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

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

South Australia Solar Rebates & Incentives 2026

Q: What solar rebates are available in South Australia in 2026?

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

Q: How do federal STCs work in South Australia?

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 South Australia?

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 South Australia homeowners in 2026, including federal and state programs.

Federal STCs

$2,800–$4,200

Zone 2 STC rating provides strong upfront discounts.

Eligibility:All residential installations

SA Home Battery Scheme

Up to $2,000–$4,000

Subsidy for home battery installations. Can be combined with federal STCs for panels.

Eligibility:SA homeowners installing approved battery systems

Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)

Varies

Additional support for energy efficiency upgrades including solar for eligible households.

Eligibility:Priority households (concession holders)

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 South Australia in 2026?

South Australia 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 South Australia incentives.

How do federal STCs work in South Australia?

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 South Australia?

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 South Australia?

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.