Solar rebates and incentives

Under the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, eligible solar systems create small-scale technology certificates (STCs). Installers usually take these on your behalf and show their value as a discount on your quote.

The number of STCs depends on the system's size in kW, your postcode's zone (sunnier areas earn more) and the "deeming period": the number of years of generation credited up front. For systems installed in 2026 the deeming period is 5 years. It drops by one year each January (4 years in 2027, 3 in 2028, 2 in 2029 and 1 in 2030) until the scheme ends in 2030, so the discount on a new system gets smaller each year. The Clean Energy Regulator has a free calculator for your exact entitlement.

Victoria: Solar Victoria's Solar Homes Program offers a solar panel rebate of up to $1,400, plus an optional interest-free loan of the same amount, for owner-occupiers with a combined household taxable income under $150,000 and a property worth under $3 million, where there has been no solar in the last 10 years and no earlier rebate at the address. The rebate is calculated after the federal STC discount. Landlords can claim up to $1,400 per rental property (up to 2 a year) when the tenants' household income is under $150,000. Apartment owners corporations can apply for Solar for Apartments, worth up to $2,800 per household, until 30 June 2027 or until funds run out.

Queensland: Supercharged Solar for Renters gives landlords $2,500 to $3,500, depending on system size, to install solar on a rented house, duplex, townhouse or granny flat, with the tenant's consent and without raising the rent because of the solar. It is first in, first served. There is no Queensland solar rebate for owner-occupiers.

New South Wales: Solar for Apartment Residents grants pay owners corporations up to 50% of the cost of solar for apartment buildings (up to 80% in some lower-income areas through SoAR Boost), with applications closing on 4 December 2026. There is no NSW solar rebate for houses.

ACT: rooftop solar is no longer covered by the Sustainable Household Scheme loans. Concession card holders who own their home may be able to get a 50% rebate of up to $2,500 through the Home Energy Support Program, and apartment owners corporations can apply to the Solar for Apartments Program.

Northern Territory: the Solar for Multi Dwellings Grant Scheme pays body corporates up to 50% of the cost of shared solar, up to $7,500 per dwelling. There is no NT solar rebate for houses.

South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania: there is no state solar panel rebate open to households. Tasmania's Energy Saver Loan Scheme, which covered solar, closed on 1 September 2025. In WA, the Residential Battery Scheme covers batteries, not solar on its own.

Programs open, close and change often. Check the official page for your state before you rely on an incentive, and ask installers to show each incentive separately in their quote.