Solar Rebates in Australia 2026: Government Incentives, Battery Discounts and Eligibility
Every Australian home can access federal discounts on solar panels and batteries, and some states add more. Here is what is available in 2026, who qualifies, and how to claim it.
Yes, solar rebates are still available in 2026. There are two federal discounts, one for solar panels (STCs) and one for home batteries (Cheaper Home Batteries Program). Both are applied as an upfront discount on your quote, and both reduce over time, so the sooner you install, the more you can capture. Some states add extra support on top.
A "solar rebate" in Australia is usually not a cheque from the government. It is a discount built into your quote through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which your installer claims on your behalf. State schemes, where they exist, are separate and have their own eligibility rules.
Federal solar rebate: the SRES and STCs
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), part of the Renewable Energy Target, creates STCs for eligible rooftop solar systems up to 100 kW. The number of STCs depends on your system size, your location and how many years of the scheme remain.
- Bigger system, bigger rebate. STCs are calculated on the kW size of your system.
- Location matters. Queensland and the NT receive more STCs per kW than Victoria or Tasmania.
- STC price varies. Your installer applies the current market price of STCs to your quote.
- It falls every year. Because the deeming period shortens, a system installed later in the scheme earns fewer STCs.
Rebate dollar amounts depend on your postcode, system size and the STC price on the day. Ask your installer to show the STC discount as a separate line on your quote.
Battery discount: Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Since 1 July 2025, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program has given households and small businesses an upfront discount on eligible home batteries, also through STCs. It applies to new solar and battery installs and to batteries added to existing solar.
| Detail | How it works in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Who can claim | Homeowners, and small businesses, with an eligible battery installed by an accredited installer |
| Battery size | Batteries up to 100 kWh are eligible, but STCs are only created up to 50 kWh |
| Since 1 May 2026 | Tiered: smaller batteries get the full discount, larger batteries get a lower discount as size increases |
| Over time | The discount now steps down more often to reflect falling battery prices |
| How you receive it | Deducted by your installer from the quote, so you only pay the net cost |
Because the discount depends on battery size and install date, a larger battery does not always mean a better deal. See our guide on whether a solar battery is worth it for a full cost and payback breakdown.
State and territory incentives
Federal rebates apply everywhere. State schemes change often and some have closed, so always confirm on the official state website before you buy.
| State | What has been reported for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Victoria | Solar Homes rebate of up to $1,400 on solar panels for eligible owner-occupiers, with an income cap that tightens from 1 July 2026. The battery loan program has closed. |
| Queensland | Relies mainly on the federal rebates. Supercharged Solar for Renters offers up to $3,500 for landlords installing solar on a rental. The earlier Battery Booster program has closed. |
| Western Australia | Residential Battery Scheme adds $1,300 (Synergy customers) or $3,800 (Horizon Power customers) on top of the federal rebate, plus a no-interest loan of up to $10,000 for eligible households. |
| South Australia | The Home Battery Scheme has closed. Federal rebates apply. |
| Tasmania | No state solar or battery rebate currently. Federal rebates are the main support. |
Concession card holders may also access support through the federal Home Energy Support program, including zero-interest loans for eligible households.
State programs open, close and change eligibility without much notice. Treat this table as a guide only, and check the current rules with your state government.
Eligibility checklist
Usually required
- System designed and installed by an accredited professional
- Approved panels, inverter and battery (Clean Energy Council listed)
- Grid-connected system within STC size limits
- A new installation, not second-hand equipment
Common traps
- Quotes that do not show the rebate clearly
- Oversized batteries that earn no extra discount
- Assuming a state scheme is open when it has closed
- Waiting, while rebate values step down
How to claim your rebates
- Get a quote that lists every discount. Federal STC discount, any state rebate and the final price you pay.
- Check your installer. They must be accredited and should only promise what they can deliver.
- Confirm state eligibility. Check income, ownership and property conditions before applying.
- Let the installer handle STCs. The discount is taken off your quote, so there is no separate claim for you to file.
- Keep your paperwork. Save your contract, compliance certificate and warranty documents.
Frequently asked questions
Are federal solar rebates ending in 2026?
No. The solar rebate continues, but it reduces every year as the scheme winds down. Installing sooner generally earns more STCs than installing later.
Can I get both a solar rebate and a battery discount?
Yes. They are separate federal discounts, and they can be claimed together for a new solar and battery system, subject to eligibility.
Do I need to apply for the rebate myself?
Usually not. Your accredited installer applies the STC discount to your quote. State schemes may need a separate application, so check the rules.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
Yes. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program supports batteries added to existing solar, as long as the battery and installer are eligible.
Do business owners get rebates too?
Small businesses can access the federal STC discounts for eligible systems. Larger commercial systems have different rules, so ask for a commercial quote.
Let us work out your rebates for you
Sunrise Solutions will size your system and show every discount you qualify for on your quote.
