What solar rebates are available in Australia?
The government is giving you incentives to install solar panels. There are many different types of financial assistance available, depending on where in the country your home lies and what type or size system would be most beneficial for improving energy efficiency.
What is a solar rebate?
The government has introduced a financial initiative called “solar rebates” which are designed to reward solar customers for generating their own energy. The large up-front costs associated with installing these panels can be discouraging, but by getting rid of this upfront cost through an incentive like rebate programs we help ensure that people who want access or investment into clean sources have more chance at doing so without breaking the bank.
In Australia, solar rebates essentially run as a discount scheme for households that install a renewable energy system. The installation cost is reduced by a certain amount, depending on the size of the system and where it is located. This program is called the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
National Government Solar Incentives
The Australian government offers two major incentives for installing solar panels; the small-scale renewable energy scheme and feed-in tariffs.
Small-scale Technology Certificates
Small-scale technology certificates (STC) are government rebates that reward homeowners and businesses for installing renewable energy systems. While called a “rebate“, the incentive is actually an up-front subsidy applied at the point of sale that can save thousands off the purchase cost.
The number of certificates your home or business is eligible for depends on several factors – including the geographical location where you install solar panels, as well as how much energy they produce. The year that system was installed also matters! The STC rebate is set to end by the end of 2030. As the deeming period for solar power systems is reducing by 1 year every year until 2030, this means that the amount of applicable STCs you will receive for your solar power system installation will also reduce each year.
Feed-in Tariffs
A solar feed-in tariff is a payment you receive from your electricity retailer. The tariff is paid for excess electricity produced by your system which has been fed back into the grid. Learn more about Feed-in Tariffs here.
State-by-State Solar Rebates
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Sustainable Household Scheme
The Sustainable Household Scheme provides 0% interest loans to help ACT households with the costs of energy-efficient upgrades. Eligible residents can get a loan from $2,000 to $15,000 with a 10-year repayment period. Brighte is the exclusive partner and loan provider for the scheme. Some of the eligible products to be purchased under this program include; Solar panels, Battery storage systems, Electric heating and cooling systems, Hot water heat pumps (HWHP), Electric stove tops, Electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and Installation costs for these products.
Next Gen Energy Storage Program
The Next Gen storage program is an ACT government program that provides rebates for residential and small businesses in the territory that use solar energy storage from accredited Next Gen retailers. The household battery rebate is $3,500 (excluding GST) or 50% of the battery price (excluding GST), whichever is the lowest. The battery rebate for businesses is calculated on a case-by-case basis.
Solar for Low-Income Program
This program provides an added interest-free loan that can be paid within three years and offers a maximum of $2500 for the supply & installation of rooftop solar systems! Learn more her
New South Wales (NSW)
Empowering Homes Program
Homeowners in eligible postcodes can get interest-free loans of up to $14,000 for a solar and battery system, and up to $9,000 for a battery retrofit system. Learn more here.
Solar For Low-Income Households
This offer helps homeowners on low incomes reduce their electricity bills by installing 3-kilowatt solar systems on their homes – in exchange for agreeing to forfeit the Low Income Household Rebate for ten years. Learn more here.
Victoria
Solar (PV) Panel Rebate
The Victorian government is offering a rebate of $1,400 on solar panel installation for homeowners and rental properties. Interest-free loans equivalent to their rebate amount are also available through this program; however they must be paid off within four years, or else they will automatically convert into an interest rate loan at 6%. Eligible residents own homes in Victoria with annual combined household incomes less than 180k(not including dependents). Properties valued over 3M aren’t qualified but if your property qualifies there’ll still be some savings! Learn more here.
Solar Battery Rebate
The government offers point-of-sale discounts up to $2,950 on solar battery installations for homeowners who own their homes and have an existing solar system equal to or greater than 5kWh. To be eligible, Vic residents must own their home, have an annual combined household income of less than $180,000, and not have received a rebate or loan as part of the Solar PV Panel rebate. The energy storage system purchased must also be listed on Solar Victoria’s Approved Battery List to be eligible for the discount. Properties that already have an existing battery system in place cannot claim this discount on the purchase of an additional battery. Learn more here.
Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Pilot Program
This program is a Victorian-first initiative that allows residents to join an approved Virtual Power Plant program. If residents decide to apply for this offer, they’ll also receive a boosted solar battery rebate of up to $4,174 for the installation of an approved, new solar battery system. Learn more here.
Solar Hot Water incentive
There is also a rebate of up to $1,000 available to Victorian residents who wish to install solar hot water systems on their property. To be eligible, homeowners must own their home, have a combined household income no greater than $180,000 and be living in an existing infrastructure (not newly built) worth at least $3 million. Learn more here.
South Australia
Home Battery Scheme
Though this program was closed for new applications on August 31, 2022, the Home Battery scheme offers a maximum loan of $2000 for solar battery installation. The subsidy is offered mainly to low-income households. Click here to learn more about the program.
Northern Territory
Home Battery Scheme
The Home Battery Scheme is an incentive that applies to all territory residents. Whether you’re a homeowner, nonprofit organization or business owner this program helps make installing batteries and inverters easier with $450 per kilowatt hour of capacity for your system! The maximum grant awarded through the HBS will be up to 6 thousand dollars ($6000). Learn more here.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, solar rebates are available but limited. However, a decent feed-in tariff of 8.883c/kWh is available from most retailers and the national STC program makes it possible for solar lovers in Tasmania to make a small return on their investment without the assistance of rebates.
Western Australia
Western Australia doesn’t currently offer any additional incentives for homeowners outside of those offered nationally (STCs and FiT).
Choose Stag Electrical as Your Solar Partner! Use our smart solar calculator to know how much you can save on your power bills. Why wait any longer? Contact us today for obligation-free assistance!