Home Solar Rebates, Incentives & Subsidies In Australia

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Over the past decade, Australians have embraced solar energy.  Around 30% of households in Australia utilise rooftop solar PV, which is the highest solar uptake percentage globally. Over 3 million rooftop solar PV systems have been installed in Australia as of January 31, 2022, with an annual growth of 12 per cent over the last five years.

Solar PV systems are constructed to be investments that, once paid for, will provide free electricity during the daytime for its owner, resulting in cost savings. And by installing solar PV systems, sunlight is converted into electricity with no greenhouse emissions.

Solar PV systems’ success in Australia is also due to federal and state government support schemes for solar installation and the installation of home storage batteries, like the Tesla Powerwall 2. Make your home more energy-efficient and get a FREE solar quotes now.

So let’s look at the solar rebates, subsidies and incentives available to you and how you can access them. Use our free solar quote system to get up to 3 free solar quotes from our network of trusted, local installers.

Three primary sources of solar rebates or incentives are available to Australian households. 

  • Federal government
  • State governments (some, but not all)
  • Electricity retailer

Energy Matters has been a leader in the renewable energy industry since 2005 and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence. 

Let us discuss and choose the best quote that suits your needs and budget, and we can connect you with our trusted local installers, who will provide up to 3 FREE quotes for your home and business solar energy system.

Federal government financial incentive

Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme

Small-scale renewable energy systems such as solar panel systems, small-scale wind systems, small-scale hydro systems, solar water heaters, and air source heat pumps are all eligible under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which provides financial incentives to all Australian individuals and small businesses. It accomplishes this by creating Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC).  The federal government established the scheme in 2011 to help achieve Australia’s Renewable Energy Target.

Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) have been hugely successful in stimulating demand for solar amongst households and small businesses. Available to everyone in Australia, STCs are an incentive well worth utilising. STCs are available for solar panel installations up to 100kW.

Each STC has a monetary value which can be either credited to your installer or sold on the open market in exchange for a point-of-sale solar rebate. The maximum number of certificates per solar system is determined by the system’s location, date of installation, and electricity consumption in megawatt hours (MWh), that is:

  • generated over one or five years, or a single maximum deeming period, by a small-scale solar panel, wind, or hydro system
  • displaced over a single maximum deeming period by the solar water heater or heat pump

The Renewable Energy Target operates by creating tradable STCs that provide a financial incentive for more electricity production from renewable sources. Through the REC Registry, an online trading platform managed by the Clean Energy Regulator, STCs are issued and distributed.

STCs are calculated under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme based on:

  • solar system location
  • installation date, and
  • if they are created over one or five years, or a maximum deeming period.

The scheme is being slowly phased out, with a reduction in the value of STCs occurring on the 1st of January each year through 2030. The scheme will end on 31 December 2030.

Check out our page to learn more about how to calculate STCs and solar credits.

State governments

At the state level, the picture is highly varied. There are many state government solar home rebates and incentives for people living in Victoria, NSW, South Australia, NT, WA or the ACT. There are currently no state government incentives for home solar batteries if you live in Queensland or Tasmania.

Energy Matters can help you make an informed decision and the perfect option on the suitability of a solar battery with our Solar Power and Battery Storage Calculator.

Electricity retailers - Feed-in Tariff (FiT)

Households in all states of Australia are repaid by their electricity retailer for any excess solar power their system generates and is exported to the grid. The amount shown as a credit on your electricity bill is known as a feed in tariff. The value of the feed-in tariff varies from state to state and between electricity retailers. 

You should shop for the electricity supply deal that best meets your requirements. Energy Matters provides a FREE energy comparison service that can instantly display the best available deals for your home. You can then choose to make the switch!

An overview of what’s available state-by-state is shown in the chart below:

Federal GovernmentElectricity retailerState governments
Small-scale
Technology Certificates
Feed(for solar exports)-in tariff
Solar panels rebateHome batteries rebateElectric Vehicle (EV) /
Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV)
Zero interest loans
VICYESYESYESYESYESYES
SAYESYESYES – in AdelaideYES-under Virtual Power Plant (VPP)YESNO
NSWYESYESYES – free solar for low income
households in specific locations
NOYESNO
ACTYESYESYES – for low income householdsNOYESYES
QLDYESYESNONOYESNO
WAYESYESNONOYESNO
TASYESYESNONOYESNO
NTYESYESNOYESYESNO

Energy-efficiency products rebates, incentives and programs

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is a government energy efficiency program that helps Victorian households, and businesses save money on their energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program offers rebates or discounts on energy-saving products and services, including:

Households and businesses must work with an accredited provider who has the authorisation to install Victorian Energy Upgrades items to get discounted goods and services under the programme. The programme only accepts accredited providers as participants.

The amount of the rebate or discount that a household or business receives depends on the type of product they are upgrading and the star rating of the new product. For example, a household can receive a rebate for installing a new 7-star energy-efficient refrigerator and have an inefficient electric or gas hot water system for a solar hot water system.

Check out the Victorian Energy Upgrades website to learn more about the VEU program.

Australian States and Territories- Household Solar Incentives

Victoria - solar rebates and incentives

The following solar rebates in Victoria are available for solar power systems:

Type of rebate
Amount
NO. AVAILABLE 25 MAY 2023
Victoria Feed In TariffDue to a forecasted #drop in daytime wholesale electricity costs for 2022–2023, the minimum FiT rates are lower than they were for the 2021–2022 period. The 2023-24 ‘flat rate’ minimum feed-in tariff is 4.9 cents per kilowatt hour. Click here for more information and the best feed in tariff in Victoria.
Government Incentive through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC)The deeming period for solar PV installations, solar water heaters, and air-sourced heat pumps financial incentive is reduced by one year. As a result, fewer certificates will be able to be issued for qualified systems.
Solar panels – for owner-occupiersUp to $1,400 + the option of a zero interest loan for existing homes and homes under construction.20,792
$250 Power Saving BonusFrom March 24, 2023, until August 31, 2023, eligible households can apply for a $250 Power Saving Bonus. All Victorian households who visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through one of our participating community outreach partners are eligible for the Bonus.
Solar panels rebate – for rental propertiesUp to $1,400 + the option of an interest-free loan2,893
Solar battery rebateUp to $2,950 available until 30 June 2023723
Solar panel system rebate for business$3,500 with the option to take advantage of an interest-free loan up to $5,000; Applications will be open until 6 pm on 30 June 20231,471
Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program: Solar panels + battery$4,174
Solar for community housing: a non-profit organisation that offers low-income households access to affordable rental housingUp to $1,400
Electric Vehicle (EV)
Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV)
$3,000 for eligible new ZEVs purchased on or after 2 May 20213,192
Solar hot water rebate*providing a 50% rebate of up to $1,000
*Solar hot water rebate is currently available on an ongoing basis without any fixed release dates.

Victorians can apply for a solar panel rebate of up to $1,400 and an additional $1,400 for the interest free loan for solar panel (PV) system installation for homeowners with existing homes, homes under construction and rental properties. Households and landlords need to apply for rebates and meet specific eligibility criteria. The scheme is in addition to the federal government known as Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) described above.

Solar Victoria supports Victorian families with installing a solar battery by offering a point-of-sale solar battery rebate in Melbourne of up to a maximum of $2,950 for eligible households. The loan can be up to $8,800 and 4,500 loans offered for the 2023-24 period.

For eligible Victorians who join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program, the VPP program gives higher solar battery rebates at a fixed rate of $4,174 towards the upfront cost of a solar battery and installation. Visit our Virtual Power Plant (VPP) page for more details.

The Solar Victoria VPP Pilot Program continues through 31 December 2024 to evaluate and review the benefits and outcomes of the programs. A number of the approved VPP Projects offer contracts and participation beyond this period. This VPP Pilot Program has been designed to ensure customers will not be disadvantaged if they decide the VPP Pilot Program is not for them. If you decide to leave your VPP project before the contract is expired, you will not have to pay your VPP provider cancellation and/or exit fees. To learn more about the details, check Solar Victoria VPP’s website.

Visit our Virtual Power Plant (VPP) page for more VPP’s offers in Australia

Note: The value of the solar battery rebate was reduced to $2,950 from 1 July 2022.

South Australia - solar rebates and incentives

If you live in South Australia and are interested in solar, incentive programs are available to you.

South Australia Feed in Tariff

SA’s feed-in tariff can often change due to market competitiveness and the wholesale price of electricity. Click this link to read more about the best feed-in tariff in SA.

Government Incentive through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC)

Each STC has a dollar value. Your solar retailer redeems this for you in a government regulated market. Your solar retailer then deducts the value of your STCs from the cost of your system.

The South Australian Home Battery Scheme

The SA Home Battery Scheme aimed to help 40,000 South Australian households install a home battery. It offered a solar battery rebate of up to $6,000 to South Australians to install home batteries and low-interest finance. South Australia’s state government budget was released in June 2022 and announced that the solar battery rebate in South Australia would be DISCONTINUED.

Virtual Power Plants

With a solar battery, you can connect your home to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) in South Australia. You can be paid for becoming part of an integrated energy trading system. This solar battery networking capability is fast becoming the new frontier for power trading and energy saving. Click this link for more information.

There is a wide range of offers available (from solar battery suppliers or retailers of electricity), including

  • an exclusive price for electricity that is currently the lowest residential electricity rate in South Australia – 22 per cent lower than the regulated Default Market Offer (based on 4000 kWh/year on an anytime tariff in SA Power Networks for 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023
  • part of the Tesla Powerwall home battery reserved to back up your home in a power outage
  • a low daily electricity supply charge

Sustainability Incentives Scheme – The City of Adelaide

The City of Adelaide provides financial incentives for installing sustainable technology in apartments, commercial buildings and houses to enhance energy and water efficiency. The financial incentive could lower expenses, reduce carbon emissions, and increase the property’s value.

The following households and landlords rebates are available:

  • for solar PV systems for concession/senior card holders and tenanted households, up to $5000
  • for electric vehicle charging equipment (cars and bikes), up to $5000
  • for solar hot water systems, up to $1000
  • for rainwater tanks, up to $5000
  • for electricity management systems to access off-peak electricity, up to $500

Households, renters and landlords rebates that are available

INCENTIVEWHO CAN APPLYREBATE AMOUNT
Residential Solar PVHome owners
Landlords
Tenants
20% up to $1,000
Solar PV system (1.5 kW to <10 kW)
20% up to $2,500

Solar PV system (10 kW to <20 kW)
20% up to $5,000
Solar PV system (>20 kW)
Shared SolarResidential strata building
Community buildings
Body corporation buildings
Multi-storey commercial buildings
20% up to $20,000 per site (with a maximum of $500 per premise)
Sharing of solar electricity between tenants in multi-storey premises (>20 kW).
Minimum 25% shared with individual tenants, not common areas
Energy MonitoringHomeowners
Landlords
Renters
50% up to $100
Stand-alone energy monitoring display where no solar PV or battery system is installed.
Energy Smart BuildingsResidential strata buildings
Community/ body corporation buildings
Multi-storey commercial buildings
20% up to $25,000
Innovative, whole-building approaches that make a measurable impact to energy efficiency and electrification of the building.
Residential strata buildings and Community/ body corporation buildings must be multi-storey
Multi-storey commercial buildings must be managed by a strata-managed.
Business cases and pre-approval are required.
Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) top upLandlords
Renters
Non-profits groups
Community groups
Sporting groups
25% up to $500
Out-of-pocket expenses on any appliance purchase or upgrade which receives a REPS rebate (lighting excluded)
Appliance ElectrificationHome owners
Landlords
Renters
Residential strata buildings
Community/ body corporation buildings
Small businesses
Medium-sized businesses
Multi-storey commercial buildings
Non-profits groups
Community groups
Sporting groups
50% up to $1,000
Residential replacement of gas appliance with electric or solar powered (e.g. hot water)

50% up to $5,000
Commercial replacement of gas appliance with electric or solar powered (e.g. hot water)
Electric Vehicle Charging StationsHome owners
Landlords
Renters
Residential strata buildings
Community/ body corporation buildings
Small businesses
Medium-sized businesses
Multi-storey commercial buildings
Non-profits groups
Community groups
Sporting groups
50% up to $250
Electric bicycle charging station
50% up to $1,000
Electric vehicle one way charging station (7 kW to <50 kW)
25% up to $2,000
Electric vehicle ‘smart’* charging station (7 kW to < 50 kW)
* Smart stations include those with demand management capabilities or two-way charging capabilities

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

A $3,000 subsidy is available to each South Australian for 7,000 new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles valued below $68,750 (including GST) and a 3-year registration exemption who registered to start on October 28, 2021. One subsidy is granted to each resident of South Australia, and two per business located in South Australia. For full details, click this link.

NSW – solar rebates and incentives

To help NSW households with their energy bills, around a third of households, are currently receiving an energy rebate. Find which of the programs is the best choice for you.

NSW Feed-in Tariff

According to Energy NSW, there is no mandated minimum feed-in tariff rate in NSW, though there is a benchmark range of 4.6 to 5.5c/kWh. Click this link to read more about the best feed-in tariff in NSW.

Government Incentive - Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC)

Every year until 2030, the deeming period for solar PV installations, solar water heaters, and air-sourced heat pumps is reduced by one year. As a result, fewer STCs will issue for qualified systems.

Solar for Low Income Households

The Solar for Low Income Households Program aims to make solar energy more accessible to low-income households in NSW, reducing electricity bills and promoting clean energy use in economically disadvantaged communities.

Retail customer

If you receive your bill directly from an energy retailer like AGL, EnergyAustralia, or Origin, you are a retail customer. You can receive a rebate of up to $285.00/year, credited to your energy bill every three months. To qualify, you must have a valid concession card. If you switch energy providers, inform them about your eligibility to continue receiving the rebate. Note that Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders are not eligible.

Supply customer

If you receive your energy statement or invoice from a strata manager or community/village operator, you are an on-supply customer. As an on-supply customer, you’ll receive a lump sum payment of $313.50, which will be deposited into your bank account. Printed or hand-written invoices are required if they are from a branded invoice book or if the supplier cannot provide printed invoices. Each household can receive only one Low Income Household Rebate per financial year, and the rebate applies only to your main residence.

Rebate swap for solar

The rebate swap for solar offer, also called solar for low-income households, allows eligible homeowners to exchange their Low Income Household Rebate for a free 3 kW solar system installation. This enables them to access affordable and environmentally friendly energy, leading to long-term savings on electricity bills.

For homeowners – rebate swap for solar

Homeowners can participate in the rebate swap for the solar offer, also known as the solar for low-income households program. Eligible homeowners can exchange their Low Income Household Rebate for a complimentary 3-kilowatt solar system, which will be installed at no cost. This allows homeowners to enjoy affordable and environmentally friendly energy, leading to long-term reductions in household electricity expenses.

For households not suitable for solar – rebate swap for energy upgrades

If solar panels are not suitable for your household, there is an alternative called the rebate swap for energy upgrades. If you currently receive the Low Income Household Rebate but cannot access solar offers, you have the option to get a free energy assessment. This assessment helps you find ways to reduce your energy bill by using more efficient appliances or making upgrades to your home. You can use your energy rebate to cover the cost of recommended upgrades, which can be worth up to $4,000. This offer is particularly helpful for eligible renters, apartment residents, and social housing tenants, as it provides cost-effective methods to lower bills and improve energy efficiency. Upgrades can include efficient dryers, air-conditioners, hot water systems, window shading, and draught sealing. The organisations responsible for administering these rebates are still being finalised.

For Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) tenants

Qualified tenants of LAHC will be given the chance to trade in their Low Income Household Rebate for a free solar system. By choosing this option, tenants can benefit from continuous energy savings for the duration of their tenancy. The program is scheduled to commence in the first six months of 2023.

Empowering Homes

July 31st, 2022, was the final day to apply for a loan in New South Wales that provided a zero interest loan of up to $14,000 for households that built a solar power system with batteries and up to $9,000 for adding batteries to an existing installation. Click this page link for more information.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The NSW government offers $3,000 rebates and the stamp duty exemption for purchasing an EV. Click this link here for more information about the incentives.

Australian Capital Territory - solar rebates and incentives

In 2016, the ACT Government legislated a target of sourcing 100% of the Territory’s electricity from renewable sources. To help achieve this target, the ACT Government is providing incentive programs to encourage ACT households to install solar and home batteries.

ACT Feed-in Tariff

More retailers have entered the market recently, allowing customers to shop around for better deals. Click this link to read more about the best feed-in tariff in the ACT.

Government Incentive through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC)

STCs are available for solar panel installations up to 100kW.

Next Generation Energy Storage Program

The ACT’s main solar energy incentive for businesses is the Next Generation Energy Storage (Next Gen) program is now officially closed. The program has now met its original objectives. Therefore, management is no longer accepting rebate applications.

The 2016 launch of the Next Gen programme aimed to boost the ACT’s battery market and make installing batteries easier for Canberrans.

Over the past seven years, the project had provided 5,000 rebates, exceeding the objective when it was first launched and helped businesses reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.

Click this link here to find more information.

Sustainable Household Scheme

The Sustainable Household Scheme provides zero-interest loans ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for energy-efficient renovations. Eligible households can choose from a range of products, including solar panels, battery storage systems, heating/cooling systems, and more, up to a total value of $15,000. Repayment period is ten years, and borrowers may qualify for amounts exceeding $15,000 based on credit checks, though interest charges may apply. 

New eligibility changes effective July 1, 2023, state that stand-alone homes with an unimproved value (UV) of $750,000 or less (in 2022) can access all scheme products except solar. For solar access, the UV must be $450,000 or below. Unit-titled properties with a UV of $300,000 or less (in 2022) are eligible for all scheme products.  For further details, visit our page: All the Important Things You Need to Know About ACT’s Sustainable Household Scheme.

The Home Energy Support Program (HESP)

The Home Energy Support Program (HESP) now includes the Health Care Card as an eligible concession card. Holders of Pensioner Concession, Veterans’ Affairs Gold, and Health Care Cards can receive a 50% rebate (up to $2,500) for installing energy-efficient products and can apply for loans up to $10,000. The UV eligibility thresholds for HESP are $750,000 or below for non-unit properties and $300,000 or below for units starting in 2022. 

To qualify for a solar rebate, homeowners must meet either a UV requirement of $450,000 or less (in 2022) under the Sustainable Household Scheme or hold a relevant concession card and have a UV of $750,000 or below for accessing the Home Energy Support Program.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The ACT Government is taking significant steps to encourage the adoption of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by offering attractive incentives to individuals and businesses. 

  • For first-time buyers of ZEVs, there is an exemption from paying stamp duty, making the purchase more affordable. 
  • Both new and used ZEV buyers also benefit from two years of free vehicle registration, further reducing the cost of owning a ZEV. 
  • Moreover, purchasers of new or used Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) or Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) may qualify for a registration discount lasting 12 months. 
  • To support eligible households in transitioning to ZEVs, the Sustainable Household Scheme offers zero-interest loans of up to $15,000. These initiatives aim to make ZEVs more accessible and affordable, promoting the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.

Click this link for more details.

Queensland – solar rebates and incentives

Queensland currently have NO solar battery rebates or incentives.

Queensland Feed in Tariff

There is no fixed rate for electricity export to the grid for those living in South East Queensland. On the other hand, electricity retailers offer competitive, market-based tariff rates. Click this link to read more about the best feed-in tariff in Queensland.

Government Incentive through Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC)

STCs created upfront for the deemed amount until 31 December 2030.  As a result, fewer certificates will be able to be issued for qualified systems.

Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme

The Queensland Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme offers eligible Queenslanders rebates of up to $6,000 for new zero-emission vehicles purchased from April 21, 2023. For full details, click this link.

Western Australia – solar rebates and incentives

WA Feed-in Tariff

To pay households for the electricity they export to the grid, Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) offers peak (3pm–9pm) and off-peak (9pm–3pm) rates. Click this link to read more about the best feed in tariff in WA.

Government incentive - Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC)

Each STC has a dollar value. Your solar retailer redeems this for you in a government regulated market. Your solar retailer then deducts the value of your STCs from the cost of your system. For full details, click this link.

Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)

Under the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme, eligible customers are offered a time of export payment for electricity they export to the grid, including from rooftop solar PV systems, batteries and electric vehicles. 

DEBS provides the time of export payments. With a higher price paid for electricity exported in the late afternoon and evening when electricity demand and the wholesale cost of electricity are higher, these rates better reflect the cost of electricity at different times of the day. Click here to learn if your home is eligible and how much payment you can expect to earn in return.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme is a subsidy program that will provide you with a $3,500 rebate when you purchase an eligible vehicle and submit an application to the Department of Transportation (through an electronic money transfer to a designated Australian bank account). For full details, click this link

Tasmania – solar rebates and incentives

Tasmania currently has NO solar battery rebates or incentives.

Government incentive - Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC)

Small-scale energy providers can receive incentives known as STC or Small-scale Technology Certificates. The residential facilities are the perfect example. 

Tasmania Feed-in Tariff

A minimum solar feed-in tariff rate of 6.501c/kWh was established as of July 2021 in Tasmania. Some providers, though, choose to provide rates that are more compelling than this. Click this link to read more about the best feed in tariff in Tasmania.

From 1 July 2023, the minimum feed-in tariff rate is 10.869 cents per kWh.  Click this link to read more about the best feed in tariff in Tasmania.

Period c/kWh
1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 10.869
1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023 8.883
1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022 6.501

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Whether they are new or used when purchasing a battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell car, a stamp duty exemption is applied. For full details, click this link here.

Northern Territory – solar rebates and incentives

Northern Territory Feed-in Tariff (FiT)

The government announced a new feed-in tariff of 8.3 cents per kWh on April 5, 2020, which will apply to all new residential and commercial solar installations with a capacity of up to 30kW. At their decision, energy retailers can freely offer a more generous NT feed-in tariff. Click this link to read more about the best feed-in tariff in Northern Territory.

Government incentive - Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC)

Small-scale renewable energy systems can receive financial incentives under the Small-scale Renewable Scheme through STCs. The residential facilities are the perfect example. 

Home and Business Battery Scheme

A subsidy of $400 per kilowatt hour of usable battery system capacity, up to a maximum incentive of $5,000, is available to eligible homeowners and businesses. Click this link for more information.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Grants Scheme

You can receive grants for up to $1,000 for residential property and save up to $2,500 for a business through the NT EV Charger Grants Scheme. Click this link for more details.

Switching to a better plan?

You may already have an energy plan but want to shop for a better deal. If you’re looking to save money on your electricity and gas bills, Energy Matters can help using our “Energy Health Check”!

Energy Matters’  “Energy Health Check” is a cutting-edge energy comparator tool that allows you to compare the most competitive retail offers in your area. We collect the data from our wide range of trusted retailers, allowing you to decide about changing your plan.

If your goal is to minimise the cost of your gas and electricity bills, switch to a better plan now!

 

Updated July 19, 2023