THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY SOLAR MARKET

Solar in Australian Capital Territory 2026

The ACT has achieved 100% renewable electricity procurement for government operations — a milestone that makes the territory's energy market unique in Australia. While the ACT's grid is supplied by 100% renewable sources in aggregate, individual households still benefit financially from rooftop solar, which generates electricity directly at the point of use and reduces dependence on grid electricity.

Canberra's 4.5h peak sun hours are solid rather than exceptional — comparable to Sydney, below Queensland cities, but sufficient for strong solar economics. The ACT's electricity rates of approximately 24c/kWh are among the lowest in Australia, which means payback periods are slightly longer than in states with higher tariffs. However, Zone 2 STCs, the ACT's Sustainable Household Scheme (interest-free loans), and the territory's strong sustainability culture make solar a sound investment.

Evoenergy manages the ACT's electricity distribution network as both distributor and retailer. The ACT's compact geography means network conditions are more uniform than in larger states, and Evoenergy's processes for residential solar are well-established. The ACT government has been progressively expanding renewable energy programs through its Emissions Reduction Framework.

Grid & Network — Evoenergy

Evoenergy manages the ACT electricity network. Residential solar connections up to 10kW on single-phase are straightforward and typically connect within 4–8 weeks. Evoenergy provides an online portal for connection applications. The ACT's Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) provides interest-free loans to eligible households for solar and battery systems.

ACT Solar Rebates & Incentives 2026

ACT solar incentives 2026: (1) Federal Zone 2 STCs — worth approximately $2,800–$3,400 off a 6.6kW system. (2) ACT Sustainable Household Scheme — interest-free loans up to $15,000 for eligible ACT households installing solar, batteries, and clean energy upgrades. Check actewa.com.au for eligibility. (3) Feed-in tariff — Evoenergy's scheme pays approximately 6c/kWh for excess generation, one of the higher rates in Australia. (4) ACT government zero-interest solar loans through participating retailers. See our full ACT rebate guide for current programs.

Full ACT rebate guide →
SolarScorecard
By State NSW VIC QLD WA SA ACT TAS NT All cities →

Last updated: March 2026 · Data: Clean Energy Regulator & State Sources

Solar Panels Australian Capital Territory

The ACT averages 4.8 peak sun hours per day and has Australia's most ambitious renewable energy targets. With 100% renewable electricity already achieved, Canberrans adding solar benefit from excellent feed-in tariffs and the NextGen Battery Storage program offering $3,500 rebates.

Avg Score

75/100

Sun Hours

4.8h/day

Avg Savings

$1,500/yr

Population

460K

StateNSW VIC QLD WA SA → ACT TAS NT

National solar ranking

ACT ranks #5 of 8 states & territories

avg solar score /100
NT
90
WA
85
QLD
82
SA
80
NSW
76
ACT
75
VIC
72
TAS
68

Australian Capital Territory solar cities

Browse by City

1 city
CanberraA-
12 suburbs tracked

Highest rated in ACT

Top Rated Suburbs

View all ↓
BelconnenA-
2617 · Canberra
CaseyA-
2913 · Canberra
GungahlinA-
2912 · Canberra
HarrisonA-
2914 · Canberra
KaleenA-
2617 · Canberra
MolongloA-
2611 · Canberra

ACT solar incentives 2026

Up to $3,500 off your solar system

The ACT NextGen Battery Storage program provides up to $3,500 rebate on battery storage systems installed with solar. Combined with federal STCs worth up to $2,400 on a 6.6kW system, ACT households can access significant upfront savings.

ACT Rebate Guide →

Solar in the ACT: Key Facts

4.8 peak sun hours/day — more sun than Sydney and Melbourne
ACT NextGen Battery Storage: up to $3,500 rebate on home batteries
100% renewable electricity target already achieved by the ACT government
Feed-in tariff: 7.5c/kWh — strong returns on excess solar exported
Over 40,000 ACT households (25%+) already have rooftop solar installed
Savings Calculator6.6kW System GuideBattery GuideHow It Works

Get Your ACT Solar Score

Free personalised analysis in 60 seconds — no phone calls, no spam.

GET MY SOLAR SCORE — ACT ✦

Find Your ACT Suburb

12 suburbs — solar grade on every card

ACT Solar by City

1 city with detailed suburb guides

Canberra
12 suburbs

Solar in ACT: Key Facts

4.8 peak sun hours/day — more than Sydney despite altitude
NextGen Battery Rebate: up to $3,500 for solar + storage
Sustainable Household Scheme: interest-free loans for solar
ACT targets 100% renewable electricity — solar exports go green
ActewAGL feed-in tariff + time-of-use pricing rewards solar export

ACT Solar Rebates 2026

The ACT's Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) offers interest-free loans and the NextGen Energy Storage Rebate provides up to $3,500 toward battery storage paired with solar. Federal STCs (Zone 4, ~$1,500–$2,000 off a 6.6kW system) apply. The ACT has 100% renewable electricity procurement policy, and solar owners benefit from ActewAGL's competitive feed-in tariff and a uniquely solar-literate grid.

See our full solar rebates guide for current scheme details and eligibility requirements.

Solar Panel Costs in ACT 2026

SystemInstalled CostAnnual SavingPayback
3kW$3,000–$4,200$800–$900/yr4–5 yrs yrs
5kW$4,500–$6,200$1,200–$1,400/yr4–5 yrs yrs
6.6kW$5,500–$7,800$1,500–$1,700/yr4–6 yrs yrs
10kW$8,000–$11,000$2,000–$2,300/yr4–5 yrs yrs

After STC rebates. Prices vary by installer and product quality.

ACT Solar FAQs

How much do solar panels cost in the ACT?

A 6.6kW system costs $5,500–$7,800 in Canberra after STCs. Interest-free loans via the Sustainable Household Scheme can reduce upfront cost to near zero.

What solar rebates are available in the ACT?

Federal STCs (~$1,500–$2,000 off), the Sustainable Household Scheme interest-free loan, and up to $3,500 NextGen Battery rebate when adding storage.

Is solar worth it in the ACT?

Yes — Canberra's 4.8h peak sun hours and electricity rates around 26c/kWh deliver typical savings of $1,500/year. The ACT's renewable-first grid also means low-carbon exports.