Solar Rebates Australia 2026

Zone 1

QLD, WA, NT

Highest value

Zone 2

NSW, SA

High value

Zone 3

VIC, ACT

Moderate value

Zone 4

TAS

Lower value

You get a quote

Your installer includes the STC discount in your quoted price. You typically see a line item showing the STC value deducted.

You sign & install

Once you agree and the system is installed, your installer completes the STC paperwork. You sign a form assigning your STCs to them.

Installer claims STCs

Your installer sells the certificates on the open market or to a clearing house. The value was already passed to you as a lower upfront price.

You save money

Typical STC values for a 6.6kW system range from $2,800–$4,200 depending on your zone — this is real money off your purchase price.

Stack federal + state incentives

Most state programs are designed to work alongside federal STCs, not replace them. In Victoria, for example, you can get both the $1,400 Solar Homes rebate and $2,800–$4,200 in STCs on the same installation. In SA, the Home Battery Scheme stacks with both solar STCs and the new federal battery STCs.

Check eligibility before you sign

Some state rebates have income caps, property value limits, or requirements about not having existing solar. Victoria's Solar Homes program requires a household income under $210,000 and a property value under $3 million. Check the details before committing to an installer.

Install sooner rather than later

Both the federal STC scheme and many state programs are designed to wind down over time. STC values decrease annually. Victoria's Solar Homes program has a limited number of rebates per financial year. The longer you wait, the less you'll receive.

Use a CEC-accredited installer

This isn't optional — you can only claim STCs if your installer is CEC-accredited and uses approved products. But some state programs have additional requirements (like being an approved Solar Homes retailer in Victoria). Make sure your installer qualifies for all the rebates you're targeting.

Consider batteries for maximum incentives

With the new Cheaper Home Batteries Program stacking on top of state battery schemes, the total incentives for a solar + battery package can now exceed $8,000–$10,000 in some states. If you were on the fence about a battery, the rebate landscape in 2026 has never been better.

Do I apply for STCs myself?

No — your installer handles the STC process. When you sign the installation contract, you'll also sign a form assigning your STCs to the installer. They sell the certificates and pass the value on to you as a lower purchase price. This all happens automatically.

Can I get a rebate if I already have solar?

For federal STCs, yes — you can claim STCs on a new or expanded system even if you have existing panels. However, some state programs (like Victoria's Solar Homes rebate) are only available for first-time solar installations. Check the specific state program details.

What happens to rebates after 2030?

The federal STC scheme is legislated to end on 1 January 2031. After that, there will be no federal upfront discount on solar installations. State programs may continue, change, or end independently. This is why the industry expects a rush of installations in 2029–2030.

Are solar rebates means-tested?

Federal STCs have no income test — every Australian homeowner is eligible regardless of income. Some state programs do have means tests. Victoria's Solar Homes requires household income under $210,000. Other states have different thresholds or no income test at all.

Can renters access solar rebates?

Renters themselves generally can't claim solar rebates — the incentives are tied to the property owner. However, some states have programs encouraging landlords to install solar on rental properties, and the Victorian Solar Homes program includes a specific stream for rental properties.