW PDRS battery incentive (~$325 per usable kWh)
- $1,500 NSW VPP sign-on bonus (one-off, if enrolled in a registered VPP)
That's roughly $10,886 in 2026 point-of-sale discounts and one-off payments — applied at the invoice, no paperwork on your end. Numbers vary by retailer, exact battery size, and VPP eligibility; your specialist confirms the live amounts when we get in touch.
Common questions
What solar rebates can I claim in Australia in 2026?
Every Australian household can claim the federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate — typically $1,000–$1,650 off the invoice on a 6.6 kW system (down from earlier years as the scheme winds down toward its 31 Dec 2030 phase-out). From 1 July 2025 you can also claim the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (~$258 per kWh on the first 14 kWh of usable capacity). Active 2026 state stackers: VIC's $1,400 Solar Homes panel rebate, NSW's per-kWh PDRS battery incentive + $1,500 VPP sign-on, WA's Residential Battery Scheme ($130/kWh Synergy or $380/kWh Horizon), and ACT's Sustainable Household Scheme (3% interest loan) + Home Energy Support ($5k total).
Are the rebates real, or am I getting hustled?
100% real. The STC scheme is legislated under the federal Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 and administered by the Clean Energy Regulator. State programs are funded directly by the relevant state government. Every rebate comes off the invoice at the point of sale — you never receive cash directly, you just pay less for the system.
Do I have to apply for the rebate myself?
No. Your CEC-accredited installer handles all the paperwork. The federal STC rebate is applied as a point-of-sale discount on your invoice. State rebates are claimed by the installer on your behalf as part of the standard quote process.
Are rebates really shrinking?
Yes. The federal STC scheme reduces by roughly 1/15th every 1 January until it phases out completely in 2030. State programs are reviewed annually and several have closed in recent years (SA's Home Battery Scheme, the original NT Battery Scheme). Locking in this year's rates is measurably more valuable than waiting.