Your solar reportQuick answer: The federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme can discount eligible rooftop solar systems via STCs. A separate federal program supports eligible batteries. State-based rebates and loans vary by location and eligibility. Fully free installations are not the standard offer.
What is the Australian solar rebate in 2026?
Most eligible Australian rooftop solar installations can benefit from a federal upfront discount. The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) uses small-scale technology certificates (STCs) to reduce the price of qualifying systems. Your installer or retailer usually includes the STC value as a deduction in the quotation — it is not typically a cash refund you claim after installation.
The discount depends on your system’s capacity, location and the relevant certificate rules. Eligible products and an appropriately accredited installer are required. Read the official federal guidance ↗
Are there extra solar rebates in my state?
Yes, in some locations. State, territory and local programs can offer a rebate, concession, loan or other support. Many have income, property-value, equipment or application-stage requirements — and not every program is available everywhere.
| Location | Potential support | Official reference |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Eligible households may receive a solar PV rebate of up to A$1,400, plus an optional matching interest-free loan. From 1 July 2026 the combined household income limit is A$150,000; other criteria apply. Obtain approval before installation. | Solar Victoria ↗ |
| New South Wales | Home Energy Saver is listed as offering eligible owners and landlords a discount of up to A$4,000 or a zero-interest loan up to A$15,000 for qualifying home energy upgrades. Check which measures and application conditions apply before assuming rooftop solar is covered in your situation. | Government program listing ↗ |
| Western Australia | WA’s battery scheme lists up to A$1,300 for eligible Synergy customers and A$3,800 for eligible Horizon Power customers. This is a battery incentive, not a general rooftop panel rebate. | WA Government ↗ |
| Other states and territories | Programs vary by area, household and technology; always consult the current government directory. | Find local assistance ↗ |
Can I get a discount on a home battery?
Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program supports eligible battery installations connected to new or existing rooftop solar. The program began with an indicative discount of around 30% of eligible upfront battery costs; changes effective from 1 May 2026 mean the actual discount depends on factors including battery capacity and applicable certificate rules. Do not use a flat 30% figure as a guaranteed 2026 quote.
Check technical requirements, installation dates and current conditions before ordering. Check official battery guidance ↗
Can solar panels be completely free?
Usually not for the average homeowner. Some targeted schemes, community initiatives or financing arrangements can reduce the upfront payment to very little or zero for eligible participants. But “zero upfront” may still involve finance, repayment or other conditions. Treat blanket offers of “free solar for every Australian” cautiously. Ask for the full installed price, STC deduction, repayment terms and any ongoing fees.
What about solar feed-in tariffs?
Once installed, your panels can lower grid electricity purchases. If your electricity plan pays a feed-in tariff, you may also receive bill credits for exported electricity. These credits are not installation grants, and export rates vary by retailer, state and plan. In many cases, consuming your own solar electricity is worth more than exporting it. Understand feed-in tariffs ↗
How to check your options in three steps
- Start with your address. Understand your roof’s solar potential, likely sun exposure and available roof area.
- Review federal and local incentives. Check STC treatment, whether state funding is currently open, and the precise household and equipment requirements.
- Compare your real costs and savings. Request an itemised quote from a qualified installer, check your tariff and electricity use, and model the likely bill impact before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone in Australia qualify for a solar rebate?
No. Many new eligible rooftop systems can receive an STC-based federal discount, but system, equipment and installer rules apply. Additional state schemes can have narrower eligibility.
Can I combine federal and state incentives?
Often this is possible, but the applicable scheme decides how discounts interact. For example, Victoria calculates its PV rebate after other discounts, including STCs.
Do I need to apply for STCs myself?
Usually not. A solar retailer or installer generally includes the STC value as a discount in the quote, after you assign the certificates.
Can I get a battery rebate if I already have solar?
Potentially yes, if you install an eligible battery under the current federal program rules.
Can renters or apartment residents benefit?
Some targeted rental, apartment and community-solar initiatives exist, but eligibility and practical installation arrangements differ from an owner-occupied house.
How much will solar save me every year?
There is no reliable single national figure. Savings depend on your roof, location, electricity demand, system size, self-consumption, export arrangements and retail tariff.
Should I apply before my system is installed?
For state-funded schemes, often yes. Victoria specifically requires approval before installation to receive its PV rebate. Confirm the correct sequence for every program.
Keep reading
Official sources and further reading
- Australian Government — Government rebates and loans for solar
- Australian Government — Cheaper Home Batteries Program
- Solar Victoria — Solar panel (PV) rebate
- Solar Victoria — 2026 income threshold change
- NSW — Home Energy Saver listing
- WA Government — Residential Battery Scheme
- Australian Government — Feed-in tariffs
- Australian Government — Find rebates by location
Important: This is general information, not financial advice or a rebate-eligibility determination. An EnergyBrain roof report is an indicative model, not an installation quote, guarantee of generation, approved rebate application or electricity-bill guarantee. Check government scheme terms and ask an appropriately accredited installer for a detailed quote.