In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), homeowners have access to several government-backed programs that can help reduce the cost of installing solar panels and energy storage — but not all incentives are straightforward “rebates” for solar itself. Understanding what’s currently available and how it works will help you make the most of solar and battery savings in Canberra and the wider ACT.
☀️ 1. Federal Solar Rebate (STCs) — Applies in the ACT
Like all of Australia, ACT residents qualify for the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) rebate on solar panels. This isn’t an ACT-specific rebate, but it significantly reduces upfront solar costs:
- Solar systems generate Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on system size and location.
- Installers typically claim and apply these certificates as a discount at the point of sale, lowering your solar panel installation cost.
- The rebate value is higher in sunnier zones like Canberra, and it continues to phase down toward 2030.
This rebate is the main way solar panel costs are subsidised in the ACT.
🏠 2. ACT Home Energy Support Program — Targeted Solar Rebates
While the ACT no longer offers a broad state rebate for all solar panel installations, the Home Energy Support Program still provides targeted financial help for eligible concession card holders:
✔ Eligible residents (e.g., Australian Pensioner Concession Card, Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, Health Care Card holders) can claim up to $2,500 toward the cost of installing rooftop solar.
✔ The rebate covers 50 % of the total supply and installation cost up to that cap.
This rebate is designed to improve energy access for lower-income and vulnerable households in the ACT and can be combined with other support like low-interest loans.
💰 3. Sustainable Household Scheme — Loans for Energy Upgrades
Although it’s not a cashback rebate, the Sustainable Household Scheme is a key ACT government initiative that helps finance solar and batteries:
🔹 Low-interest loans (now typically ~3 %) up to $15,000 are available for many energy upgrades including:
- Solar panel installations (historically eligible, though eligibility can change — panels may no longer qualify after mid-2025)
- Solar batteries and storage
- Electric heat pump hot water systems
- Efficient appliances and electrification upgrades such as EV chargers and insulation
- Other energy efficiency measures
These loans are a practical way to reduce upfront cost and spread repayments over years, and they’re available even if you don’t have the cash for a full solar install upfront.
Note: Solar panel eligibility under this scheme has changed over time. While earlier versions included solar panels, the focus has shifted more toward energy-efficient appliances and batteries — but concession holders may still access solar panel support under some pathways.
📉 4. Feed-In Tariffs — Ongoing Value After Installation
Once your solar system is installed, you can also earn ongoing value through feed-in tariffs (FiTs):
➡ In the ACT, feed-in tariffs are voluntary and set by energy retailers — they are not regulated minimums.
➡ You may receive a credit on your power bill for excess solar energy you export to the grid.
➡ Retailer FiT rates vary widely, so it’s worth comparing plans to find competitive export credits.
Even though this isn’t a “rebate,” it’s an important way solar systems produce savings over time by offsetting energy you would otherwise pay for.
🔋 5. Federal Battery Rebates — Cheaper Home Batteries Program
ACT residents are also covered by the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which delivers around a 30 % upfront discount on eligible solar battery installations. This program is part of the expanded SRES and applies nationwide from 1 July 2025 onward. While not ACT-specific, it’s highly relevant for solar owners looking to pair panels with storage — and early adoption captures stronger rebate values.
📌 How Rebates & Support Combine for Maximum Savings
Here’s how ACT residents can stack incentives to reduce costs:
✔ Federal solar rebate (STCs) lowers panel installation costs immediately
✔ Home Energy Support Program can provide additional rebates for eligible low-income homeowners
✔ Sustainable Household Scheme loans help finance upgrades including batteries and efficiency measures
✔ Federal battery rebate reduces storage costs
✔ Feed-in tariffs deliver ongoing savings by crediting exported solar energy
Combining these elements can significantly reduce your total out-of-pocket investment and improve your long-term return on solar + storage.
📞 How Arise Solar Can Help You Make the Most of ACT Rebates
At Arise Solar, we support ACT homeowners by:
✔ Evaluating which government incentives you qualify for
✔ Designing systems that stack federal and territory support
✔ Handling paperwork and eligibility requirements for rebates and loans
✔ Installing systems with Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)-accredited professionals to ensure compliance and rebate validity
Whether you’re exploring solar panels, batteries or both, contact us today for a personalised rebate assessment and tailored solar + storage quote.
