Solar power and solar battery rebates and incentives
Are you thinking about switching to solar energy but not quite sure if renewables are even an option for your budget? You’re not alone—many Australian households and businesses shy away from exploring solar and battery options because of assumed costs. What is often missed, though, are solar power rebates and incentives that many Australians are eligible for. These reduce the upfront costs, making the switch to solar power and batteries more accessible and helping you reap long-term savings sooner.
Federal solar rebates: capitalising on our Australian sun
The federal government initiatives are designed to support a nationwide transition to cleaner energy, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. By providing financial assistance, the government aims to foster energy independence and create a healthier environment for current and future generations.
So what's on offer across the country? Find out further below.
Solar incentives for all Australian states
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FEDERAL Solar BATTERY REBATE
The Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program helps eligible Australian households, small businesses and community organisations reduce the upfront cost of installing a battery. New batteries must be between 5 kWh and 100 kWh (with rebates available for up to 50kWh of usable battery capacity) and be connected to a new or existing solar system.
The discount is provided through Small-scale Technology Certificates, or STCs, and is generally applied directly to your new battery quote. Of course, the exact amount depends on the battery’s usable capacity, installation date and current certificate value.
With over 100,000 homes expected to benefit, this solar rebate marks a major step forward in helping families store their solar power, reduce their reliance on the grid, and prepare for rising energy costs and potential power outages.
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feed-in tariffs
Once your solar system is producing more electricity than your home or business is using, the excess can be exported to the grid. Your electricity retailer may then credit you for that exported energy through a feed-in tariff.
The rate you receive will depend on where you live, your retailer and your electricity plan. In South East Queensland, retailers set their own rates, while eligible regional Queensland customers may have access to a regulated feed-in tariff.
A higher advertised rate also doesn’t always mean a better deal. When comparing plans, look at usage rates, daily supply charges and any export limits alongside the feed-in tariff.
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Small-scale technology certificates (STcs)
Eligible rooftop solar installations may receive an upfront benefit through the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
The number of STCs available depends on your system’s approved capacity, installation date and postcode. Their market value can change, so there isn’t one standard STC amount that applies to every solar installation.
The certificates are generally assigned to your solar retailer in exchange for an upfront reduction in the cost of your system. First Choice Solar will calculate the applicable STCs and show the benefit clearly within your proposal.
Queensland Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate
New South Wales State Government has implemented a range of programs aimed at making renewable energy more affordable and accessible. These programs allow people from all backgrounds to participate in a greener, more sustainable future for NSW while simultaneously reducing their own ongoing expenses. Let’s jump in:
Solar incentives for Queensland
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Queensland Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate
The Queensland Government’s Supercharged Solar for Renters program gives eligible landlords a rebate of up to $3,500 towards installing solar on a rental property. The rebate amount depends on the size of the system. This rebate can be combined with the federal STC benefit, helping reduce the upfront cost even further!
Eligibility criteria apply, including living in Australia, personally owning the rental property (house, townhouse, duplex or granny flat) in Queensland that you don’t live in yourself, and it must be rented for no more than $1,000 per week, have its own electricity meter and not already have solar installed. You’ll also need your tenant’s consent.
The new solar system must be conditionally approved before purchasing or installing and supplied by a New Energy Tech Approved Seller, like First Choice Solar. Eligible landlords can apply separately for up to four properties in total.
NSW: powering a sustainable future
New South Wales State Government has implemented a range of programs aimed at making renewable energy more affordable and accessible. These programs allow people from all backgrounds to participate in a greener, more sustainable future for NSW while simultaneously reducing their own ongoing expenses. Let’s jump in:
NSW solar power rebates and incentives
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Virtual power plant (vpp) program
The NSW Virtual Power Plant incentive connects homes and businesses with compatible solar batteries to a larger energy network. When electricity demand is high, an agreed portion of your stored energy can be supplied to the grid. In return, you may receive an upfront incentive, along with ongoing payments, rewards or bill credits from your VPP provider.
The upfront amount will depend on your provider’s offer and how much battery capacity you make available, up to 28 kWh. It can generally only be claimed once for each property’s National Metering Identifier, or NMI.
Every VPP offer works a little differently, so it’s worth checking when your battery can be accessed, how much energy can be used and how you’ll be rewarded before signing up.
Read about the incentive further and see which providers are participating:
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Home Energy Saver zero-interest loans
The NSW Home Energy Saver Zero Interest Loan program allows eligible NSW homeowners and landlords to borrow up to $15,000 per property for approved solar, battery, and other energy-saving upgrades. The zero-interest loan terms are between one and 10 years, with no interest, establishment, monthly account, or early repayment costs.
Eligibility criteria include property, residency and household-income requirements, alongside usual credit assessment and lending criteria. Applications must be made through an approved vendor, like First Choice Solar, so our team can help guide you through the process. Just keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for any costs above the approved loan amount, and late-payment fees may apply.
To learn more, chat to our team or visit
https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates/home-energy-saver
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Solar for Apartment Residents grants
The NSW Government’s Solar for Apartment Residents program helps apartment buildings install shared rooftop solar, giving more owners and renters the opportunity to enjoy lower electricity bills and the overall benefits of renewable energy.
The grant is available to eligible apartment buildings in NSW that are classified as strata title and have between 3 and 55 residential lots. A typical grant covers up to 50% of eligible purchase and installation costs, with funding of up to $150,000 per project. Buildings in selected lower income areas may qualify for the Boost grant, covering up to 80% of eligible costs and up to $200,000 per project.
Applications are currently open and scheduled to close at 5 pm on 4 December 2026, or earlier if the available funding is fully allocated.
Chat to our team further about eligibility (insert hyperlink contact us) or learn more:
https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates/solar-for-apartment-residents
Discover how affordable it is to join the solar revolution today
At First Choice Solar, we believe that everyone deserves access to solar energy. With tailored solar power rebates and incentives on offer across Australia, going solar is more attainable than ever. Choosing solar energy is both a wise financial decision and a meaningful investment in a sustainable future that benefits our entire community and future generations.
To discover what state and federal benefits you may be eligable for, contact us today for an obligation free chat. Your transition to the world of solar and renewables, may be much more affordable than you realise: