Solar and battery rebates (2026)

On 2027-01-01. About $252/kWh for the first 14 kWh, $151/kWh to 28 kWh and $38/kWh to 50 kWh (2026 rate)

Usually not: the STC discount and the federal battery rebate are taken off your installer’s invoice. State programs may need your own application; each one is linked below.

Solar Victoria hot water rebate, Solar Victoria panel rebate. See the state page for amounts and eligibility.

A Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) is a federal rebate issued by the Clean Energy Regulator for solar panels, heat pumps and some battery systems. Your installer calculates your rebate using your system size in kW, your distribution network zone multiplier, the 5-year deeming period, and the current STC price of $38 per certificate. For a 6 kW system in a zone with multiplier 1.5, for example, you'd earn 6 × 1.5 × 5 × $38 = $1,710 in upfront discount. Exact savings depend on your location, system size and roof design. Ask your installer for a written quote showing the STC amount before you sign.

Yes. The Cheaper Home Batteries scheme, which began on 1 May 2026, subsidises battery installation with new solar systems or as an add-on to existing solar. The subsidy is tiered: $252/kWh for the first 14 kWh, $151/kWh from 14 to 28 kWh, and $38/kWh from 28 to 50 kWh. A 10 kWh battery costs $7,000–$15,000 before subsidy; at $252/kWh, you'd receive roughly $2,500 off, bringing your cost to around $4,500–$12,500. Your battery must be installed by an SAA-accredited electrician and your installer must claim the subsidy with your state's energy regulator. Confirm eligibility and current rates with the Clean Energy Regulator.

Most state schemes do run alongside federal rebates, but rules vary by state and postcode. Some states cap total rebate value per household, others limit which technologies you can combine. New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia each have different income thresholds and postcode eligibility zones. Your distribution network operator and state energy agency publish current lists. A Solar Advice site assessment and written quote will show federal STCs, applicable state rebates and battery subsidy amounts separately. Always confirm current incentive amounts with the Clean Energy Regulator and your state energy agency before signing a contract.

Your SAA-accredited installer claims STCs and battery subsidies on your behalf as part of the installation process. They complete paperwork with the Clean Energy Regulator and your state energy regulator, linking your system to your postcode and network operator. Most installers deduct the rebate amount from your invoice at the time of installation, so you pay the net cost upfront—not the full price then wait for a refund. Battery subsidies are claimed and applied the same way. The paperwork typically takes 4–12 weeks to finalise. Ask your installer for a clear breakdown of each rebate and when it will appear on your invoice.

Federal STCs and state rebates apply to new installations and battery add-ons, not maintenance or repairs. Solar Repairs & Maintenance costs $180–$1,200 and Inverter Replacement runs $1,500–$4,200; neither qualifies for federal or state incentives. However, keeping your panels and inverter in good condition maintains your system's output, so the energy you save pays for maintenance over time. Panel Cleaning ($150–$450) removes dust and bird droppings, which can reduce generation by 15–20%, especially in dry or coastal areas. If you're considering an inverter upgrade as part of a larger retrofit, check whether adding a new battery or export capability qualifies for a state rebate—your installer can advise.