Short Answer:
The Australian Federal Government solar rebate (SRES – Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme) is **scheduled to phase out and end on 31 December 2030. This means rebates will gradually reduce each year until then.
🔎 What Is the Government Solar Rebate (SRES)?
The government solar rebate—commonly referred to through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)—is a financial incentive designed to make solar panel systems more affordable for homeowners and small businesses across Australia. The rebate is calculated based on the expected renewable energy generation of a system until 2030.
📉 How the Solar Rebate Phases Out Over Time
The solar rebate doesn’t stop suddenly—it gradually reduces each year until it reaches zero at the end of 2030.
The number of STCs available decreases annually (linked to the Renewable Energy Target).
Systems installed earlier attract higher rebate values.
Waiting delays your rebate benefit and reduces potential savings.
💡 Tip: Installing a solar system sooner means more certificates and a bigger upfront discount on installation costs.
📍 Incentive Changes in 2026 and Beyond
✔ 2026 Update:
From 1 January 2026, STC values and available certificates continue to reduce, meaning lower rebates year-on-year.
✔ Solar Batteries Incentives:
New battery rebates also exist and follow a similar phase-out pattern through to 2030.
📌 Why the Rebate Is Ending
The rebate scheme was designed to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and help Australia transition to a cleaner energy market.
👉 Instead of an abrupt cutoff, the government chose a long-term phase-out approach to allow households and businesses to adjust.
🧠 Key Facts — Government Solar Rebate End
Feature
Details
Rebate name
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
Mechanism
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Phase-out end date
31 December 2030
System rebate impact
Higher rebates earlier; decreasing over time
Applies to
Solar panels & renewable systems eligible under SRES
💭 Should You Install Solar Before It Ends?
💡 Yes — installing sooner usually means more rebates and savings. The gradual reduction means a system installed this year will likely generate more certificates and a larger upfront discount than the same install in 2028 or 2030.