The Ultimate Solar Panel Rebate Guide for Australia (2025)

Solar energy is transforming Australia’s approach to sustainable living, and rebates are making it more accessible than ever. From federal incentives like the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to state-specific programs, Australians have various options to help offset the cost of solar panels, also called photovoltaics. 

Whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or part of a community group, understanding these rebates can help you make informed decisions to help reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy sources. This guide breaks down the available programs by state, their benefits, and how to maximise your savings.

Now, let’s dive in and start saving.

What Is a Solar Rebate?

These are financial incentives designed to reduce the upfront costs of installing photovoltaic systems so that more people can purchase them. Different federal and state incentives, including rebates, interest-free loans, and tax breaks, are available for homeowners and businesses that could save them thousands of dollars on their system. 

It makes investing in renewable energy easier, with more and more people making the switch and reducing their reliance on the electrical grid and non-renewable energy sources. 

How Do Solar Rebates Work in Australia?

Australia offers federal and state rebates, so you may be eligible to use both systems to save even more.  

At the federal level, we have the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Technically speaking, this is an incentive since the federal government doesn’t provide direct cash rebates. Instead, photovoltaic installations generate Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). How many STCs you get depends on the size of your system, when you install it, and your location. 

Those STCs can be sold to offset installation costs, and the amount they are worth depends on their current market value. To simplify this process for homeowners, photovoltaic installers usually offer to buy your STCs directly upon installation and apply them as a credit to your bill. That way, it works like an instant rebate, helping lower those initial up-front costs so that more people can purchase photovoltaics. 

You can also save your STCs and shop around for a better price, but you will have to pay your full up-front cost for your system first. The best part is that the federal Australian solar rebate is available to virtually anyone in Australia who installs a photovoltaic system. 

Different states also have their own rebates and incentive programs. See the rebates by state section below for more information on what is available in your state. 

When deciding on your system, you need to look at your unique situation and the different types of panels available. The EcoFlow Photovoltaic Panels come in a wide range of options. For instance, in addition to the traditional rigid roof-mount models, you can get EcoFlow Flexible Photovoltaic Panels. 

These flexible models, like the EcoFlow 100W Flexible Photovoltaic Panels, will fit on curved roof surfaces and even caravan roofs! The EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Photovoltaic Panel is the best for dealing with shade since it collects energy from both sides for industry-best conversion efficiencies. 

Finally, you should consider the EcoFlow Photovoltaic Generators; they are the best home solution since they include panels and battery storage systems so you can use your green energy even when the sun is not shining. 

Solar Rebate Programs & Incentives in Australia

Here’s a breakdown of the currently available programs in each state, highlighting the type and amount of rebates and eligibility requirements.  

• Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) is a federal incentive that issues small-scale technology certificates (STCs) that can save you roughly $400 to $600 per kW, depending on the location and system size. This is limited to systems less than 100kW and must be installed by CEC-accredited installers.
• Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) is a federal incentive for commercial producers with systems greater than 100kW. For every megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity generated, they earn one LGC. LGCs are issued monthly and are worth approximately $46.25 each.
• NSW Solar Battery Rebate offers a rebate of $1,600 to $2,400 for a battery and $250 to $400 for a VPP network connection. This is limited to existing photovoltaic systems with new batteries installed by Accredited Certificate Providers.
• NSW Grants & Subsidies for Apartment Solar Projects is a photovoltaic panel and community photovoltaic incentive covering up to 50% of installation costs, resulting in savings of up to $600 per year. It is available to apartment residents and low-income households.
• Empowering Homes Program is another NSW initiative that offers interest-free loans up to $14,000 to purchase photovoltaic batteries. It’s available to homeowners with a household income of less than $180,000.
• Victoria Solar Homes Program offers a rebate of up to $1,400 for panels and interest-free loans for battery purchases. It is available to homeowners and rental properties that meet income and property criteria.
• Incentives for Sustainability is a City of Adelaide initiative in Southern Australia that offers cash-back incentives for photovoltaics and sustainable homes. It is available to residents, businesses, and groups located in the City of Adelaide.
• Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) offers rebates and no-interest loans for photovoltaics, batteries, and EV chargers. It is available to households or community groups who meet the eligibility criteria.
• Home and Business Battery Scheme is an NT battery rebate program offering up to $5,000 for eligible battery installations to homeowners, businesses, and non-profits. 
• Northern Territory Apartment Solar Rebate is a shared photovoltaic grant for up to 50% of installation costs of up to $7,500 per dwelling available to body corporates and multi-dwelling buildings in the NT. 
• Feed-in Tariff program in NT varies with the energy provider, but it pays households and businesses for the excess energy they export back into the grid. 
• Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) is a Western Australia Feed-in Tariff that offers up to 10 cents/kWh for exported energy during peak times to residential photovoltaic system owners.
• Switch Your Thinking Program is a WA initiative that provides discounts on sustainable products for residents in participating WA council areas.

Solar Rebates by State in Australia

NSW Solar Rebates

NSW offers multiple incentives like the NSW Solar Battery Rebate for $1,600 to $2,400 for a battery and $250 to $400 for a VPP connection; it’s limited to existing systems with new batteries installed by Accredited Certificate Providers. The NSW Grants & Subsidies for Apartment Solar Projects is a community incentive covering up to 50% of installation costs up to $600 per year for apartments and low-income households. Finally, the Empowering Homes Program is an NSW program offering interest-free loans of up to $14,000 to purchase photovoltaic batteries, available to homeowners with household incomes of less than $180,000 annually.

VIC Solar Rebates

Victoria’s Solar Homes Program offers rebates of up to $1,400 for panels and interest-free loans for battery purchases. It’s available to homeowners and rental properties that meet specific income and property criteria.

QLD Solar Rebates

Solar rebates in Queensland are based on the feed-in-tariff system. The rates vary with the electricity retailer and can fluctuate over time. Contact your local energy retailer(s) and compare their feed-in-tariff rates, electricity costs, and contract terms to find the best deal. 

ACT Solar Rebates

The Australian Capital Territory offers the Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS), a rebate and no-interest loan program for photovoltaics, batteries, and EV chargers. It is available to households or community groups in the ACT who meet the eligibility criteria.

WA Solar Rebates

Western Australia offers two programs to its residents. The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) is a feed-in tariff program that offers high rates of up to 10 cents/kWh for exported energy during peak times. It’s available to residential photovoltaic system owners in WA. Their other program is the Switch Your Thinking Program, which is an initiative that provides discounts on sustainable products for residents in participating WA council areas.

NT Solar Rebates

Those in the Northern Territory have three programs available for them. The Home and Business Battery Scheme is a battery rebate program for up to $5,000 that is available to homeowners, businesses, and non-profits for eligible battery installations. The Northern Territory Apartment Solar Rebate is a shared photovoltaic grant for up to 50% of installation costs, up to $7,500 per dwelling, available to body corporates and multi-dwelling buildings in the NT. Finally, they also offer a feed-in tariff program that varies with the energy provider that pays households and businesses for the energy they export back into the grid. 

SA Solar Rebates

So far, Southern Australia only has the Incentives for Sustainability, a City of Adelaide initiative offering cash-back incentives for photovoltaics and sustainable homes. It is available to residents, businesses, and groups located in the City of Adelaide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Australia’s solar rebate programs provide a significant financial incentive for embracing renewable energy. With federal options like the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and state-specific rebates, loans, and feed-in tariffs, plenty of opportunities exist to reduce the costs of installing photovoltaic systems. 

EcoFlow Solar Panels are high-quality, durable, and efficient options, and the EcoFlow Solar Generators are the perfect all-in-one energy solution with battery storage. With all the up-front cost reductions and long-term savings, there has never been a better time to switch to sustainable energy.