Everything you need to know about federal STCs, state-based incentives, and battery rebates — so you can maximise your savings before installing solar.
Last updated: May 2026
The main federal solar incentive is the Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme, administered under the Renewable Energy Target (RET). When you install a solar PV system, you're entitled to a number of STCs based on your system size, location, and the remaining years of the scheme (which runs until 2030).
In practice, almost every solar installer will discount the STCs upfront from the purchase price rather than having you claim them later. This means the rebate is built into your quoted price — you don't need to do anything extra.
For a typical 6.6kW system in 2026, the STC rebate is worth approximately $2,500–$3,500 depending on your postcode's solar zone rating. Northern states (QLD, NT, WA) receive higher rebate values due to greater solar radiation. The rebate reduces each year as the scheme winds down toward 2030.
Owner-occupied or investment properties. Installer must be CEC-accredited. System must meet Australian Standards. Maximum system size of 100kW.
Your installer creates and assigns the STCs on your behalf, then discounts the equivalent dollar value from your quote. No paperwork needed from you.
You must use a CEC-accredited installer. The rebate is pro-rated annually — installing sooner means a higher rebate, as the scheme reduces each January.
On top of the federal STC rebate, several Australian states and territories offer additional incentives. These change regularly, so always confirm current availability with your installer or state energy authority.
| State / Territory | Solar Incentive | Battery Incentive | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Solar Homes Program — up to $1,400 off panels (income-tested) | Solar Victoria battery rebate — up to $2,950 | Active |
| New South Wales | No state-specific panel rebate (federal STC applies) | Empowering Homes loan scheme (interest-free loans) | Loan only |
| Queensland | No additional panel rebate (federal STC applies) | Battery Booster Program — up to $3,000 (limited rounds) | Check rounds |
| South Australia | No additional panel rebate (federal STC applies) | Home Battery Scheme — up to $2,000 subsidy + subsidised loans | Active |
| Western Australia | No additional panel rebate (federal STC applies) | Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme — generous feed-in tariff | Active |
| ACT | Sustainable Household Scheme — 0% interest loans up to $15,000 | Included in Sustainable Household Scheme | Active |
| Northern Territory | Home and Business Battery Scheme subsidy | Included in battery scheme | Active |
| Tasmania | No additional panel rebate (federal STC applies) | No current battery incentive | Federal only |
* State incentive programs change frequently. Confirm current details at your state energy authority website before committing.
A feed-in tariff (FiT) is the rate your energy retailer pays you for surplus solar electricity you export back to the grid. Unlike the early days of generous government-mandated FiTs (some as high as 60c/kWh), today's rates are set by the market and typically range from 4c–12c per kWh.
| State | Typical FiT Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | 5c – 10c/kWh | Varies by retailer; time-varying rates available |
| New South Wales | 4c – 8c/kWh | Benchmark rate set by IPART annually |
| Victoria | 4c – 10c/kWh | Minimum FiT mandated by government |
| South Australia | 4c – 8c/kWh | Some retailers offer higher time-of-use FiTs |
| Western Australia | 7c – 10c/kWh | Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) |
| ACT | 6c – 9c/kWh | Check with retailer for current rates |
| Tasmania | 6c – 9c/kWh | Aurora Energy sets rates |
| Northern Territory | 7c – 11c/kWh | Territory Generation scheme |
Because FiTs are relatively low today, the best financial strategy is to maximise self-consumption — use appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, EV charger) during solar generation hours (roughly 9am–3pm) rather than exporting excess energy.
The good news: you don't need to do much. Here's how the process works:
Battery storage lets you use your solar energy after sunset, reducing grid reliance even further. Several states offer dedicated battery incentives in 2026:
Up to $2,950 rebate on battery storage through Solar Victoria. Combined with the federal STC, a battery system can be significantly discounted.
Home Battery Scheme offers subsidies up to $2,000 plus access to subsidised interest-free loans for eligible households.
Battery Booster Program provides rebates in periodic rounds. Check the Queensland government website for the next open round.
Sustainable Household Scheme provides 0% interest loans up to $15,000 for solar + battery systems for ACT residents.
Yes. The STC scheme reduces by one "deeming year" each January 1 until the scheme ends on 31 December 2030. This means the rebate is worth slightly less each year. Installing sooner locks in a higher rebate value.
Federal STCs apply to the property, not the occupant — so you'd need the landlord's cooperation. Some state programs (e.g., Victoria's Rental Provider Solar Program) specifically target rental properties. Check your state authority for current availability.
The STC discount is generally not subject to GST for residential installations where you're not registered for GST. If you run a business from home or are GST-registered, consult a tax adviser.
For most rebate programs, yes — you generally need to be the property owner (or have written consent from the owner). Some programs have specific owner-occupier requirements. Renters may have limited options.
The STC rebate has already been applied at installation and doesn't affect a future sale. Solar panels typically add value to a property, and the new owner inherits the benefit of the installed system.
Let SunDone match you with a CEC-accredited local installer who can maximise your rebate entitlements and provide a transparent, no-obligation quote.
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