{
 "_about": "Solar Scorecard pricing data v4 (built 2026-10-27). Single source of truth for every price, tariff, sun hour, STC value, battery discount and state scheme sentence on solarscorecard.com.au and for /data/pricing.json. Residential prices are Solar Choice Price Index installer offers (standard and premium), after the STC discount and GST inclusive; they are offers, not quotes received by homeowners. Sizes Solar Choice does not publish (6.6, 8, 13, 20 kW) are interpolated and say so. Cities Solar Choice does not index use the nearest indexed capital and say so. Rebuild with ssc-upgrade/_scripts/build_pricing_v4.py.",
 "updated": "2026-10-27",
 "updated_label": "October 2026",
 "prices_checked": "2026-10-27",
 "next_review": "2026-11-24",
 "stc": {
  "price_each": 39.0,
  "price_assumption_note": "Site assumption of $39 per STC, set 2026-10-27. Spot traded at $39.90 in the week of 19 to 23 October 2026 (Ecovantage weekly market update) and the Demand Manager price board showed $39.65 on 27 October 2026; the CER clearing house is capped at $40 excluding GST. Installers assign the certificates and carry a small trading cost, for which no published figure exists, so the site rounds down to $39. Change this one field to move every STC figure on the site.",
  "spot_aud": 39.9,
  "spot_date": "2026-10-19 to 2026-10-23 (weekly market update)",
  "spot_source_url": "https://www.ecovantage.com.au/energy-certificate-market-update/",
  "secondary_spot_aud": 39.65,
  "secondary_spot_source_url": "https://www.demandmanager.com.au/graphs/new_prices.php",
  "clearing_house_cap": 40,
  "clearing_house_source_url": "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates/buy-and-sell-small-scale-technology-certificates",
  "deeming_years": 5,
  "deeming_years_by_install_year": {
   "2026": 5,
   "2027": 4,
   "2028": 3,
   "2029": 2,
   "2030": 1
  },
  "deeming_source_url": {
   "url": "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates/calculate-small-scale-technology-certificate-entitlements",
   "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
   "quote": "The deeming period decreases by one year each year until 2030 when the scheme ends.",
   "note": "Table on the CER page: 2026 = 5 years, 2027 = 4, 2028 = 3, 2029 = 2, 2030 = 1. The page says the scheme ends in 2030; it does not print the words '31 December 2030'."
  },
  "zone_factors": {
   "1": 1.622,
   "2": 1.536,
   "3": 1.382,
   "4": 1.185
  },
  "zone_factors_source": {
   "url": "https://cer.gov.au/document/postcode-zone-ratings-and-zones-solar-panel-systems",
   "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
   "note": "CER PDF 'Postcode zone ratings and zones for solar (photovoltaic) systems, As of 1 January 2020'. Table 1 lists only four distinct zone/rating pairs: zone 1 = 1.622, zone 2 = 1.536, zone 3 = 1.382, zone 4 = 1.185. Verified by extracting every zone/rating pair from the PDF text."
  },
  "certificate_formula": "certificates = kW x zone rating x deeming years, rounded down; value = certificates x price",
  "upper_kw": 1000,
  "small_scale_threshold_kw": 100,
  "upper_note": "Verified on the CER. Standard small-scale solar PV remains up to 100 kW with the declining deeming period. From 1 October 2026 the SRES also covers 'mid-scale' solar PV from 100 kW to 1 MW with a fixed 5-year deeming period; STC applications for mid-scale systems do not open until mid to late November 2026. Quote (CER Mid-scale solar page, last updated 7 October 2026): 'The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 have been amended to expand eligibility for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) from 100 kW to 1 MW. These changes apply to eligible mid-scale solar systems installed from 1 October 2026.' and 'eligible mid-scale solar systems (100 kW to 1 MW) will have the benefit of a fixed 5-year deeming period.' Residential calculators should keep using 100 kW as the small-scale threshold; the 1 MW limit only matters for commercial systems.",
  "zones_note": "Zones are read per postcode from the Clean Energy Regulator postcode zone table (as of 1 January 2020): Zone 1 (1.622) covers inland far north areas such as Alice Springs; Zone 2 (1.536) Darwin, Broome and inland Queensland, SA and WA; Zone 3 (1.382) Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Cairns, Townsville and most of the coast; Zone 4 (1.185) Melbourne, Hobart and southern Victoria. City pages use the centre postcode; suburb pages use their own postcode.",
  "source_urls": [
   "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates",
   "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates/calculate-small-scale-technology-certificate-entitlements",
   "https://cer.gov.au/document/postcode-zone-ratings-and-zones-solar-panel-systems",
   "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-renewable-energy-systems/mid-scale-solar",
   "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates/buy-and-sell-small-scale-technology-certificates",
   "https://www.ecovantage.com.au/energy-certificate-market-update/",
   "https://www.demandmanager.com.au/graphs/new_prices.php"
  ],
  "zone_table_source": {
   "name": "Clean Energy Regulator, 'Postcode zone ratings and zones for solar (photovoltaic) systems', as of 1 January 2020",
   "url": "https://cer.gov.au/document/postcode-zone-ratings-and-zones-solar-panel-systems",
   "fetched": "2026-10-27",
   "format": "PDF, 8 pages, 137 postcode ranges in Table 1",
   "sha256": "58cd05502692011b22b314f48be673e80a74e7775d569aa2989a956968dc72e3",
   "licence": "CC BY 4.0. Based on Clean Energy Regulator material licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence.",
   "legislation": "https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2019L01528/latest/text"
  }
 },
 "battery_rebate": {
  "name": "Cheaper Home Batteries Program",
  "status": "open",
  "stc_factor_per_kwh": 6.8,
  "factor_period": "1 May 2026 to 31 December 2026",
  "per_kwh": 265.2,
  "per_kwh_note": "derived: factor x STC price assumption; applies to the first 14 kWh usable only",
  "tiers": [
   [
    14,
    1.0
   ],
   [
    28,
    0.6
   ],
   [
    50,
    0.15
   ]
  ],
  "tiers_rule": "eligible kWh = 100% of usable capacity up to 14 kWh, plus 60% of capacity between 14 and 28 kWh, plus 15% between 28 and 50 kWh; nothing above 50 kWh",
  "tiers_source_quote": "From 0 kWh up to 14 kWh (inclusive): STC factor applied at 100%. Every kWh greater than 14 and up to 28 kWh (inclusive): STC factor applied at 60%. Every kWh greater than 28 and up to 50 kWh (inclusive): STC factor applied at 15%. (CER Solar batteries page). Regulations wording: Tier 1 up to and including 14 kWh 100% of STC factor; Tier 2 >14 kWh up to and including 28 kWh 60%; Tier 3 >28 kWh up to and including 50 kWh 15%.",
  "min_kwh": 5,
  "max_kwh": 100,
  "eligibility_note": "One eligible battery per premises ('Only one solar battery system is eligible for STCs per premises'; one per NMI or commercial sub-meter if grid connected, one per dwelling if off-grid). Battery must be new, installed with a new or existing solar PV system of no more than 100 kW, on the CEC approved battery list, installed by an SAA accredited installer with battery endorsement, and the inverter it connects to must be VPP-capable if grid connected (or within 1 km of the grid for off-grid). Available to households, small businesses and community facilities; the discount is delivered as an upfront reduction via STCs assigned to the installer. No income test, no property value cap. The CER says the factor 'equates to around a 30% discount on the upfront cost'.",
  "next_step_down": "2027-01-01",
  "next_step_down_factor": 5.7,
  "factor_by_period": {
   "2026-01-01 to 2026-04-30": 8.4,
   "2026-05-01 to 2026-12-31": 6.8,
   "2027-01-01 to 2027-06-30": 5.7,
   "2027-07-01 to 2027-12-31": 5.2,
   "2028-01-01 to 2028-06-30": 4.6,
   "2028-07-01 to 2028-12-31": 4.1,
   "2029-01-01 to 2029-06-30": 3.6,
   "2029-07-01 to 2029-12-31": 3.1,
   "2030-01-01 to 2030-06-30": 2.6,
   "2030-07-01 to 2030-12-31": 2.1
  },
  "examples": {
   "10": {
    "usable_kwh": 10,
    "eligible_kwh": 10.0,
    "stcs": 68,
    "value": 2652
   },
   "13.5": {
    "usable_kwh": 13.5,
    "eligible_kwh": 13.5,
    "stcs": 91,
    "value": 3549
   },
   "14": {
    "usable_kwh": 14,
    "eligible_kwh": 14.0,
    "stcs": 95,
    "value": 3705
   },
   "20": {
    "usable_kwh": 20,
    "eligible_kwh": 17.6,
    "stcs": 119,
    "value": 4641
   },
   "28": {
    "usable_kwh": 28,
    "eligible_kwh": 22.4,
    "stcs": 152,
    "value": 5928
   }
  },
  "examples_from_2027": {
   "10": {
    "usable_kwh": 10,
    "eligible_kwh": 10.0,
    "stcs": 57,
    "value": 2223
   },
   "14": {
    "usable_kwh": 14,
    "eligible_kwh": 14.0,
    "stcs": 79,
    "value": 3081
   },
   "20": {
    "usable_kwh": 20,
    "eligible_kwh": 17.6,
    "stcs": 100,
    "value": 3900
   }
  },
  "source_urls": [
   "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-renewable-energy-systems/solar-batteries",
   "https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00093/asmade/2026-02-09/es/original/pdf",
   "https://www.rec-registry.gov.au/rec-registry/app/calculators/sgu-stc-calculator"
  ]
 },
 "city_prices": {
  "adelaide": {
   "3": {
    "standard": 3610,
    "premium": 4350,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "4": {
    "standard": 4060,
    "premium": 4970,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "5": {
    "standard": 4740,
    "premium": 5860,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6": {
    "standard": 5320,
    "premium": 6550,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "7": {
    "standard": 6140,
    "premium": 7510,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "10": {
    "standard": 8360,
    "premium": 10010,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6.6": {
    "standard": 5812,
    "premium": 7126,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 6 kW and 7 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "8": {
    "standard": 6880,
    "premium": 8343,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 7 kW and 10 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "13": {
    "standard": 11011,
    "premium": 13185,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 13 kW"
   },
   "20": {
    "standard": 17198,
    "premium": 20592,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 20 kW"
   }
  },
  "brisbane": {
   "3": {
    "standard": 4120,
    "premium": 4920,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "4": {
    "standard": 4870,
    "premium": 5770,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "5": {
    "standard": 5550,
    "premium": 6600,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6": {
    "standard": 6210,
    "premium": 7390,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "7": {
    "standard": 7120,
    "premium": 8440,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "10": {
    "standard": 9460,
    "premium": 11210,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6.6": {
    "standard": 6756,
    "premium": 8020,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 6 kW and 7 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "8": {
    "standard": 7900,
    "premium": 9363,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 7 kW and 10 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "13": {
    "standard": 11985,
    "premium": 14202,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 13 kW"
   },
   "20": {
    "standard": 17876,
    "premium": 21183,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 20 kW"
   }
  },
  "canberra": {
   "3": {
    "standard": 4030,
    "premium": 4740,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "4": {
    "standard": 4570,
    "premium": 5520,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "5": {
    "standard": 5120,
    "premium": 6150,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6": {
    "standard": 5700,
    "premium": 6920,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "7": {
    "standard": 6440,
    "premium": 7570,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "10": {
    "standard": 8340,
    "premium": 10100,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6.6": {
    "standard": 6144,
    "premium": 7310,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 6 kW and 7 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "8": {
    "standard": 7073,
    "premium": 8413,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 7 kW and 10 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "13": {
    "standard": 11068,
    "premium": 13403,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 13 kW"
   },
   "20": {
    "standard": 17433,
    "premium": 21112,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 20 kW"
   }
  },
  "darwin": {
   "3": {
    "standard": 6250,
    "premium": 7050,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "4": {
    "standard": 7830,
    "premium": 9040,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "5": {
    "standard": 8470,
    "premium": 9950,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6": {
    "standard": 9890,
    "premium": 11630,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "7": {
    "standard": 10490,
    "premium": 12680,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "10": {
    "standard": 14930,
    "premium": 18250,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6.6": {
    "standard": 10250,
    "premium": 12260,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 6 kW and 7 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "8": {
    "standard": 11970,
    "premium": 14537,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 7 kW and 10 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "13": {
    "standard": 18970,
    "premium": 23189,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (national, August 2026); no residential index exists at 13 kW"
   },
   "20": {
    "standard": 28398,
    "premium": 34713,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (national, August 2026); no residential index exists at 20 kW"
   }
  },
  "hobart": {
   "3": {
    "standard": 4310,
    "premium": 5160,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "4": {
    "standard": 5310,
    "premium": 6340,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "5": {
    "standard": 6100,
    "premium": 7230,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6": {
    "standard": 6950,
    "premium": 8250,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "7": {
    "standard": 7940,
    "premium": 9310,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "10": {
    "standard": 11460,
    "premium": 13240,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6.6": {
    "standard": 7544,
    "premium": 8886,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 6 kW and 7 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "8": {
    "standard": 9113,
    "premium": 10620,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 7 kW and 10 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "13": {
    "standard": 14039,
    "premium": 16220,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 13 kW"
   },
   "20": {
    "standard": 20057,
    "premium": 23173,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 20 kW"
   }
  },
  "melbourne": {
   "3": {
    "standard": 3980,
    "premium": 4570,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "4": {
    "standard": 4480,
    "premium": 5170,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "5": {
    "standard": 5140,
    "premium": 5970,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6": {
    "standard": 5810,
    "premium": 6730,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "7": {
    "standard": 6490,
    "premium": 7570,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "10": {
    "standard": 8920,
    "premium": 10410,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6.6": {
    "standard": 6218,
    "premium": 7234,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 6 kW and 7 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "8": {
    "standard": 7300,
    "premium": 8517,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 7 kW and 10 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "13": {
    "standard": 11050,
    "premium": 12895,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 13 kW"
   },
   "20": {
    "standard": 16019,
    "premium": 18695,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 20 kW"
   }
  },
  "sydney": {
   "3": {
    "standard": 3670,
    "premium": 4470,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "4": {
    "standard": 4270,
    "premium": 5100,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "5": {
    "standard": 4990,
    "premium": 5960,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6": {
    "standard": 5750,
    "premium": 6750,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "7": {
    "standard": 6450,
    "premium": 7640,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "10": {
    "standard": 8780,
    "premium": 10490,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6.6": {
    "standard": 6170,
    "premium": 7284,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 6 kW and 7 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "8": {
    "standard": 7227,
    "premium": 8590,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 7 kW and 10 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "13": {
    "standard": 11277,
    "premium": 13474,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 13 kW"
   },
   "20": {
    "standard": 17105,
    "premium": 20436,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 20 kW"
   }
  },
  "perth": {
   "3": {
    "standard": 3060,
    "premium": 3850,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "4": {
    "standard": 3630,
    "premium": 4460,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "5": {
    "standard": 4260,
    "premium": 5300,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6": {
    "standard": 5030,
    "premium": 6150,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "7": {
    "standard": 5470,
    "premium": 6770,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "10": {
    "standard": 8240,
    "premium": 9880,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6.6": {
    "standard": 5294,
    "premium": 6522,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 6 kW and 7 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "8": {
    "standard": 6393,
    "premium": 7807,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 7 kW and 10 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "13": {
    "standard": 10308,
    "premium": 12360,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 13 kW"
   },
   "20": {
    "standard": 15133,
    "premium": 18145,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 20 kW"
   }
  },
  "national": {
   "3": {
    "standard": 4130,
    "premium": 4890,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "4": {
    "standard": 4880,
    "premium": 5800,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "5": {
    "standard": 5550,
    "premium": 6630,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6": {
    "standard": 6330,
    "premium": 7550,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "7": {
    "standard": 7070,
    "premium": 8440,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "10": {
    "standard": 9810,
    "premium": 11700,
    "basis": "Solar Choice index, October 2026"
   },
   "6.6": {
    "standard": 6774,
    "premium": 8084,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 6 kW and 7 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "8": {
    "standard": 7983,
    "premium": 9527,
    "basis": "interpolated between the Solar Choice 7 kW and 10 kW figures (October 2026)"
   },
   "13": {
    "standard": 12465,
    "premium": 14866,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 13 kW"
   },
   "20": {
    "standard": 18659,
    "premium": 22254,
    "basis": "derived: the residential 10 kW figure scaled by the Solar Choice commercial index ratio between 10 kW and 30 kW (this city, August 2026); no residential index exists at 20 kW"
   }
  }
 },
 "city_price_basis": {
  "adelaide": {
   "source_city": "adelaide",
   "note": "Solar Choice indexes this city directly"
  },
  "brisbane": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice indexes this city directly"
  },
  "canberra": {
   "source_city": "canberra",
   "note": "Solar Choice indexes this city directly"
  },
  "darwin": {
   "source_city": "darwin",
   "note": "Solar Choice indexes this city directly"
  },
  "hobart": {
   "source_city": "hobart",
   "note": "Solar Choice indexes this city directly"
  },
  "melbourne": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice indexes this city directly"
  },
  "sydney": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice indexes this city directly"
  },
  "perth": {
   "source_city": "perth",
   "note": "Solar Choice indexes this city directly"
  },
  "gold-coast": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "sunshine-coast": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "toowoomba": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "townsville": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "cairns": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "ipswich": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "logan": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "mackay": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "rockhampton": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "bundaberg": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "hervey-bay": {
   "source_city": "brisbane",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Brisbane figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "newcastle": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "wollongong": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "central-coast": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "blacktown": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "blue-mountains": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "campbelltown": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "hunter-valley": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "liverpool": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "northern-beaches": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "parramatta": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "penrith": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "sutherland-shire": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "albury": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "ballina": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "bathurst": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "byron-bay": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "coffs-harbour": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "dubbo": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "orange": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "port-macquarie": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "tamworth": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "wagga-wagga": {
   "source_city": "sydney",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Sydney figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "geelong": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Melbourne figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "ballarat": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Melbourne figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "bendigo": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Melbourne figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "cranbourne": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Melbourne figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "frankston": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Melbourne figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "melton": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Melbourne figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "mornington-peninsula": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Melbourne figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "horsham": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Melbourne figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "mildura": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Melbourne figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "shepparton": {
   "source_city": "melbourne",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Melbourne figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "launceston": {
   "source_city": "hobart",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Hobart figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "devonport": {
   "source_city": "hobart",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Hobart figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "mount-barker": {
   "source_city": "adelaide",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Adelaide figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "bunbury": {
   "source_city": "perth",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Perth figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "mandurah": {
   "source_city": "perth",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Perth figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "rockingham": {
   "source_city": "perth",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Perth figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "fremantle": {
   "source_city": "perth",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Perth figures are shown and labelled as such"
  },
  "alice-springs": {
   "source_city": "darwin",
   "note": "Solar Choice publishes no index for this location; the Darwin figures are shown and labelled as such"
  }
 },
 "system_sizes": {
  "note": "national [standard offer, premium offer] installed after STC, GST inclusive, Solar Choice October 2026; 6.6, 8, 13, 20 kW derived as described in city_prices.national",
  "3": [
   4130,
   4890
  ],
  "4": [
   4880,
   5800
  ],
  "5": [
   5550,
   6630
  ],
  "6": [
   6330,
   7550
  ],
  "7": [
   7070,
   8440
  ],
  "10": [
   9810,
   11700
  ],
  "6.6": [
   6774,
   8084
  ],
  "8": [
   7983,
   9527
  ],
  "13": [
   12465,
   14866
  ],
  "20": [
   18659,
   22254
  ]
 },
 "city_factors": {
  "note": "standard 6 kW offer for the city divided by the national standard 6 kW offer, Solar Choice October 2026; proxy cities carry their source city factor (see city_price_basis)",
  "adelaide": 0.84,
  "brisbane": 0.981,
  "canberra": 0.9,
  "darwin": 1.562,
  "hobart": 1.098,
  "melbourne": 0.918,
  "sydney": 0.908,
  "perth": 0.795,
  "gold-coast": 0.981,
  "sunshine-coast": 0.981,
  "toowoomba": 0.981,
  "townsville": 0.981,
  "cairns": 0.981,
  "ipswich": 0.981,
  "logan": 0.981,
  "mackay": 0.981,
  "rockhampton": 0.981,
  "bundaberg": 0.981,
  "hervey-bay": 0.981,
  "newcastle": 0.908,
  "wollongong": 0.908,
  "central-coast": 0.908,
  "blacktown": 0.908,
  "blue-mountains": 0.908,
  "campbelltown": 0.908,
  "hunter-valley": 0.908,
  "liverpool": 0.908,
  "northern-beaches": 0.908,
  "parramatta": 0.908,
  "penrith": 0.908,
  "sutherland-shire": 0.908,
  "albury": 0.908,
  "ballina": 0.908,
  "bathurst": 0.908,
  "byron-bay": 0.908,
  "coffs-harbour": 0.908,
  "dubbo": 0.908,
  "orange": 0.908,
  "port-macquarie": 0.908,
  "tamworth": 0.908,
  "wagga-wagga": 0.908,
  "geelong": 0.918,
  "ballarat": 0.918,
  "bendigo": 0.918,
  "cranbourne": 0.918,
  "frankston": 0.918,
  "melton": 0.918,
  "mornington-peninsula": 0.918,
  "horsham": 0.918,
  "mildura": 0.918,
  "shepparton": 0.918,
  "launceston": 1.098,
  "devonport": 1.098,
  "mount-barker": 0.84,
  "bunbury": 0.795,
  "mandurah": 0.795,
  "rockingham": 0.795,
  "fremantle": 0.795,
  "alice-springs": 1.562,
  "regional_default": 1.0
 },
 "price_per_watt": {
  "standard": 1.03,
  "premium": 1.22,
  "note": "installed $/W after STCs, national 6.6 kW (derived from Solar Choice October 2026)",
  "floor_zone3": 0.49,
  "floor_note": "component cost floor, see pricing-additions.json too_cheap_floor"
 },
 "states": {
  "NSW": {
   "name": "New South Wales",
   "sun_hours": 4.6,
   "elec_c": 34,
   "fit_c": 4.0,
   "fit_note": "retailer-set, median ~3c, best 12c",
   "zone_default": 3,
   "capital": "sydney",
   "cost_66": [
    6170,
    7284
   ],
   "cost_66_note": "capital city (sydney) 6.6 kW standard and premium offers, Solar Choice October 2026, interpolated between 6 and 7 kW",
   "scheme_short": "the NSW Home Energy Saver zero-interest loan of $2,000 to $15,000 and the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme incentive for connecting a battery to a virtual power plant",
   "scheme_long": "New South Wales has no rebate on solar panels. The Home Energy Saver scheme offers a zero-interest loan of $2,000 to $15,000 over ten years for households with income up to $210,000, and a discount of up to $4,000 for lower-income households that was still listed as coming soon on 27 October 2026. The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme battery installation discount was suspended on 1 July 2025; the incentive for connecting a battery to a virtual power plant continues, with the value set by the VPP provider.",
   "schemes_detail": {
    "schemes": [
     {
      "name": "Peak Demand Reduction Scheme: residential battery installation incentive (BESS1)",
      "type": "incentive",
      "status": "closed",
      "amount": null,
      "eligibility_note": "The NSW battery installation discount for home and business owners was suspended from 1 July 2025 because the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides a larger discount, and PDRS rules do not allow incentives for batteries that create STCs. A separate NSW business battery discount starts 1 September 2026 for batteries up to 50 kWh (BESS4, see VPP page). Households use the federal program instead.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "rental",
       "business"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/install-battery",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 ('Updated July 01, 2026'): 'Battery discount update. This NSW battery installation discount is no longer available for home and business owners.' 'The NSW Government's battery installation discount is being suspended as the Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program is providing a larger battery discount from 1 July 2025.' 'The current rules of the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme do not allow incentives for battery installations that generate certificates under the Australian Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).' The official BESS1 fact sheet PDFs on energysustainabilityschemes.nsw.gov.au could not be downloaded (HTTP 503 / connection reset)."
     },
     {
      "name": "Peak Demand Reduction Scheme: virtual power plant (VPP) connection incentive (BESS2)",
      "type": "incentive",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": null,
      "eligibility_note": "Upfront payment (or instalments or bill credit) from a VPP provider for connecting a battery of more than 2 kWh and up to 50 kWh (eligibility widened to 50 kWh from 1 July 2026); the incentive depends on usable capacity made available to the grid up to 28 kWh; claimable once per NMI; cannot be claimed again by households who claimed between 1 November 2024 and 30 June 2025; not available off-grid or for apartment-building batteries; can be combined with the federal Cheaper Home Batteries discount and the NSW business battery discount from 1 September 2026; dollar value set by each VPP provider and not published by government.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "rental",
       "business"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates/household-energy-saving-upgrades/virtual-power-plant-vpp-incentive",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 ('Updated August 31, 2026'): 'From 1 July 2026, batteries with capacity up to 50 kWh are eligible for this incentive.' 'The upfront incentive you receive depends on the battery capacity in kilowatt-hours (kWh) made available to the grid, up to 28 kWh.' 'The incentive can be claimed once per National Metering Identifier (NMI)'. 'All households and small businesses in NSW with batteries may be eligible'. 'The following NSW Government battery discounts can be combined with this virtual power plant incentive: business battery discount from 1 September 2026 for batteries up to 50 kWh; home battery discount before 1 July 2025.' No dollar figure is given anywhere on the page, so amount is null."
     },
     {
      "name": "Home Energy Saver: zero-interest loan",
      "type": "loan",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": "Zero-interest loan of at least $2,000 and up to $15,000 per property, repayable over up to 10 years, for rooftop solar, batteries, insulation, heating and cooling and other eligible upgrades",
      "eligibility_note": "Homeowners and landlords; loans delivered by participating finance providers who assess eligibility from the owners' Notice of Tax Assessment; can be combined with federal incentives; strata properties eligible with owners corporation consent.",
      "income_test": "Combined taxable household income of up to $210,000 a year",
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "rental (landlord)"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-and-schemes/home-energy-saver",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 ('Updated August 07, 2026'): 'Loan. Applications open now.' 'Homeowners and landlords with a combined taxable household income of up to $210,000 a year.' 'a zero-interest loan up to a maximum of $15,000, repayable over up to 10 years.' 'Home Energy Saver loans are open for applications.'"
     },
     {
      "name": "Home Energy Saver: discount",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": "waitlist",
      "amount": "Up to $4,000 off the cost of eligible energy saving upgrades (one discount per household; minimum customer contribution $200 or 10% of cost above $4,000)",
      "eligibility_note": "Homeowners and renters (renters need landlord approval); delivered only through the discount provider Creditex, which issues the quote; can be combined with other government incentives and with a Home Energy Saver loan for the balance.",
      "income_test": "Combined gross household income of up to $80,000 a year, or an eligible concession card",
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "rental"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-and-schemes/home-energy-saver",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 ('Updated August 07, 2026'): 'Discount. Discount applications coming soon.' 'Homeowners and renters with a combined gross household income of up to $80,000 a year or an eligible concession card.' 'discounts up to $4,000 off the cost of eligible upgrades'. 'Applications for Home Energy Saver discounts are coming soon.' Status recorded as waitlist because applications are not yet open and the page invites sign-up for notification."
     },
     {
      "name": "Energy Savings Scheme: hot water upgrade incentive",
      "type": "incentive",
      "status": null,
      "amount": null,
      "eligibility_note": "Linked from the Home Energy Saver page as a related incentive (heat pump hot water discounts via accredited providers).",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "rental",
       "business"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-and-schemes/home-energy-saver",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "NOT VERIFIED on 27 October 2026: only seen as a link title ('Hot water upgrade incentive') on the Home Energy Saver page; the incentive page itself was not read, so status and amount are null."
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  "VIC": {
   "name": "Victoria",
   "sun_hours": 4.0,
   "elec_c": 29,
   "fit_c": 3.0,
   "fit_note": "deregulated; no minimum",
   "zone_default": 4,
   "capital": "melbourne",
   "cost_66": [
    6218,
    7234
   ],
   "cost_66_note": "capital city (melbourne) 6.6 kW standard and premium offers, Solar Choice October 2026, interpolated between 6 and 7 kW",
   "scheme_short": "Solar Victoria's $1,400 solar panel rebate, open to new applicants in monthly allocations until 30 June 2027, with an optional interest-free loan of up to $1,400",
   "scheme_long": "Victoria's Solar Homes Program still pays a rebate of up to $1,400 on a solar panel system for owner-occupiers with a combined household income under $150,000 and a home valued under $3 million, released in monthly allocations. You can add an interest-free loan of up to $1,400. The program runs in its current form until 30 June 2027, when support moves into the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. Rental properties have their own $1,400 stream. Checked at solar.vic.gov.au on 27 October 2026.",
   "schemes_detail": {
    "_priority_answer": {
     "question": "Is the Solar Victoria $1,400 solar panel (PV) rebate still open to new applicants on 27 October 2026?",
     "answer": "YES, open. It is not closed and not limited to low income or rental streams. It is available to owner-occupiers (income under $150,000, property under $3 million), homes under construction and rental properties, released in monthly allocations, and will close on 30 June 2027 when household solar PV support moves into the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.",
     "quotes": [
      {
       "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-panel-rebate",
       "text": "Solar panel rebates plus the option of an interest-free loan are available for eligible Victorians households. Solar panel (PV) rebates remaining this release: Last updated 27 October 2026, 11:17am"
      },
      {
       "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-panel-rebate",
       "text": "Eligible households can receive a rebate of up to $1,400 towards the cost of installing solar panel (PV) systems. The solar panel (PV) rebate is also available for homes under construction and rental properties. You can reduce your upfront cost further by opting-in to an interest-free loan to match the rebate amount. More rebates are released each month."
      },
      {
       "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-panel-rebate",
       "text": "Changes to applying for a solar panel (PV) rebate from July 2027. The Victorian Government has announced that support for households to install solar PV will transition into the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program from 1 July 2027. Eligible households can continue to apply for the remaining solar PV rebates with the option of an interest-free loan, as detailed on this page."
      },
      {
       "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-panel-rebate",
       "text": "you are the owner-occupier of an existing property or the owner of a home under construction where the system is to be installed; combined household taxable income of all owners is less than $150,000 per year; value of the property is under $3 million (for an existing home or when construction is complete); property address has not previously received a solar panel (PV) or solar battery rebate under this program; the property address has not had a solar panel (PV) system installed in the last 10 years"
      },
      {
       "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-support-continue-through-victorian-energy-upgrades-program",
       "text": "Solar support to continue through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program (Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 9:51 am): 'On Saturday 17 October, the Victorian Government announced that support for households to install solar PV will transition' into the VEU program, with 'current program arrangements remaining in place until 30 June 2027.' 'Eligible households can continue to apply for solar PV rebates with the option of an interest-free loan'. 'Solar Victoria will continue to administer existing solar PV interest-free loans and hot water rebates.' 'Further information about the new residential solar PV activity will be shared.'"
      },
      {
       "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-homes-program-continuing-provide-targeted-assistance",
       "text": "(29 May 2026) From 1 July 2026 the combined household income cap for PV (owner occupiers and rentals) and hot water rebates drops from $210,000 to $150,000 per year. Rebate values stay the same: up to $1,400 for a solar PV system plus an equivalent interest-free loan option."
      }
     ],
     "what_the_page_did_not_say": "The number of rebates remaining in the current monthly release is shown as an image/counter that cannot be read as text, so the count is null. The page carries no closure notice, no waitlist notice, and no restriction to specific streams."
    },
    "schemes": [
     {
      "name": "Solar Homes Program: solar panel (PV) rebate",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": "Up to $1,400 (up to 50 per cent of the purchase cost, calculated after STCs and other discounts)",
      "eligibility_note": "Owner-occupier of an existing property or owner of a home under construction; property has not previously received a Solar Homes PV or battery rebate; no PV system installed at the address in the last 10 years; must use an authorised solar retailer and listed products; install within 120 days of QR code (270 days for homes under construction). Rebates are released in monthly allocations. Solstice Energy gas-network customers are exempt from the income cap. Current arrangements remain until 30 June 2027; from 1 July 2027 household solar PV support moves to the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.",
      "income_test": "Combined household taxable income of all owners less than $150,000 per year (reduced from $210,000 on 1 July 2026)",
      "property_value_cap": "Property value under $3 million",
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "home under construction"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-panel-rebate",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 (page header 'Last updated 27 October 2026, 11:17am', footer 'Updated 21 October 2026'). It says: 'Solar panel rebates plus the option of an interest-free loan are available for eligible Victorians households' and 'Eligible households can continue to apply for the remaining solar PV rebates with the option of an interest-free loan'. No closure or waitlist notice. The remaining-this-release counter is an image and could not be read.",
      "rebates_remaining_this_release": null,
      "closes": "2027-06-30",
      "successor": "Victorian Energy Upgrades residential solar PV activity from 1 July 2027 (details not yet published)"
     },
     {
      "name": "Solar Homes Program: solar panel (PV) interest-free loan",
      "type": "loan",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": "Up to $1,400 interest-free, matching the rebate; repaid monthly over 4 years ($1,400 = $29.17 per month); no collateral",
      "eligibility_note": "Offered in the PV rebate application; from 1 May 2026 you must select the loan when you apply. Paid to the retailer with the rebate; repayments begin 30 days after installation is approved. Same eligibility as the PV rebate.",
      "income_test": "As for PV rebate: combined household taxable income less than $150,000",
      "property_value_cap": "Property value under $3 million",
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "home under construction",
       "rental (landlord)"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-panel-rebate",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "PV rebate page, 27 October 2026: 'You will be offered an interest-free loan of up to $1,400 in your application. From 1 May 2026, if you opt in for the loan, you must select it when you apply (no collateral is required).' The 21 October 2026 update says Solar Victoria 'will continue to administer existing solar PV interest-free loans'. There is no separate /interest-free-loans page (404)."
     },
     {
      "name": "Solar Homes Program: solar rebates for rental properties",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": "Up to $1,400 per property plus optional interest-free loan to match (repaid over 4 years, $29.17 per month if the renter contributes nothing); up to two rental properties per landlord per financial year",
      "eligibility_note": "Rental providers (landlords) installing solar on a property they rent out; renters must have a combined household taxable income of less than $150,000 per year; same authorised retailer and product rules as the PV rebate.",
      "income_test": "Renters' combined household taxable income less than $150,000 per year (no landlord income test stated)",
      "property_value_cap": "Property value under $3 million",
      "applies_to": [
       "rental"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-rebates-rental-properties",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 ('Last updated 27 October 2026, 11:17am'; footer 'Updated 7 July 2026'). Offers 'a rebate of up to $1,400' to eligible rental providers for up to two rental properties per financial year, 'an interest-free loan to match the rebate amount', renters' income 'less than $150,000 per year', 'value of the property is under $3 million'. Counter 'Solar panel rebates for rentals remaining this release' is an image. No closure notice.",
      "rebates_remaining_this_release": null
     },
     {
      "name": "Solar Homes Program: hot water rebate",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": "Up to $1,000 for eligible heat pump and solar hot water products; up to $1,400 for a locally made eligible product",
      "eligibility_note": "Owner-occupier of an existing property; replacing an existing hot water system; homes under construction are not eligible; must use listed products and an authorised retailer. 27,000 additional hot water rebates were announced for 2026-27 (29 May 2026 update).",
      "income_test": "Combined household taxable income of all owners less than $150,000 per year",
      "property_value_cap": "Property value under $3 million",
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/hot-water-rebate",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 ('Last updated 27 October 2026, 11:17am'; footer 'Updated 20 October 2026'): 'Hot water rebates of up to $1,000 are available for eligible heat pump and solar hot water products. If you select a locally made product, you could be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,400.' Remaining-this-release counter is an image. No closure notice."
     },
     {
      "name": "Solar Homes Program: solar battery interest-free loan",
      "type": "loan",
      "status": "closed",
      "amount": "Was an interest-free loan with repayments of up to $183.34 per month over 4 years",
      "eligibility_note": "No longer accepting applications. Solar Victoria points households to the Commonwealth Cheaper Home Batteries Program (opened 1 July 2025).",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-battery-loan",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 (footer 'Updated 16 April 2026'): 'Solar Victoria is no longer taking applications for interest-free loans for the installation of a solar battery system.' and 'The Commonwealth Government's Cheaper Homes Batteries Program opened on 1 July 2025.' The 2026-27 Notice to Market (section 1 overview) repeats: 'Solar Victoria is no longer taking applications for interest-free loans for the installation of a battery system.'"
     },
     {
      "name": "Solar for Apartments Program",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": "Up to $2,800 per household (up to $140,000 per property)",
      "eligibility_note": "Owners Corporations of apartment buildings, strata townhouses and units sharing a common rooftop, 3 to 50 occupiable lots (50 to 150 lots or taller than eight storeys may apply for an exemption). Applications open until 30 June 2027 or until funding runs out. Changes announced September 2026 removed the property value cap and expanded eligibility.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": "None (property value cap removed, September 2026 changes)",
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "rental",
       "owners corporation"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-apartments",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 (footer 'Updated 15 September 2026'): 'Rebates of up to $2,800 per household for eligible apartments, units and townhouses.' 'Applications now open until Tuesday 30 June 2027.' 'New program changes announced in September 2026 to remove the property value cap and expand eligibility.' The solar.vic.gov.au home page carries a 27 October 2026 news item about expanding Solar for Apartments; its text was not loaded."
     },
     {
      "name": "Commercial and industrial solar panel (PV) discount (delivered under Victorian Energy Upgrades)",
      "type": "incentive",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": null,
      "eligibility_note": "All Victorian businesses and non-residential sites (community buildings, schools, hospitals) installing 30 kW to 200 kW systems through VEU accredited providers; larger systems use the VEU project-based activity. Discount value is set by VEU certificates and not stated on the Solar Victoria page.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "business"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/commercial-and-industrial-solar-panel-pv-discount",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 (footer 'Updated 26 August 2026'): eligible are 'All Victorian businesses and non-residential sites, such as community buildings, schools and hospitals' for systems 'between 30 and 200 kilowatts in size'. Page says the discount 'is now helping businesses save on energy costs'; no explicit open/closed line and no dollar figure, so amount is null."
     },
     {
      "name": "Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) household discounts (hot water heat pumps, heating and cooling and other products)",
      "type": "incentive",
      "status": null,
      "amount": null,
      "eligibility_note": "Certificate-based discounts delivered by accredited providers. Solar Victoria's 21 October 2026 update says households 'can continue to take up VEU discounts on energy-saving products'. From 1 July 2027 a new residential solar PV activity will sit under VEU.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "rental",
       "business"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "NOT VERIFIED on 27 October 2026: energy.vic.gov.au returned HTTP 403 to every request from this environment, so product list, amounts and status are null. Mentioned only because Solar Victoria pages reference it."
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  "QLD": {
   "name": "Queensland",
   "sun_hours": 5.2,
   "elec_c": 30,
   "fit_c": 5.0,
   "fit_note": "SEQ retailer-set (median ~3–5c); Ergon regional 6.0c regulated 2026-27",
   "zone_default": 3,
   "capital": "brisbane",
   "cost_66": [
    6756,
    8020
   ],
   "cost_66_note": "capital city (brisbane) 6.6 kW standard and premium offers, Solar Choice October 2026, interpolated between 6 and 7 kW",
   "scheme_short": "no state rebate on solar panels (Battery Booster closed in May 2024), and up to $3,500 for landlords under Supercharged Solar for Renters",
   "scheme_long": "Queensland has no state rebate for owner-occupiers installing solar panels. The Battery Booster rebate closed on 8 May 2024 and has not reopened. Landlords can claim up to $3,500 per rental property under Supercharged Solar for Renters, open since December 2025. Everyone else relies on the federal STC discount and the federal battery discount. Checked at qld.gov.au on 27 October 2026.",
   "schemes_detail": {
    "schemes": [
     {
      "name": "Battery Booster program",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": "closed",
      "amount": "Was $3,000 (combined taxable income $180,000 or less) or $4,000 (taxable income under $66,667) for a battery of 6 kWh or more with at least 5 kW of solar",
      "eligibility_note": "Closed to new conditional approval applications on 8 May 2024; no new round announced. Queensland households now use the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.",
      "income_test": "Was means tested (see amount)",
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/battery-booster-program",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "The official program page (epw.qld.gov.au / energyandclimate.qld.gov.au) could not be loaded from this environment on 27 October 2026 (bot-protection redirect to treasury.qld.gov.au). Its indexed text reads: 'The Battery Booster program closed to new conditional approval applications on 8 May 2024.' The qld.gov.au householder page is indexed as marking the program closed with 'Rebates are no longer available.' Directly verified: Queensland Government ministerial statement of 14 April 2024 (https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100109) giving the $3,000 / $4,000 amounts and eligibility. No Queensland Government page found announcing a reopening."
     },
     {
      "name": "Supercharged Solar for Renters",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": "Up to $3,500 per rental property to install rooftop solar",
      "eligibility_note": "Landlords (individual owners, not owner-occupiers) of an eligible Queensland rental (Class 1a dwelling, rented for $1,000 per week or less, individually metered, no existing solar) with a current tenancy and tenant consent; system at least 3 kW; conditional approval required before installation. Program expected to help about 6,500 households.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "rental (landlord)"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/home-energy-savings/supercharged-solar-for-renters",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 (last updated 4 March 2026): 'The Supercharged Solar for Renters program is now open.' 'The program, which opened on 12 December 2025' ... 'rebates of up to $3,500 to install solar on their rental properties.' Detailed eligibility (rent cap, 3 kW minimum) comes from the Queensland Government eligibility page and 12 December 2025 ministerial statement as indexed, not read in full."
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  "WA": {
   "name": "Western Australia",
   "sun_hours": 5.4,
   "elec_c": 33,
   "fit_c": 2.75,
   "fit_note": "DEBS: ~2c off-peak / 10c peak (3–9pm)",
   "zone_default": 3,
   "capital": "perth",
   "cost_66": [
    5294,
    6522
   ],
   "cost_66_note": "capital city (perth) 6.6 kW standard and premium offers, Solar Choice October 2026, interpolated between 6 and 7 kW",
   "scheme_short": "the WA Residential Battery Scheme rebate of up to $1,300 (Synergy) or $3,800 (Horizon Power) for a battery that joins a virtual power plant, plus a no-interest loan of up to $10,000",
   "scheme_long": "Western Australia has no rebate on solar panels. The WA Residential Battery Scheme pays up to $1,300 for Synergy customers and up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers on a battery of at least 10 kWh usable that joins a virtual power plant, on top of the federal battery discount, and offers a no-interest loan of up to $10,000 over ten years for households earning under $210,000. Checked at wa.gov.au on 27 October 2026.",
   "schemes_detail": {
    "schemes": [
     {
      "name": "WA Residential Battery Scheme: rebate",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": "Up to $1,300 for Synergy customers; up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers (maximums based on 10 kWh of usable capacity)",
      "eligibility_note": "New approved VPP-capable battery installed by an accredited installer; must commit to participating in a Virtual Power Plant product offered by your electricity retailer; discount applied upfront by the installer; available until all planned 100,000 rebates are distributed (as of December 2025 expected to last until 2027). Page does not state owner-occupier, rental or business restrictions.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/wa-residential-battery-scheme",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 ('Last updated: 15 October 2026'): 'Applications for rebates and loans under the WA Battery Scheme are now open.' '$1,300 for Synergy customers' '$3,800 for Horizon Power customers' 'The maximum rebate amounts are based on a useable battery capacity size of 10 kWh.' 'You must also commit to participating in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) product offered by your electricity retailer'. 'The WA Residential Battery Rebate Scheme will be available until all planned 100,000 rebates have been distributed.' 'As of December 2025, it is currently expected to be available until 2027.' No per-kWh rate printed, so per_kwh is null.",
      "per_kwh_rate_aud": null,
      "vpp_required": true
     },
     {
      "name": "WA Residential Battery Scheme: no-interest loan",
      "type": "loan",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": "Up to $10,000, no interest, repayment periods up to 10 years; administered by Plenti",
      "eligibility_note": "Households taking a battery under the scheme (and solar installed alongside it); applicants are contacted by Plenti, the scheme's third-party administrator.",
      "income_test": "Combined annual household income of less than $210,000",
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/wa-residential-battery-scheme",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read 27 October 2026 ('Last updated: 15 October 2026'): 'No-interest loans will also be available for up to $10,000 to households with a combined annual income of less than $210,000.' 'If applying for a no-interest loan you will be contacted by Plenti, The Scheme's third-party administrator.' State of Energy WA news (19 May 2026) says more than 5,000 households have used the loans and the scheme is 'still open for applications'."
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  "SA": {
   "name": "South Australia",
   "sun_hours": 5.0,
   "elec_c": 40,
   "fit_c": 3.0,
   "fit_note": "retailer-set; export caps common",
   "zone_default": 3,
   "capital": "adelaide",
   "cost_66": [
    5812,
    7126
   ],
   "cost_66_note": "capital city (adelaide) 6.6 kW standard and premium offers, Solar Choice October 2026, interpolated between 6 and 7 kW",
   "scheme_short": "no open state scheme (the Home Battery Scheme is closed), so installs rely on the federal STC and battery discounts",
   "scheme_long": "South Australia has no open state rebate or loan for solar or batteries. The Home Battery Scheme is closed, and the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme lists no battery or VPP activity with a published dollar value. South Australian installs run on the federal STC discount and the federal battery discount, and pay back quickly because grid power here costs more than in any other state. Checked on 27 October 2026.",
   "schemes_detail": {
    "schemes": [
     {
      "name": "Home Battery Scheme",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": "closed",
      "amount": null,
      "eligibility_note": "The South Australian Home Battery Scheme (subsidy plus low-interest loan) is no longer offered; the Department for Energy and Mining 'Solar and batteries' consumer page lists no household battery or solar rebate.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/consumers/solar-and-batteries",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "The energymining.sa.gov.au site blocks direct requests (Cloudflare challenge). The 'Solar and batteries' page was read via a reader proxy on 27 October 2026: it describes only the Tesla/Energy Locals Virtual Power Plant ('With the support of the Government of South Australia', published 8 April 2022) and Dynamic Exports; it lists no Home Battery Scheme, rebate or loan. Closure date could not be read from a government page, so the amount is null."
     },
     {
      "name": "Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS): battery / VPP connection activity",
      "type": "incentive",
      "status": null,
      "amount": null,
      "eligibility_note": "REPS obliges large energy retailers to deliver approved energy productivity activities; third-party sites describe a retailer-delivered VPP connection incentive, but no government page stating the activity, dollar value or priority-group rules could be loaded.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "rental"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.escosa.sa.gov.au/industry/reps",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "ESCOSA REPS page read 27 October 2026: 'Through the REPS, obliged energy retailers support the delivery of approved energy productivity activities.' It names lighting, insulation, energy efficient appliances and 'other approved technologies'; it does not mention batteries, virtual power plants or dollar amounts. The energymining.sa.gov.au REPS page and ESCOSA activity pages returned 403/404. Status, amount and eligibility are therefore null; do not publish a REPS dollar figure from installer sites."
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  "TAS": {
   "name": "Tasmania",
   "sun_hours": 3.6,
   "elec_c": 30,
   "fit_c": 9.28,
   "fit_note": "Aurora regulated minimum 9.276c (2026-27), highest in Australia",
   "zone_default": 4,
   "capital": "hobart",
   "cost_66": [
    7544,
    8886
   ],
   "cost_66_note": "capital city (hobart) 6.6 kW standard and premium offers, Solar Choice October 2026, interpolated between 6 and 7 kW",
   "scheme_short": "no state rebate or loan (the Energy Saver Loan Scheme closed on 1 September 2025), but Aurora's regulated minimum feed-in tariff of 9.276c/kWh is the highest in Australia",
   "scheme_long": "Tasmania has lower sun hours, but Aurora's regulated minimum feed-in tariff of 9.276c/kWh for 2026-27 is the highest in the country, so exported solar is worth more here than anywhere else. There is no state solar rebate or loan: the interest-free Energy Saver Loan Scheme closed on 1 September 2025 when its funding ran out, so Tasmanian installs rely on the federal STC and battery discounts. Checked at recfit.tas.gov.au on 27 October 2026.",
   "schemes_detail": {
    "schemes": [
     {
      "name": "Energy Saver Loan Scheme",
      "type": "loan",
      "status": "closed",
      "amount": "Was 0% loans of $500 to $10,000, fortnightly repayments over 1 to 3 years (Brighte)",
      "eligibility_note": "Closed 1 September 2025 after funding was exhausted; approved loans had to be settled and installed by 30 November 2025. Was available to Tasmanians for their principal place of residence, landlords with residential tenants, and small businesses and community organisations using under 150 MWh a year. No replacement Tasmanian household solar, battery or loan scheme found on recfit.tas.gov.au.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "rental (landlord)",
       "business"
      ],
      "url": "https://recfit.tas.gov.au/grants_programs/energy_saver_loan_scheme",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "recfit.tas.gov.au blocks direct requests (Cloudflare); page read via a reader proxy on 27 October 2026: 'The Energy Saver Loan Scheme has now closed, effective Monday, 1 September 2025 at 11:59 pm.' 'Approved loan applications must be settled and installations completed by 30 November 2025.' 'Finance amount: $500 - $10,000' 'Interest rate: 0%'. No last-updated date shown."
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  "ACT": {
   "name": "the ACT",
   "sun_hours": 4.5,
   "elec_c": 27,
   "fit_c": 6.0,
   "fit_note": "ActewAGL typical",
   "zone_default": 3,
   "capital": "canberra",
   "cost_66": [
    6144,
    7310
   ],
   "cost_66_note": "capital city (canberra) 6.6 kW standard and premium offers, Solar Choice October 2026, interpolated between 6 and 7 kW",
   "scheme_short": "the Sustainable Household Scheme loan of $2,000 to $20,000 at 3 per cent interest for batteries (solar panels are no longer eligible), and Home Energy Support rebates for concession card holders",
   "scheme_long": "The ACT Sustainable Household Scheme lends $2,000 to $20,000 at 3 per cent interest over ten years for new applicants from 1 July 2026, and covers batteries but not solar panels. The Home Energy Support Program lists rebates of up to $5,000 for concession card holders who own their home (half the cost of rooftop solar up to $2,500, plus half the cost of other upgrades up to $2,500) and a $10,000 zero-interest loan; its page did not state whether applications were open on 27 October 2026. Checked at climatechoices.act.gov.au.",
   "schemes_detail": {
    "schemes": [
     {
      "name": "Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) loan",
      "type": "loan",
      "status": "open",
      "amount": "Loan of $2,000 to $20,000 for new applicants from 1 July 2026 (households approved before 1 July 2026 keep a $15,000 lifetime cap); 3% interest, no establishment or account fees, up to 10 years, no early repayment penalty; provider Brighte",
      "eligibility_note": "ACT residents who own a home (or hold a driving licence for EV loans); must attend a free Everyday Climate Choices workshop and meet Brighte lending criteria. Eligible products include household battery storage, hot water heat pumps, evacuated tube solar hot water, heating and cooling, EVs and electric cargo bikes. Rooftop solar panels are NOT eligible under the general scheme (solar loans only for concession card holders via the Home Energy Support Program). Note: this is a low-interest (3%) loan, not interest-free.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-household-scheme",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "climatechoices.act.gov.au blocks direct requests (Cloudflare); page read via a reader proxy on 27 October 2026: 'If you're eligible, you can get a loan from $2,000 to $20,000.' 3% interest, 'You can repay the loan over up to 10 years.' Households that applied before 1 July 2026 'can access a maximum of $15,000 over the life of the scheme.' 'It's open to residents of the ACT who either own a home or hold a current driving licence'. Solar panels are not on the eligible list. No last-updated date shown.",
      "interest_rate_pct": 3.0
     },
     {
      "name": "Home Energy Support Program (HESP) rebates and zero-interest loan",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": null,
      "amount": "Up to $5,000 in rebates: 50% of cost up to $2,500 for rooftop solar, plus 50% up to $2,500 for other products combined (heating and cooling, hot water heat pumps, evacuated tube solar hot water, electric cooktops and ovens, ceiling insulation); plus a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000 through the Sustainable Household Scheme",
      "eligibility_note": "Owner-occupiers in the ACT holding an Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card or Health Care Card; must attend a free Everyday Climate Choices workshop; property Unimproved Value must be at or below set thresholds (thresholds not captured). Renters not eligible. Batteries not listed.",
      "income_test": "Concession card based (Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card or Health Care Card)",
      "property_value_cap": "Unimproved Value threshold applies (figure not captured)",
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier"
      ],
      "url": "https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/hesp",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "Page read via a reader proxy on 27 October 2026: 'up to $5,000 in rebates for eligible homeowners'; 'one rebate of 50% of the total cost of the supply and installation, up to $2,500, of rooftop solar'; zero-interest loan up to $10,000; must 'own and live in the home where the product will be installed'. The page does not state whether applications are open or closed and shows no last-updated date, so status is null."
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  "NT": {
   "name": "the Northern Territory",
   "sun_hours": 5.8,
   "elec_c": 29,
   "fit_c": 9.13,
   "fit_note": "NT Govt regulated premium rate",
   "zone_default": 2,
   "capital": "darwin",
   "cost_66": [
    10250,
    12260
   ],
   "cost_66_note": "capital city (darwin) 6.6 kW standard and premium offers, Solar Choice October 2026, interpolated between 6 and 7 kW",
   "scheme_short": "no open state scheme (the Home and Business Battery Scheme closed to new grants in June 2025)",
   "scheme_long": "The Northern Territory's Home and Business Battery Scheme, which paid $400 per kWh up to $12,000, closed to new grants in June 2025 and has not reopened. Territory installs rely on the federal STC discount, worth more here than anywhere else because the NT is STC Zone 1, and the federal battery discount. Checked at nt.gov.au on 27 October 2026.",
   "schemes_detail": {
    "schemes": [
     {
      "name": "Home and Business Battery Scheme (HBBS)",
      "type": "rebate",
      "status": "closed",
      "amount": "Was $400 per kWh of usable battery capacity up to a maximum grant of $12,000",
      "eligibility_note": "Closed to new grants after reaching its $6 million allocation (announced 10 June 2025); was open to NT homeowners, businesses and not-for-profit or community organisations via GrantsNT vouchers. No 2026 round found.",
      "income_test": null,
      "property_value_cap": null,
      "applies_to": [
       "owner-occupier",
       "business"
      ],
      "url": "https://nt.gov.au/industry/business-grants-funding/home-and-business-battery-scheme",
      "date_checked": "2026-10-27",
      "verification_note": "nt.gov.au blocks direct requests (Cloudflare) so the scheme page itself could not be read. Verified instead on NT Department of Mining and Energy news (https://dme.nt.gov.au/news/2025/home-and-business-battery-scheme-grants-fully-allocated, 'Published 10 June 2025'): the scheme is 'reaching its $6 million funding allocation and is now closed to new grants' and 'Eligible HBBS applicants received a grant of $400 per kilowatt hour of useable battery system capacity up to a maximum grant of $12,000.' The federal business.gov.au listing (https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/Home-and-Business-Battery-Scheme-NT) read 27 October 2026 says 'This grant is currently closed to applications' with the same $400/kWh and $12,000 figures.",
      "per_kwh_rate_aud": 400,
      "cap_aud": 12000
     }
    ]
   }
  }
 },
 "cities": {
  "sydney": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2000",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "newcastle": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2300",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "wollongong": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2500",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "central-coast": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2250",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "blacktown": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2148",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "parramatta": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2150",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "penrith": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2750",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "sutherland-shire": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2232",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "northern-beaches": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2099",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "liverpool": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2170",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "campbelltown": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2560",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "blue-mountains": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2780",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "hunter-valley": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2320",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "albury": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2640",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "ballina": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2478",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "bathurst": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2795",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "byron-bay": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2481",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "coffs-harbour": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2450",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "dubbo": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2830",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "orange": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2800",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "port-macquarie": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2444",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "tamworth": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2340",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "wagga-wagga": {
   "state": "NSW",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2650",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "melbourne": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 4,
   "zone_postcode": "3004",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "geelong": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 4,
   "zone_postcode": "3220",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "ballarat": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "3350",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "bendigo": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "3550",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "mornington-peninsula": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 4,
   "zone_postcode": "3926",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "frankston": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 4,
   "zone_postcode": "3199",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "melton": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "3337",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "cranbourne": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 4,
   "zone_postcode": "3977",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "horsham": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "3400",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "mildura": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "3500",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "shepparton": {
   "state": "VIC",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "3630",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "brisbane": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4000",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "gold-coast": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4217",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "sunshine-coast": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4558",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "townsville": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4810",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "cairns": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4870",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "toowoomba": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4350",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "ipswich": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4305",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "logan": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4207",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "bundaberg": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4670",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "hervey-bay": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4655",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "mackay": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4740",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "rockhampton": {
   "state": "QLD",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "4700",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "adelaide": {
   "state": "SA",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "5000",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "mount-barker": {
   "state": "SA",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "5251",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "perth": {
   "state": "WA",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "6000",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "mandurah": {
   "state": "WA",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "6210",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "fremantle": {
   "state": "WA",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "6160",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "bunbury": {
   "state": "WA",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "6230",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "rockingham": {
   "state": "WA",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "6168",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "canberra": {
   "state": "ACT",
   "zone": 3,
   "zone_postcode": "2601",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "hobart": {
   "state": "TAS",
   "zone": 4,
   "zone_postcode": "7000",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "launceston": {
   "state": "TAS",
   "zone": 4,
   "zone_postcode": "7250",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "devonport": {
   "state": "TAS",
   "zone": 4,
   "zone_postcode": "7310",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "darwin": {
   "state": "NT",
   "zone": 2,
   "zone_postcode": "0800",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  },
  "alice-springs": {
   "state": "NT",
   "zone": 1,
   "zone_postcode": "0870",
   "zone_source": "CER postcode zone table at the centre postcode"
  }
 },
 "batteries": {
  "note": "installed, before the federal discount; usable kWh (Oct 2026)",
  "tesla-powerwall-3": {
   "kwh": 13.5,
   "price": [
    12000,
    15000
   ]
  },
  "sungrow-sbr": {
   "kwh": 9.6,
   "price": [
    8500,
    11000
   ],
   "per_kwh_add": 900
  },
  "enphase-iq-5p": {
   "kwh": 5.0,
   "price": [
    9000,
    11000
   ],
   "per_kwh_add": 1500
  },
  "byd-hvm": {
   "kwh": 10.2,
   "price": [
    8500,
    11000
   ]
  },
  "goodwe-lynx": {
   "kwh": 16.0,
   "price": [
    8000,
    10500
   ]
  },
  "alphaess-smile": {
   "kwh": 10.1,
   "price": [
    8000,
    10500
   ]
  },
  "solaredge-home": {
   "kwh": 9.7,
   "price": [
    9500,
    12500
   ]
  },
  "typical_10kwh_installed": [
   9500,
   12500
  ],
  "typical_13_5kwh_installed": [
   12000,
   15000
  ]
 },
 "inverters": {
  "note": "supplied+installed within a new system, residential 5–10kW",
  "fronius": [
   2000,
   3800
  ],
  "sungrow": [
   1300,
   2600
  ],
  "goodwe": [
   1200,
   2400
  ],
  "sma": [
   1900,
   3600
  ],
  "huawei": [
   1400,
   2800
  ],
  "enphase-micro": [
   2800,
   5500
  ]
 },
 "commercial": {
  "cost_per_kw_pre_stc": {
   "under_30": 1250,
   "30_100": 1050,
   "over_100": 950
  },
  "cost_per_kw": {
   "under_30": 1011,
   "30_100": 945,
   "over_100": 816
  },
  "cost_note": "cost_per_kw after STCs from the Solar Choice commercial index national averages (10 kW, 30 kW, 100 kW), August 2026; cost_per_kw_pre_stc kept from the live file for the commercial scorecard",
  "lgc_price": 8,
  "lgc_note": "LGC spot ~$8/MWh (Sep 2026) and only systems >1MW create LGCs from 1 Oct 2026, treat as nil for rooftop",
  "stc_upper_kw": 1000,
  "export_c": 5.5,
  "business_elec_c": {
   "NSW": 28,
   "VIC": 24,
   "QLD": 25,
   "SA": 33,
   "WA": 28,
   "TAS": 23,
   "ACT": 22,
   "NT": 24
  },
  "demand_charge_note": "network demand charges add 20–40% once a site is on a demand tariff",
  "solar_choice_aug_2026_after_stc": {
   "adelaide": {
    "10": 9010,
    "30": 28060,
    "50": 49180,
    "70": 65990,
    "100": 83900
   },
   "brisbane": {
    "10": 9880,
    "30": 27460,
    "50": 46140,
    "70": 64400,
    "100": 85170
   },
   "canberra": {
    "10": 9860,
    "30": 31360,
    "50": 47330,
    "70": 61100,
    "100": 81650
   },
   "hobart": {
    "10": 11870,
    "30": 29680,
    "50": 44480,
    "70": 60910,
    "100": 70730
   },
   "melbourne": {
    "10": 10090,
    "30": 26150,
    "50": 47090,
    "70": 62180,
    "100": 77310
   },
   "sydney": {
    "10": 9640,
    "30": 27920,
    "50": 49480,
    "70": 62910,
    "100": 88850
   },
   "perth": {
    "10": 10400,
    "30": 27800,
    "50": 53400,
    "70": 67950,
    "100": 83410
   },
   "all": {
    "10": 10110,
    "30": 28350,
    "50": 48160,
    "70": 63630,
    "100": 81570
   }
  }
 },
 "irradiance_ref": "see irradiance.json for BoM monthly exposure and PV yield by city",
 "sources": {
  "residential_prices": {
   "name": "Solar Choice Price Index, October 2026 (standard and premium tables dated 1 October 2026)",
   "url": "https://www.solarchoice.net.au/solar-panels/solar-power-system-prices/",
   "fetched": "2026-10-27",
   "basis": "installer offers on the Solar Choice platform, after STC, GST inclusive; not homeowner quotes"
  },
  "commercial_prices": {
   "name": "Solar Choice commercial index, August 2026",
   "url": "https://www.solarchoice.net.au/solar-panels/solar-power-system-prices/",
   "fetched": "2026-10-27"
  },
  "stc": {
   "name": "CER zone ratings and deeming periods; Ecovantage and Demand Manager spot prices",
   "urls": [
    "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates",
    "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates/calculate-small-scale-technology-certificate-entitlements",
    "https://cer.gov.au/document/postcode-zone-ratings-and-zones-solar-panel-systems",
    "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-renewable-energy-systems/mid-scale-solar",
    "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates/buy-and-sell-small-scale-technology-certificates",
    "https://www.ecovantage.com.au/energy-certificate-market-update/",
    "https://www.demandmanager.com.au/graphs/new_prices.php"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-10-27"
  },
  "battery_rebate": {
   "name": "Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CER and DCCEEW)",
   "urls": [
    "https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-renewable-energy-systems/solar-batteries",
    "https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00093/asmade/2026-02-09/es/original/pdf",
    "https://www.rec-registry.gov.au/rec-registry/app/calculators/sgu-stc-calculator"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-10-27"
  },
  "state_schemes": {
   "name": "each state scheme verified on its government site, see states.*.schemes_detail",
   "checked": "2026-10-27"
  },
  "electricity": "AER DMO 2026-27 (NSW −3.4 to −5%, SE QLD −7.2%, SA +1.4%); ESC VDO 2026-27 residential −5% ($1,591/yr at 4,000kWh), small business −6%; Synergy A1, Aurora, ActewAGL, Jacana regulated tariffs",
  "feed_in": "AER plan data via WhySolar 15 Oct 2026: median flat residential FiT across NEM states 3c/kWh, best 12c; TAS OTTER minimum 9.276c (2026-27); Ergon regional QLD 6.006c; WA DEBS 2c off-peak / 10c 3–9pm",
  "lgc": "Northmore Gordon Sep 2026: LGC spot $7.10–$8.40, closed $7.85, oversupplied; no longer a material revenue line for mid-scale rooftop",
  "batteries": "Gridly Jul 2026 + supply price list: Powerwall 3 installed $12,000–$15,000 pre-rebate; supply $/kWh GoodWe ESA $331, BYD HVS $539, Sungrow SBR $656, Powerwall 3 $667, Enphase IQ 5P $1,640",
  "tariff_note": "electricity and feed-in figures carried from the 19 October 2026 pricing file; re-verify at the November review"
 },
 "component_floor_66": {
  "zone3_after_stc": 3222,
  "zone4_after_stc": 3472,
  "before_stc_zone3": 4976.62,
  "before_stc_zone4": 4992.79,
  "note": "lowest sourced ex GST hardware, award labour and unavoidable compliance for 6.6 kW on a single storey tin roof, plus GST, less STCs at the site price; excludes balance of system, overheads, warranty provision and margin. Components and sources in pricing-additions.json too_cheap_floor."
 }
}