If you’re considering solar panels or battery storage in Canberra, understanding the available ACT solar rebates and government support can help you reduce upfront costs and make a more informed investment.
In 2026, ACT households may have access to several different forms of support. These include the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), the ACT Government’s targeted Home Energy Support Program, the Sustainable Household Scheme, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program and feed-in tariffs offered by electricity retailers.
There is an important distinction between these programs. Some provide a direct rebate, some provide low- or zero-interest finance, and others create ongoing value after your solar system is installed.
This guide explains the current ACT solar incentives, who may qualify, how the programs work and what Canberra homeowners should check before choosing a solar or battery system.
Important: Government programs, eligibility requirements, loan limits, certificate values and electricity retailer offers can change. Confirm the current rules before signing a solar installation or finance agreement.
What Solar Rebates and Incentives Are Available in the ACT in 2026?
The main forms of support Canberra households should investigate include:
Federal STCs for eligible solar PV systems
The ACT Home Energy Support Program for eligible concession card holders
The Sustainable Household Scheme for eligible energy-efficiency upgrades and battery storage
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Solar feed-in tariffs offered by electricity retailers
The Solar for Apartments Program for eligible apartment complexes
Not every program is available to every household. Eligibility depends on factors such as your property, concession-card status, product, installation and application date.
1. Federal Solar Rebate Through Small-scale Technology Certificates
The main upfront incentive available to eligible residential solar customers in the ACT comes from the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Eligible solar PV systems can create Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Homeowners can assign the right to create STCs to a registered agent, which may provide the benefit as an upfront discount on the installation price.
The number of STCs is not a single fixed rebate amount. It depends on factors including the system’s capacity, location, installation year and the applicable deeming period.
For systems installed in 2026, the solar PV deeming period is five years. It then reduces each year until the SRES ends in 2030.
This means an advertised solar rebate amount can change over time, so it is better to compare the actual STC calculation and final installed price in your quote rather than relying on an old dollar figure.
What Should You Ask Your Solar Installer?
What is the total system price before the STC discount?
How many STCs are being claimed?
What STC value has been used in the quote?
Is the advertised price conditional on changes to the STC market?
Are all installation, electrical and meter-related costs included?
2. ACT Home Energy Support Program: Targeted Solar Rebates
The ACT Government provides targeted support through the Home Energy Support Program for eligible homeowners who hold an Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card or Australian Government Health Care Card.
Eligible households can receive up to $5,000 in total rebates for qualifying sustainable home upgrades.
For rooftop solar, the program provides a rebate of 50% of the total supply and installation cost, up to $2,500.
Eligible households may also receive a further rebate of up to $2,500 for qualifying upgrades such as reverse-cycle heating and cooling, hot-water heat pumps or evacuated tube solar hot water systems, electric cooking appliances or ceiling insulation.
The program has property and participation requirements. Applicants must live in the ACT, own and live in the property where the product will be installed, hold an eligible concession card and meet the program’s property-value and workshop requirements.
Home Energy Support and Solar Finance
Eligible Home Energy Support participants may also be able to access a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000 through the Sustainable Household Scheme. This can help cover remaining costs after the rebate.
This combination can be particularly useful for eligible concession-card holders who want to install rooftop solar but need additional support with the upfront cost.
3. Sustainable Household Scheme: Low-Interest Finance for Energy Upgrades
The Sustainable Household Scheme is a financing program rather than a standard cashback solar rebate.
From 1 July 2026, the maximum loan limit for new household participants increased to $20,000. Eligible households can generally repay the loan over up to 10 years, with a 3% interest rate and no upfront establishment or account-keeping fees, subject to the scheme and lender criteria.
Eligible products include household battery storage systems, electric heating and cooling, hot-water heat pumps, evacuated tube solar hot water systems, electric stovetops, EVs, EV charging infrastructure and ceiling insulation.
The current general Sustainable Household Scheme product list does not make rooftop solar panels a standard general loan product. Solar panel finance is available through the Home Energy Support pathway for eligible concession-card holders, including the zero-interest loan option described above.
This distinction is important because older articles may state that all ACT residents can use the Sustainable Household Scheme to finance solar panels. The current program should be checked before making that assumption.
4. Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program
ACT residents are also eligible to participate in the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, subject to the program’s requirements.
The program provides support through the SRES for eligible battery installations and is intended to reduce the upfront cost of battery storage. The Clean Energy Regulator describes the support as being around a 30% discount on eligible battery installation costs.
Battery incentives changed from 1 May 2026. The STC factor now tapers according to usable battery capacity:
Up to 14 kWh: 100% of the applicable STC factor
More than 14 kWh to 28 kWh: 60% of the applicable STC factor
More than 28 kWh to 50 kWh: 15% of the applicable STC factor
The 2026 STC factor is 8.4 for installations from January to April and 6.8 from May to December. The applicable calculation is based on the installation date.
A battery must meet the program’s technical, product and installation requirements. The battery’s nominal capacity must be between 5 kWh and 100 kWh, with STCs calculated on the first 50 kWh of usable capacity under the current rules.
For this reason, a larger battery does not automatically receive a proportionally larger incentive.
5. Solar Feed-in Tariffs in the ACT
After your solar system is installed, you may receive ongoing financial value by exporting surplus electricity to the grid.
A feed-in tariff (FiT) is a payment or bill credit provided by an electricity retailer for eligible electricity exported from your rooftop solar system.
In the ACT, feed-in tariffs are voluntary and are not regulated minimum rates. Retailers can offer different rates, so comparing electricity plans is important.
When comparing a FiT, don’t look only at the export rate. Also consider the retailer’s electricity usage rates, fixed daily charges, solar export limits and any other plan conditions.
For some households, using solar electricity directly can be more valuable than exporting it. A good system design should therefore consider both self-consumption and export.
6. Solar for Apartments Program
Apartment owners and owners corporations have another ACT incentive worth investigating: the Solar for Apartments Program.
Eligible apartment complexes can qualify for up to $100,000 in funding for solar installations that benefit residents across the complex.
The funding is structured as 50% grant funding and 50% zero-interest loan funding that the owners corporation repays, subject to program conditions.
The program is designed for eligible owners corporations managing apartment complexes in the ACT. Property eligibility requirements apply, including an unimproved-value threshold for units.
This program is particularly relevant where a shared solar system can reduce electricity costs for multiple residents, including renters.
7. How ACT Solar Incentives Can Work Together
Depending on your circumstances, different forms of support may be available at the same time or for different parts of an energy upgrade.
For example, an eligible concession-card holder may be able to combine:
A rooftop solar rebate of up to $2,500 through Home Energy Support
A zero-interest loan of up to $10,000 through the Home Energy Support/Sustainable Household pathway
The federal battery incentive for an eligible battery
A retailer feed-in tariff for exported solar energy
A household using the general Sustainable Household Scheme may instead use the low-interest loan for eligible products such as battery storage, heating, hot water, EV charging and insulation.
The exact combination depends on eligibility, product and program rules. Do not assume that every incentive can be stacked for every installation.
8. How Much Can Solar Save in Canberra?
The financial benefit of solar in Canberra depends on more than the initial rebate.
Solar system size
Household electricity consumption
Daytime versus evening energy use
Solar generation
Electricity purchase rates
Feed-in tariff
Battery size and efficiency
Installation cost
Future electricity use
For example, a household that consumes a significant amount of electricity during daylight hours may use more solar energy directly. A household with high evening consumption may benefit from battery storage if the battery is appropriately sized.
Rather than focusing only on the rebate, compare the total installed price, expected solar generation, self-consumption, export assumptions and battery requirements.
9. Should You Add a Battery to Your Canberra Solar System?
A battery can store surplus solar electricity generated during the day and make it available later when household demand is higher.
Battery storage may be worth considering if you:
Use significant electricity after sunset
Regularly export surplus solar electricity
Want to increase solar self-consumption
Want to reduce purchases from the grid during higher-cost periods
Want suitable backup capability, where supported by the system
Battery sizing should be based on your electricity consumption, solar generation, tariff, available roof space and budget. The federal battery incentive should also be calculated using the rules that apply on the installation date.
10. How to Maximise the Value of Your Solar System
Use More Solar During the Day
Where practical, run flexible appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, pool pumps and hot-water systems while your solar system is generating electricity.
Compare Electricity Plans
The best feed-in tariff is not necessarily the best electricity plan. Compare both the price you pay for electricity and the credit you receive for exports.
Size the Battery Around Your Usage
A battery should be sized around your actual energy profile rather than simply selecting the largest available capacity.
Check Current Government Rules
Rebate and finance programs can change. Check the official ACT Government and Clean Energy Regulator information before relying on an incentive in your financial calculations.
11. What to Check Before Buying Solar in the ACT
Final installed price before and after applicable incentives
STC assumptions and certificate quantity
Solar panel and inverter models
Battery usable capacity if storage is included
Product and workmanship warranties
Installer accreditation and compliance
Expected annual solar generation
Feed-in tariff and electricity retailer assumptions
Export limits and connection requirements
Any switchboard, meter or electrical upgrade costs
For SRES eligibility, the Clean Energy Regulator requires eligible small-scale systems to use approved components and be designed and installed by appropriately accredited professionals, along with meeting applicable standards and local requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT Solar Rebates
Is there a solar rebate in the ACT in 2026?
Yes, but the available support depends on your circumstances. Eligible concession-card holders can receive up to $2,500 towards rooftop solar through the ACT Home Energy Support Program. Eligible solar systems can also receive the federal STC benefit.
How much is the ACT Government solar rebate?
The Home Energy Support Program provides a rooftop solar rebate equal to 50% of supply and installation costs, up to $2,500, for eligible concession-card holders.
Can all Canberra homeowners get the $2,500 solar rebate?
No. The Home Energy Support solar rebate is targeted to eligible ACT homeowners who hold an Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card or Australian Government Health Care Card and meet the program’s other requirements.
Can I finance solar through the Sustainable Household Scheme?
General Sustainable Household Scheme loans currently focus on listed energy-efficient products such as batteries, heating and cooling, hot water, EV charging and insulation. Eligible concession-card holders can access solar support through the Home Energy Support pathway, including a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000.
How much can I borrow through the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme in 2026?
New household participants approved from 1 July 2026 can access up to $20,000 for eligible products, subject to scheme and lender requirements. Earlier participants remain subject to the previous $15,000 lifetime limit.
Is there a battery rebate in Canberra?
Yes. Eligible ACT households can access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Battery incentives changed from 1 May 2026 and are calculated using a tiered STC structure based on usable battery capacity.
What is the ACT solar feed-in tariff?
There is no single government-mandated residential FiT rate in the ACT. Feed-in tariffs are offered voluntarily by electricity retailers, and rates can vary between plans.
Can apartment owners receive solar support in the ACT?
Potentially. The Solar for Apartments Program can provide up to $100,000 in funding for eligible apartment complexes, structured as 50% grant funding and 50% zero-interest loan funding, subject to program requirements.
Does the solar rebate cover the entire cost of solar panels?
No. Rebates reduce eligible costs but generally do not make a solar installation free. Your final price depends on system size, equipment, installation requirements and the applicable incentives.
Do solar rebates apply automatically?
Federal STCs are commonly assigned to a registered agent in exchange for an upfront discount. ACT Government programs generally have their own eligibility and application requirements, so homeowners should check the relevant program before installation.
Final Thoughts: ACT Solar Rebates and Incentives in 2026
The ACT solar rebate landscape in 2026 includes a combination of federal incentives, targeted ACT Government rebates, battery support, financing programs and retailer feed-in tariffs.
For most households, the key questions are not simply ‘How much is the rebate?’ but rather ‘Which programs am I eligible for?’, ‘What will my system cost after incentives?’ and ‘How much electricity can my system help me avoid buying from the grid?’
Eligible concession-card holders should investigate the Home Energy Support Program, while other households may find the Sustainable Household Scheme useful for eligible battery and electrification upgrades. Apartment owners corporations should also investigate the Solar for Apartments Program.
Before choosing a system, compare quotes carefully and make sure rebate assumptions, battery incentives, warranties, electricity tariffs and installation costs are clearly explained.
Get a Personalised Solar & Battery Assessment in Canberra
Thinking about installing solar panels or battery storage in Canberra?
Solar Authority can help you understand the incentives that may apply to your property and assess the right solar or solar + battery configuration for your electricity usage.
Get a personalised assessment and tailored solar quote before you commit to an installation.
Contact Solar Authority today to explore your ACT solar and battery options.
