Everything you need to know about federal and state solar incentives — explained clearly, without the jargon.
Australia offers some of the world's most generous solar incentive programs. In 2026, there are two main layers of support: a federal scheme that applies nationwide, and a range of state-level programs that stack on top depending on where you live.
The short version: most homeowners can reduce their upfront solar cost by $2,000–$5,000+ through rebates and incentives before paying a single cent of their own money. Here's exactly how each works.
The fastest way to understand exactly what's available for your home is to get a free quote from a CEC-accredited installer. They'll confirm your eligibility and factor all available rebates into the final price.
The Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme is Australia's primary federal solar incentive. It applies to every eligible homeowner in the country and typically delivers the largest single financial benefit.
When you install a solar system, your system generates a number of STCs based on:
Each STC has a market value (typically $35–$40 per certificate in 2026). In practice, your installer assigns the certificates to a registered agent in exchange for a point-of-sale discount off your system price — you never have to deal with it yourself.
For a typical 6.6kW system installed in 2026, the STC discount is approximately:
| System Size | Approx. STCs Generated | Estimated Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 3kW | ~32 STCs | $1,100–$1,300 |
| 6.6kW | ~72 STCs | $2,500–$2,900 |
| 10kW | ~109 STCs | $3,800–$4,400 |
| 13.3kW | ~145 STCs | $5,100–$5,800 |
The number of STCs — and therefore the discount — reduces by one year each January 1st until the scheme closes on 31 December 2030. The discount is larger the sooner you act.
On top of the federal STC scheme, several states offer additional incentives. These change regularly, so always confirm current eligibility with your matched installer.
Eligible Victorian homeowners can access a rebate of up to $1,400 off a solar PV system, plus interest-free loans. Income-tested — households earning under $210,000/yr may qualify.
Up to $1,400 rebateThe NSW Empowering Homes program offers interest-free loans for solar and battery installations. Check current availability as the program has run in tranches.
Interest-free loansQueensland's rebate focuses on battery storage rather than solar panels. Eligible households can claim up to $3,000 toward an approved battery system.
Up to $3,000South Australia offers a $2,000 subsidy for eligible battery installations through the SA Home Battery Scheme, alongside the federal STC benefit on the solar component.
Up to $2,000Western Australia's DEBS provides feed-in tariff credits for surplus solar power exported to the grid — varying rates apply depending on time of export.
Feed-in tariffACT residents may access interest-free loans up to $15,000 for solar, batteries, and energy-efficient appliances through the Sustainable Household Scheme.
Up to $15,000 loanState government solar programs open, close, and change their criteria regularly. Your matched ClearWatt installer will confirm exactly what's currently available in your state and postcode at the time of your quote.
A feed-in tariff (FiT) is the rate your electricity retailer pays you for excess solar power you export back to the grid. While not a one-off rebate, FiTs contribute meaningfully to your ongoing savings.
| State | Typical FiT Rate (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 5–10c / kWh | Market rate, varies by retailer |
| VIC | 5–10c / kWh | Minimum guaranteed rate applies |
| QLD | 5–9c / kWh | Varies by retailer |
| SA | 4–8c / kWh | Varies by retailer |
| WA | 2.25–10c / kWh | DEBS rate — varies by time |
| ACT | ~6c / kWh | Varies by retailer |
Important: FiT rates have been declining as solar uptake increases. Self-consuming your solar power (e.g., running dishwashers, EV charging, and appliances during daylight hours) is typically worth 20–30c/kWh — far more than the FiT rate. Maximise self-consumption first, export second.
The good news: you don't need to do anything extra for the federal STC scheme. Your CEC-accredited installer handles it all.
Only systems installed by CEC-accredited installers qualify for federal STCs. Unlicensed or uncertified installers may offer lower prices but leave you unable to claim the rebate — costing you far more in the long run. Every installer in the ClearWatt network is CEC-accredited.
Battery storage is increasingly cost-effective, and several states offer specific battery incentives on top of the solar rebates above.
The federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme does not apply to batteries — only to solar PV panels. However, batteries connected to a new solar system may still be eligible for state programs (QLD, SA, ACT, VIC) and for interest-free loan programs.
A 10kWh battery typically costs $8,000–$14,000 installed in 2026. With eligible state rebates, this can reduce to $6,000–$12,000. Combined with maximised solar self-consumption, payback periods of 8–12 years are achievable with the added benefit of blackout protection and grid independence.
The fastest way to understand your exact entitlements is a free quote from a CEC-accredited local installer.
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