Do I need to own my home to get rebates in New South Wales?

For most federal and state rebates, yes. Renters generally cannot access solar rebates directly.

New South Wales Solar Rebates & Incentives 2026

Q: What solar rebates are available in New South Wales in 2026?

New South Wales homeowners can access federal STCs ($2,000-$4,000 off) plus potential state-level programs.

Q: How do federal STCs work in New South Wales?

STCs are tradeable certificates created when you install solar. Most installers offer an upfront discount by assigning your STCs at installation.

Q: Will solar rebates decrease over time?

Yes. The federal STC scheme reduces by ~6.7% annually and ends in 2030, making 2026 an optimal time to install.

Q: How do I claim solar rebates in New South Wales?

Your installer typically handles the STC rebate at point of sale. State programs vary — use our solar score tool for specifics.

Here's a complete breakdown of every solar rebate and incentive available to New South Wales homeowners in 2026, including federal and state programs.

Federal STCs

$2,500–$4,000

Automatic point-of-sale discount based on system size and STC zone 2 rating.

Eligibility:All residential installations

Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)

Varies — typically $400–$1,000

Additional certificates that provide point-of-sale discounts through participating retailers.

Eligibility:All NSW electricity customers

Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)

Varies by product

Additional incentive for products that help reduce peak demand on the grid.

Eligibility:Eligible battery and solar systems

Cheaper Home Batteries Program (Federal)

Up to $4,000–$5,000

Federal program launched July 2025 to reduce battery costs for eligible households.

Eligibility:Means-tested — check eligibility

How STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) Work

STCs are the federal government's main incentive for residential solar. When you install solar panels, your system generates a number of certificates based on how much renewable energy it will produce over its lifetime (deemed period until 2030).

Your installer typically handles the STC process and applies the discount directly to your invoice — you don't need to do anything. The value of STCs decreases each year as the scheme winds down toward 2030, which means installing sooner means a larger discount.

Current STC price: approximately $37 per certificate.

See Your Rebate Eligibility

Get your free solar score to see exactly which rebates apply to your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What solar rebates are available in New South Wales in 2026?

New South Wales homeowners can access the federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme, which provides $2,000–$4,000 off the upfront cost depending on system size and location. Additional state-level programs may also apply — see the full breakdown above for current New South Wales incentives.

How do federal STCs work in New South Wales?

STCs are tradeable certificates created when you install a solar system. The number of STCs depends on your system size, location (STC zone), and the years remaining until 2030. Most installers offer an upfront discount by assigning your STCs to them at installation, so you don't need to trade them yourself.

Will solar rebates decrease over time?

Yes. The federal STC scheme reduces by approximately 6.7% each year and ends entirely in 2030. This means the rebate available today is the largest it will ever be. State programs can also change or expire at any time, making 2026 an optimal time to install.

Do I need to own my home to get solar rebates in New South Wales?

For most federal and state rebates, yes — you typically need to be the homeowner of the property where the system is installed. Some programs have additional requirements such as property value thresholds or income caps. Renters generally cannot access solar rebates directly.

How do I claim solar rebates in New South Wales?

In most cases, your solar installer handles the STC rebate process — the discount is applied at the point of sale. For state-specific programs, application processes vary. Use our free solar score tool to see which rebates apply to your specific situation.