Solar Rebates in Australia 2027: Solar Panels, Batteries and Savings

Solar Rebates in Australia 2026: A Complete Guide to Solar Panels, Batteries and Savings.

Solar energy has become an important option for Australian homeowners and businesses looking to manage electricity costs and use more renewable energy. With abundant sunshine across much of the country, rooftop solar can help households generate their own electricity and reduce how much power they need to purchase from an energy retailer.

However, the cost of installation, government incentives, electricity tariffs and the suitability of a property all affect whether a solar system is a worthwhile investment.

In 2026, eligible Australians can access support through the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), while the Cheaper Home Batteries Program helps reduce the upfront cost of eligible battery installations. Some state and territory governments also offer additional incentives.

Understanding these programs can help you compare solar quotes, identify potential savings and choose a system that suits your household.

1. Are Solar Rebates Available in Australia in 2026?

Yes. Eligible households and businesses can access federal incentives for rooftop solar, and eligible battery installations may qualify for additional support. Some state and territory programs offer further assistance, subject to their own eligibility conditions.

The main federal initiatives to understand are:

Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES): Provides financial assistance for eligible rooftop solar installations through small-scale technology certificates, commonly called STCs.

Cheaper Home Batteries Program: Provides a discount on the upfront cost of eligible home and small-business battery installations.

State and territory incentives: Depending on where you live, additional rebates, loans or other assistance may be available.

These programs do not all work in the same way. Eligibility, installation requirements and incentive values can differ, so it is important to check the relevant official guidance before committing to an installation.

For the latest federal information, visit the Australian Government's solar rebates and loans guide.

2. Federal Solar Panel Rebates: How the STC Scheme Works

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme is a key source of financial assistance for eligible rooftop solar systems in Australia.

Under this scheme, qualifying installations can create small-scale technology certificates. These certificates have a financial value and can help reduce the upfront price of a solar system.

How do solar STCs work?

When you purchase an eligible solar system, your installer or retailer will typically include the estimated value of the STCs as an upfront discount in the quote.

You generally do not receive a separate cash payment from the government. Instead, the incentive is usually reflected in the price you pay for your system.

The number and value of certificates depend on factors including the system's capacity, location and applicable scheme rules.

For eligible rooftop installations, requirements include:

Using solar panels and inverters on the approved product lists.

Having the system designed and installed in accordance with applicable requirements by appropriately accredited professionals.

Complying with relevant Australian standards and electrical safety rules.

The standard small-scale rooftop solar arrangements generally apply to systems below 100 kW, subject to eligibility conditions.

Because the value of this support changes over time, ask your installer to clearly show the incentive included in your quote and explain the estimated price before and after the discount.

For detailed eligibility information, consult the Clean Energy Regulator's rooftop solar guide.

3. Cheaper Home Batteries Program: What Australians Need to Know

Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, but many households use more electricity in the evening. A battery can store some of the solar energy generated during the day and make it available later.

To help reduce the upfront cost of this technology, the Australian Government introduced the Cheaper Home Batteries Program on 1 July 2025.

As of October 2026, the program provides an approximate 30% discount on the upfront cost of eligible small-scale battery systems. The support is available for qualifying batteries connected to new or existing solar PV systems.

What changed on 1 May 2026?

The battery incentive arrangements changed on 1 May 2026. The number of certificates available under the scheme is now tiered according to the amount of usable battery capacity.

The calculation applies the following factors:

The first 14 kWh of eligible usable capacity receives a 100% STC factor.

Capacity above 14 kWh and up to 28 kWh receives a 60% factor.

Capacity above 28 kWh and up to 50 kWh receives a 15% factor.

These are certificate calculation factors, not guaranteed cash rebate percentages for each section of a battery.

The incentive calculation also changes over time. As a result, the discount shown on a quote can depend on battery capacity, installation timing and the eligible system's details.

Who can qualify for the battery discount?

The program covers eligible battery systems with a nominal capacity of 5–100 kWh, subject to detailed conditions. Support is generally available for a qualifying battery connected to an existing or newly installed solar system.

Requirements include approved battery products, relevant Australian standards, appropriate installation by a Solar Accreditation Australia-accredited installer with the required battery endorsement, and other program conditions.

Only the first 50 kWh of usable battery capacity can attract STCs under the scheme, even where the battery installation is larger.

Consumers generally access the discount through an eligible retailer or installer, although the program also provides a process for claiming and trading certificates directly.

Before signing a contract, ask for a written breakdown showing the battery's capacity, the incentive applied, the final installed price and any additional conditions.

Read the official Cheaper Home Batteries Program guidance and the Clean Energy Regulator's battery eligibility requirements.