Home / Solar Rebates
LAST UPDATED: MARCH 2026 · DATA: CLEAN ENERGY REGULATOR & STATE GOVERNMENT SOURCES
Solar Rebates Australia 2026
Every Australian state offers solar incentives — from upfront rebates to interest-free loans. The federal STC scheme applies everywhere, and most states have additional programs on top. Here's a complete breakdown of every solar government rebate available where you live.
How STCs Work in Practice
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.
The STC system has been the backbone of Australia's solar uptake since its introduction. Over 3.4 million rooftop solar systems have been installed across the country, making Australia the global leader in per-capita solar adoption. The rebate's gradual phase-down is designed to reflect the falling cost of solar technology — but since panel prices have largely stabilised, each annual STC reduction now represents a genuine increase in the effective cost to homeowners. This is why 2026 remains one of the best years to install: the rebate is still substantial, but it won't be forever.
It's important to understand that STC values fluctuate on the open market. While the Clean Energy Regulator sets a ceiling price of $40 per STC, the spot price typically trades between $36–$40. Most installers offer a fixed STC assignment price (usually slightly below the spot rate) for simplicity, meaning you know exactly what discount you're getting at the time of quoting. Some installers offer spot-price assignment, which can be slightly better or worse depending on market timing — but the difference is usually small (under $200 for a typical system). To see how STCs affect your specific system cost, try our free solar score calculator.
Time is a factor: The STC scheme reduces the number of certificates available each year — by roughly 6.7% annually until 2030 when it ends entirely. A 6.6kW system installed in 2026 gets approximately 10% more in STCs than the same system installed in 2028. The longer you wait, the smaller the discount.
To understand how STC values translate into actual system pricing, see our Solar Panel Cost Australia 2026 guide, which includes a full price table by system size with STC discounts applied. If you're unsure which system size is right for your home, our Solar System Sizes guide helps you match your electricity usage to the optimal system — which directly affects your STC entitlement.
State & Territory Programs
NEW IN 2025
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
The federal government launched the Cheaper Home Batteries Program in August 2025. It creates additional STCs for battery installations, reducing battery costs by up to $4,000–$5,000. This is on top of any state-level battery incentives.
From May 2026, the STC calculation for batteries will change under new regulations. Check the Clean Energy Regulator website for the latest calculator.
For a full analysis of battery economics — including brand comparisons, capacity sizing, and payback calculations — read our Solar Battery Guide 2026. If you're adding a battery, you'll also need to choose the right inverter type — our Solar Inverter Guide covers hybrid vs string vs microinverter options.
Maximising Your Rebate Value
Getting the most out of available rebates requires a bit of strategy. Here are the key things to consider.
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 rebate 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.
Solar By Location
Related Guides
Solar Panel Cost Guide
Complete pricing from 5kW to 13kW with state-by-state breakdown.
Solar System Sizes
How system size affects your STC count and rebate value.
Solar Battery Guide
Battery-specific rebates and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Solar Inverter Guide
CEC-approved inverters required for STC eligibility.
Rebate FAQ
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.
Use the solar panel rebate 2026 calculator to find out exactly what rebates you're eligible for based on your postcode and situation.
Get My Solar Score ☀