How Much You Can Save on Solar Panels & Batteries
If you’re exploring solar power for your home, one of the biggest benefits comes from government rebates and incentives that reduce upfront costs and improve your return on investment. In Australia, rebates come in different forms — federal programs, state incentives, and specialist subsidies — that make solar systems more affordable than ever.
🇦🇺 1. Federal Rebate — Small‑scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
The main government solar rebate for rooftop solar panels in Australia is delivered through the Small‑scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which uses Small‑scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to subsidise installations.
📌 How the STC Rebate Works
· When you install eligible solar panels (typically up to 100 kW), you generate STCs based on how much energy your system is expected to produce until 2030.
· Your installer usually assigns those STCs and applies their value as a discount on your solar quote.
· The number of STCs (and therefore the rebate amount) depends on system size, install date, and your location/solar zone (zones affect expected solar generation).
As the scheme is phased down each year until 2030, the rebate value gradually decreases, so installing sooner typically brings higher rebates.
For example, a 6.6 kW system might be worth several thousand dollars in STCs — more in sunny regions and slightly less in cooler climates.
🇦🇺 2. Cheaper Home Batteries Program (Federal)
Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program (effective 1 July 2025) offers point‑of‑sale rebates on solar batteries — helping lower the cost of home energy storage when installed with solar panels.
🪫 What You Get
· Batteries earn STCs based on usable storage (kWh).
· For 2025–26, rebate values were around $300–$336 per usable kWh before May 1 2026, reducing after that date as STC factors change.
· Rebates apply for batteries between about 5–50 kWh (usable), with discounts provided upfront via accredited installers.
· The program runs until 2030 and is not means‑tested — homes, small businesses, and community organisations can all benefit.
Combined with the solar STC rebate, this policy can significantly reduce upfront costs for complete solar + battery systems.
🏡 3. State & Territory Rebates
In addition to federal incentives, many Australian states and territories offer solar rebates or financial support — especially for panels, batteries, or energy‑efficiency upgrades.
🔹 Victoria (VIC)
The Solar Victoria rebate offers eligible homeowners up to $1,400 off solar panel installations, plus interest‑free loans for similar amounts — lowering upfront barriers.
🔹 Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The Sustainable Household Scheme provides support for energy‑efficient upgrades, including solar and battery systems, often as rebates or loans.
🔹 South Australia (SA)
Adelaide and other councils offer sustainability rebate programs, including grants for renewable energy and home upgrades that complement federal support.
🔹 New South Wales (NSW)
The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme incentivises batteries that help reduce local electricity demand, often with modest upfront rebates through installers.
🔹 Western Australia (WA)
WA has launched solar battery rebates and interest‑free loans that stack with federal incentives, reducing battery costs further.
Note: State incentives vary widely in eligibility and availability, so check local government websites or speak with your installer to maximise savings.
💡 How Solar Rebates Reduce Your Upfront Cost
The way solar rebates usually work is straightforward:
1. Your installer calculates STCs your system earns.
2. These STCs are credited as a discount on your overall solar price — so you pay less upfront.
3. Adding a battery with rebates like the Cheaper Home Batteries Program further reduces the cost.
4. If you qualify for state programs, those discounts stack with federal rebates.
This means you don’t have to wait to claim rebates later — most are applied at the point‑of‑sale.
📌 FAQs — Government Solar Rebates
Q: How long will the solar rebate last? The federal solar STC rebate is scheduled to phase out by 2030, with annual reductions in value until then.
Q: Does every solar system qualify for the STC rebate? Most residential solar PV systems up to 100 kW qualify, as long as they are installed by an accredited installer with approved components.
Q: Can I combine federal and state rebates? Yes — federal rebates (STCs & battery rebates) can often be combined with state incentives, subject to eligibility in your jurisdiction.
Q: Do rental properties get solar rebates? Some state incentives allow rebates or loans for rental properties, but this varies by state and specific eligibility criteria.
Q: Is the battery rebate applied upfront? Yes — Cheaper Home Battery rebates are generally applied by your installer as a discount at the point of sale.
📌 Conclusion — Government Support Makes Solar More Affordable
Government solar rebates play a huge role in reducing solar installation costs across Australia. Federal support through the Small‑scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STCs) lowers the cost of solar panels, while the Cheaper Home Batteries Program helps cut solar battery expenses by around 30%.
Combined with state incentives, these rebates can slash thousands off the upfront cost of going solar — making clean energy more accessible and financially attractive for homes and small businesses.
Ready to see how much you could save? Arise Solar can help calculate your rebate eligibility and design a solar system that fits your budget. Ask us for a tailored solar rebate estimate!