Who can claim solar rebates on a rental?
The landlord, not the tenant. The federal STC rebate goes to the system owner, which is whoever pays for the install. State programs follow the same rule. Tenants don't claim the rebate directly but benefit through the reduced electricity bill.
State programs specifically for rentals
- VIC — Solar Homes runs a Rental Solar Rebate program: up to $1,400 off panels on rental properties, with the same income test as the owner-occupier program (combined household income under $210,000).
- ACT — Sustainable Household Scheme is open to landlords for rental properties.
- NSW, QLD, SA, WA — No rental-specific programs, but landlords can still claim the federal STC and applicable state programs as the property owner.
How to pitch solar to your landlord
The landlord's case for solar comes down to three numbers:
- Rebate stack — federal STC + state programs typically cover 40–60% of the install cost for a 6.6 kW system.
- Property value uplift — Australian property research consistently shows 4–5% sale-price uplift for properties with rooftop solar, comfortably more than the post-rebate install cost.
- Tenant retention — properties with solar consistently lease faster (typical 7-day difference in time-on-market) and attract higher rent (5–8% premium in competitive markets).
Most landlords haven't run the numbers. A simple email or letter showing the federal STC value for the property's postcode + the state stack + the property value uplift is usually enough to start the conversation. We'll send you a one-page pitch deck if you ask when we get in touch.
If your landlord won't budge
If a landlord won't install solar, three alternatives exist:
- Community solar / solar gardens — buy a 'share' of a community solar installation. You earn feed-in credits on your bill without anything on your own roof. Major projects exist in NSW, ACT, and VIC.
- Tenant-paid solar with reimbursement — you pay for and own the panels, attached to your tenancy. Some landlords agree to a reimbursement schedule. Talk to a solicitor before signing.
- Move to a solar property — properties with solar are increasingly common. Filter your search; the median 6.6 kW system saves about $1,420/yr.
Common questions
Can I get solar if I rent?
Only with your landlord's agreement. Solar installations are fixed to the building, so the landlord is the system owner and beneficiary. Several states have rental-specific rebate programs (VIC and ACT) that landlords can claim. Tenants benefit through reduced electricity bills.
Does the landlord get the solar rebate?
Yes. The landlord is the system owner, so the federal STC rebate goes to them. Same for state programs where applicable.
What's a community solar garden?
A 'solar garden' is a community-owned solar farm that lets you buy a share of the system's output. You earn feed-in credits on your electricity bill in proportion to your share. Best option for renters whose landlord won't install on the property.
Does solar increase rental income?
Yes. Australian property research consistently shows properties with rooftop solar lease faster (about 7 days less time-on-market on average) and attract 5–8% higher rent in competitive markets.