Updated April 2026
Solar Panel Grants & Incentives in Australia (2026)
~30% battery discount + STC rebate on solar
There are currently 4 active solar incentives available in Australia. STCs ~AU$1,800 on solar + ~30% discount on batteries via Cheaper Home Batteries.
Active Incentives
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) — STCs
Value
Approx. AU$1,800 discount on a 6.6 kW system (Zone 3, at $40/STC)
Federal scheme providing Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for solar installations. Current STC price: ~AU$40 each. A 6.6 kW system in Zone 3 generates approximately 45 STCs — an AU$1,800 upfront discount.
Eligibility criteria
- Residential or small commercial solar PV system up to 100 kW
- Must use a Clean Energy Council accredited installer
- Equipment must be on the CEC approved product list
- STC count depends on location (solar zone) and deeming years remaining
How to apply
STCs are traded by your installer as an upfront discount — built into the installation quote. You assign the right to create STCs in exchange for a reduced price. No action required on your part.
Things to know
STC value is approximately AU$40/certificate via the Clearing House in 2026. The deeming period reduces by one year annually — the scheme ends in 2030. Larger/sunnier locations receive more STCs. Actual benefit: ~AU$1,500–AU$2,500 for most residential systems depending on size and location.
Last verified: 6 April 2026
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Value
Approx. 30% upfront discount on battery storage cost
Federal program providing an approximately 30% upfront discount on home battery storage systems from 1 July 2025. Budget expanded to AU$7.2 billion. Tiered structure from 1 May 2026.
Eligibility criteria
- Australian household installing a home battery system
- Battery must be paired with an existing or new solar PV system
- Must use an approved installer and approved battery product
- Tiered structure from 1 May 2026 — check dcceew.gov.au for current details
How to apply
The discount is applied at the point of sale through approved installers. Visit dcceew.gov.au or contact a CEC-accredited installer to check current approved products and apply the discount.
Things to know
This is a significant new scheme launched 1 July 2025. The ~30% discount substantially improves battery storage economics. Combined with STCs on the solar side, Australian households can now access meaningful upfront reductions on both solar and battery. Budget was expanded to AU$7.2B indicating strong ongoing commitment.
Last verified: 6 April 2026
Victoria Solar Homes Program
Value
Up to AU$1,400 rebate + AU$1,400 interest-free loan = AU$2,800 total
Victorian government rebate of up to AU$1,400 on solar panels (half the eligible system cost), plus an interest-free loan of up to AU$1,400, for a combined maximum of AU$2,800.
Eligibility criteria
- Victorian resident purchasing a solar PV system
- Combined household income below AU$210,000
- Property value below AU$3 million
- Has not previously received a Solar Homes rebate for this property
- Must use a Solar Victoria-approved retailer and CEC-accredited installer
How to apply
Apply through the Solar Victoria portal at solar.vic.gov.au before signing a contract. The rebate is passed on as a discount by the installer after eligibility is confirmed.
Things to know
Rebates are released in batches — check solar.vic.gov.au for current availability. The interest-free loan component helps spread the remaining cost. Victoria also has a separate solar battery loan programme.
Last verified: 6 April 2026
Queensland Solar Feed-in Tariff
Value
8.66c/kWh (regional QLD); 4–10c/kWh (SE QLD, retailer-dependent)
Queensland sets minimum feed-in tariff rates for solar exports. Regional Queensland (Ergon): 8.66c/kWh. South-east Queensland (Energex): 4–10c/kWh retailer-set.
Eligibility criteria
- Queensland residential solar system owner
- Connected to the Energex or Ergon network
- Export-capable solar PV system
How to apply
Contact your electricity retailer to arrange a feed-in tariff contract. Compare retailer rates — they vary and some offer higher voluntary rates.
Things to know
Regional QLD rate reduced from 12.377c to 8.66c in the latest QCA review. SE QLD rates are retailer-set with no floor — compare offers to maximise export income.
Last verified: 6 April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What solar rebates are available in Australia in 2026?
Australia's main solar incentive remains the SRES scheme providing STCs — currently worth about AU$40 each via the Clearing House. A 6.6 kW system in Zone 3 generates ~45 STCs worth ~AU$1,800 upfront. Victorian residents can also access the Solar Homes rebate of up to AU$1,400 plus an interest-free loan. A major new scheme launched in 2025 provides ~30% upfront discounts on home batteries (Cheaper Home Batteries Program).
What is the new Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
Launched 1 July 2025, this federal program provides approximately 30% upfront discount on home battery storage systems installed alongside solar. The AU$7.2 billion budget covers a tiered structure from 1 May 2026. This dramatically improves battery economics — when combined with STC discounts on solar, Australian households can now substantially reduce the total system cost.
Is the Victorian Solar Homes rebate still available?
Yes. The Victoria Solar Homes Program continues to offer a rebate of up to AU$1,400 plus an interest-free loan of up to AU$1,400 (total AU$2,800) for eligible households with income below AU$210,000 and property value below AU$3 million. Apply at solar.vic.gov.au before signing with an installer.
Calculate your cost after grants
Use our calculators to estimate your installation cost, then apply the grants above to see your real net cost and payback period.
Related Solar Terms
Disclaimer: Grant information is provided for guidance only. Eligibility criteria, amounts, and availability change frequently. Always verify current details at the official scheme pages before making financial decisions. Solar Estimator is not responsible for changes to grant schemes after the last verified date shown above.