Solar Grants, Rebates and Incentives in Australia: A State-by-State Guide
Solar grants and rebates in Australia can be confusing.
Some incentives are federal. Others are managed by state governments, electricity retailers, local councils or energy networks.
On top of that, many schemes change regularly. Some are reviewed every financial year. Others close once funding runs out.
This guide gives you a practical overview of the main solar, battery and off-grid incentives available across Australia.
It is not designed to list every dollar amount or every condition. Instead, it explains what types of support are available, what to check before applying, and where to start your research.
Last checked: 4 May 2026
Before making a decision, always check the official government or regulator page for your state or territory.
The main types of solar support in Australia
Solar support usually falls into a few main categories.
These include:
- Federal solar incentives
- Battery rebates or discounts
- State-based rebates and loans
- Feed-in tariffs
- Virtual power plant incentives
- Energy concessions
- Community solar and apartment solar programs
- Remote or off-grid power programs
For most households and businesses, the starting point is the federal incentive system.
After that, the support available depends on where you live, your property type, whether you are connected to the grid, and whether the system includes solar panels, batteries or both.
If you are comparing options for a rural or remote property, it is also worth understanding how off-grid solar systems are designed differently from standard grid-connected solar.
Federal solar and battery incentives
The main national incentive for solar in Australia is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, often called the SRES.
This scheme creates small-scale technology certificates, or STCs, for eligible solar systems. In most cases, the value of these certificates is applied as an upfront discount through your solar retailer or installer.
The Australian Government explains that most home and business rooftop solar systems in Australia qualify for STCs, provided they meet the scheme rules around system size, approved equipment and accredited installation. Learn more about government rebates and loans for solar.
In simple terms, this is the “solar rebate” most people see on their quote.
From 1 July 2025, eligible batteries also became part of the federal support framework through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. The Australian Government says the program provides around a 30% discount on the cost of installing an eligible battery as part of the SRES. Learn more about the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
To be eligible, batteries generally need to:
- Be connected to solar PV
- Use approved equipment
- Be installed by an appropriately accredited installer
- Meet Australian standards
- Fit within the program’s capacity and installation rules
This is important for off-grid customers too.
An off-grid system may still be eligible for some federal support if it meets the scheme requirements. But feed-in tariffs and virtual power plant incentives usually only apply where a system is connected to the grid.
Why off-grid systems are different
Most solar rebates are designed around grid-connected homes and businesses.
That is because many schemes rely on:
- Grid connection
- Export metering
- Retailer participation
- Feed-in tariffs
- Virtual power plant access
Off-grid systems work differently.
An off-grid solar system needs to supply power without relying on the electricity grid. That usually means a larger battery bank, careful load calculations, a control system, and often a backup generator for long periods of poor solar production.
The Australian Government notes that most rooftop solar systems in Australia are grid-connected, and that off-grid systems usually need a large battery, a control system and often a backup generator. It also says designing an off-grid system requires specific expertise. Read the Australian Government’s solar system design guidance.
For regional and remote properties, this is where good system design matters.
A grant or rebate can help reduce upfront cost, but it should not drive the whole decision. The priority should be a system that is sized correctly, built safely, and designed for the property’s real energy use.
Solar grants and rebates by state
The sections below give a practical overview of what to look for in each state and territory.
Because schemes change regularly, use this as a starting point rather than a final eligibility check.
New South Wales
In NSW, current support is more focused on batteries and virtual power plants than broad solar panel rebates.
The NSW Government has an incentive for eligible batteries connected to a virtual power plant, or VPP. This incentive can be combined with the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, but it is designed for grid-connected batteries.
NSW confirms that off-grid batteries cannot receive the VPP incentive because they cannot join a virtual power plant. Learn more about the NSW VPP battery incentive.
What to look for in NSW:
- Federal solar and battery discounts
- NSW VPP battery incentives
- Retailer feed-in tariff offers
- Low-income and household energy rebates
- Apartment and shared solar programs
- Remote power options in some network areas
Off-grid note:
If your property is fully off-grid, VPP incentives are unlikely to apply. You may still be able to access federal support if the system meets the eligibility rules, but the bigger focus should be system design, battery sizing and backup power.
Victoria
Victoria has one of the more established solar support systems in Australia.
Solar Victoria provides support for eligible solar panel installations, including rebates and interest-free loan options. It also has solar rebate pathways for rental properties.
Solar Victoria says customers must receive eligibility approval before installation to receive the rebate. Learn more about the Solar Victoria solar panel rebate.
However, not every past program is still open. Battery or loan programs may close, change or be replaced over time.
Victoria’s feed-in tariff settings have also changed in recent years, which means retailer offers and self-consumption are now especially important.
What to look for in Victoria:
- Solar Victoria panel rebates
- Interest-free solar loans
- Rental property solar support
- Apartment solar programs
- Retailer feed-in tariff offers
- Concessions for eligible households
Off-grid note:
Victoria is one of the more relevant states for off-grid customers to check carefully, as some support may depend on property type, installer requirements and current program rules. Always confirm the latest eligibility before signing a contract.
Queensland
Queensland’s current solar support is more targeted than broad.
Queensland has different feed-in tariff arrangements depending on where you live. South East Queensland generally works through market feed-in tariffs from electricity retailers, while regional Queensland may have access to a regional solar feed-in tariff set by the Queensland Competition Authority. Learn more about Queensland solar feed-in tariffs.
What to look for in Queensland:
- Federal solar and battery incentives
- Rental property solar programs
- Regional feed-in tariff rules
- Retailer feed-in tariffs in South East Queensland
- Electricity rebates and concessions
- Local council sustainability programs
Off-grid note:
If the property is not connected to the grid, feed-in tariffs will not apply. Off-grid customers should focus on federal eligibility, system design, and whether any regional or local programs are available.
For farming and rural water applications, some properties may also benefit from dedicated solar pump systems rather than a full household or commercial off-grid system.
South Australia
South Australia has a strong solar market, but its current support is less focused on broad upfront household battery rebates.
Current support is more likely to come through:
- Retailer feed-in tariffs
- Energy concessions
- Retailer energy productivity activities
- Community battery programs
- Virtual power plant style offers
- Targeted support for low-income households
The South Australian Government’s solar and batteries page points consumers toward information on solar PV systems, battery storage, dynamic exports and South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant. Learn more about solar and batteries in South Australia.
What to look for in South Australia:
- Federal solar and battery incentives
- Retailer feed-in tariff offers
- Energy bill concessions
- Community battery initiatives
- VPP programs
- Retailer-led energy productivity offers
Off-grid note:
South Australia is worth watching for remote power and community energy programs, especially for regional or remote areas. But for a standard off-grid household or business system, support is likely to come from federal incentives rather than a broad state rebate.
Western Australia
Western Australia currently has one of the clearest battery support pathways in the country.
The WA Residential Battery Scheme provides rebates and no-interest loans to help eligible households purchase residential batteries. The WA Government says rebates and loans are open, and that participation in a Virtual Power Plant is part of the eligibility requirements. Learn more about the WA Residential Battery Scheme.
WA also has export payment arrangements through the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme, often called DEBS.
In regional WA, network and utility programs can be especially important. Horizon Power areas may have different requirements and opportunities compared with the main South West Interconnected System.
What to look for in WA:
- WA Residential Battery Scheme
- No-interest battery loans
- DEBS export payments
- Synergy and Horizon Power requirements
- VPP participation rules
- Energy concessions
Off-grid note:
WA is highly relevant for remote and fringe-of-grid power. If you are outside the main network area, check utility-specific requirements and whether your property falls under Horizon Power or another network arrangement.
Tasmania
Tasmania currently has fewer broad solar rebate options than some mainland states.
The main support areas are feed-in tariffs, network connection requirements and energy concessions.
Tasmania has a regulated minimum feed-in tariff for eligible small-scale systems exporting to the grid. The Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator says retailers must pay eligible customers the regulated minimum rate for excess electricity exported to the grid. Learn more about Tasmanian feed-in tariffs.
Some previous energy efficiency loan programs have closed, so Tasmanian customers should check current federal incentives and retailer offers rather than relying on a live state solar loan.
What to look for in Tasmania:
- Federal solar and battery incentives
- Regulated minimum feed-in tariff
- TasNetworks connection requirements
- Electricity concessions
- Retailer solar and battery offers
Off-grid note:
For fully off-grid systems, feed-in tariffs are not relevant. The main considerations are federal eligibility, system design, battery capacity and backup power.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT is more focused on loans and targeted support than broad solar rebates for everyone.
The Sustainable Household Scheme has supported eligible energy-efficient upgrades, although program settings can change over time.
Solar support may also be available for eligible concession-card holders through targeted home energy programs.
What to look for in the ACT:
- Home energy support programs
- Sustainable household finance
- Battery and electrification finance
- Utilities rebates
- Apartment solar support
- Business energy upgrade support
Off-grid note:
Most ACT support is designed around connected homes and energy efficiency upgrades. If you are assessing a larger standalone or semi-independent system, confirm eligibility directly before relying on any incentive.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is especially relevant for shared solar, multi-dwelling solar and battery support, although some programs are funding-limited.
The Solar for Multi Dwellings Grant Scheme provides funding to eligible unit management corporations in the NT. The scheme can support shared solar PV, solar sharing technology, smart meters and battery storage systems. Learn more about the NT Solar for Multi Dwellings Grant Scheme.
Battery grant programs in the NT can change quickly, especially when funding allocations are reached.
What to look for in the NT:
- Multi-dwelling solar programs
- Federal solar and battery incentives
- Feed-in tariff settings
- Electricity concessions
- Battery grant status updates
- Remote and community energy programs
Off-grid note:
The NT is highly relevant for remote power and shared energy models. However, battery grant funding can change quickly, so always check whether the program is open before relying on it.
Quick comparison by state
| State or territory | Main support areas | Off-grid relevance |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | VPP battery incentive, rebates, feed-in benchmarks | VPP usually does not apply to off-grid batteries |
| VIC | Solar rebates, loans, rentals, apartments | Worth checking, some off-grid eligibility may apply |
| QLD | Rental solar, feed-in tariffs, concessions | Mostly grid-connected support |
| SA | Concessions, retailer offers, community batteries | Watch remote and community programs |
| WA | Battery rebates, loans, DEBS, VPPs | Strong relevance for regional and remote areas |
| TAS | Feed-in tariffs, concessions, connection rules | Limited direct rebate support |
| ACT | Loans, concession support, home energy upgrades | Mostly connected-home focused |
| NT | Multi-dwelling solar, feed-in tariffs, battery grant status | Strong remote and shared-solar relevance |
Official solar and energy links by state
Solar rebates, battery incentives and feed-in tariff rules change regularly.
For the latest information, check the official government or regulator page for your state or territory before applying.
| State or territory | Official page to check |
|---|---|
| Federal | Australian Government solar rebates and loans |
| NSW | NSW Climate and Energy Action |
| Victoria | Solar Victoria |
| Queensland | Queensland Government solar and feed-in tariff information |
| South Australia | SA Government Energy and Mining: Solar and batteries |
| Western Australia | WA Government household renewable energy overview |
| Tasmania | Tasmanian Economic Regulator: Feed-in tariffs |
| ACT | Climate Choices ACT |
| Northern Territory | NT Government solar grants and funding |
These links are a good starting point, but always confirm the current rules before applying or accepting a solar quote.
What to check before applying for a solar rebate or grant
Before you accept a quote or sign an agreement, check the basics.
1. Is the scheme still open?
Some grants close when funding runs out.
Others are reviewed each financial year.
Do not rely on an old blog article, ad or social media post. Always check the official program page.
2. Do you need approval before installation?
Many schemes require pre-approval.
If you install first and apply later, you may miss out.
This is especially important for rental, apartment, battery and multi-dwelling schemes.
3. Is your installer accredited?
Most solar and battery incentives require approved products and accredited installers.
The federal STC system requires solar systems to be installed by an accredited installer, using approved solar panels and inverters.
4. Does the scheme apply to your property type?
Eligibility may depend on whether the property is:
- Owner-occupied
- A rental property
- A business premises
- A farm
- A strata property
- A unit or apartment
- Connected to the electricity grid
- Fully off-grid
5. Does it apply to solar, batteries or both?
Some schemes support solar panels.
Others only support batteries.
Some battery schemes require an existing or new solar PV system.
6. Does it work for off-grid systems?
This is one of the most important questions for rural and remote customers.
A system can be eligible for one type of support but not another.
For example, a battery may be eligible for a federal battery discount but not eligible for a VPP incentive if the system is fully off-grid.
Solar rebates are helpful, but system design matters more
Rebates can reduce upfront cost.
But they should not be the reason you choose a system that is too small, too basic or not suited to your property.
This is especially true for off-grid power.
A properly designed off-grid system needs to consider:
- Daily energy use
- Seasonal changes
- Peak loads
- Battery capacity
- Generator backup
- Monitoring
- Maintenance access
- Future expansion
- Safety and compliance
For farms, rural homes, commercial sites and remote infrastructure, the best result usually comes from a complete system design, not just the cheapest panel and battery combination.
For customers who need an integrated, cabinet-based standalone system, Commodore’s Power Hubs are designed for off-grid homes, rural properties and commercial sites.
Where to find official information
A good place to start is the Australian Government’s solar rebates and loans page. It explains the national STC system, the federal battery discount and the general role of state, territory and local programs.
From there, check your state or territory government website.
You may also need to check:
- Your electricity retailer
- Your energy distributor
- Your local council
- Your state energy regulator
- Your installer or solar provider
- Any relevant VPP provider
For off-grid and remote properties, also check whether your network or utility has stand-alone power system programs or remote energy initiatives.
FAQ
What is the main solar rebate in Australia?
The main national solar incentive is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. It creates STCs for eligible solar systems, and the value is usually applied as an upfront discount through your installer or retailer.
Is there a federal battery rebate?
Yes. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides an upfront discount on eligible battery systems connected to new or existing solar PV systems.
Can off-grid solar systems get rebates?
Sometimes.
Off-grid systems may be eligible for some federal support if they meet the relevant equipment, installation and solar PV requirements. However, feed-in tariffs and VPP incentives generally require a grid connection.
Do feed-in tariffs apply to off-grid systems?
No.
Feed-in tariffs only apply when a system exports electricity to the grid. A fully off-grid system does not export to the grid, so feed-in tariffs are not relevant.
Can I combine federal and state incentives?
Sometimes.
Some schemes can be combined, while others cannot. Always check the official scheme rules before assuming incentives can be stacked.
Which state has the best solar rebate?
It depends on your situation.
Victoria has strong solar rebate pathways. WA has a clear battery rebate and loan scheme. Queensland has targeted rental solar support. NSW has focused more on VPP-connected batteries.
The best option depends on your property type, grid connection, system size and eligibility.
Are solar rebates available for renters?
Sometimes, but renters usually cannot apply in the same way as homeowners.
Some programs are aimed at landlords, apartments, strata properties or shared solar projects.
How often do solar rebates change?
They can change often.
Some are reviewed annually. Some close when funding is exhausted. Others change when government policy or energy market rules change.
That is why this guide focuses on the types of support available and where to check official information, rather than listing every current dollar amount.
Final takeaway
Solar grants and rebates can make a real difference, but they are only one part of the decision.
For a standard grid-connected home, the key questions are usually about federal STCs, battery discounts, state rebates, feed-in tariffs and retailer offers.
For an off-grid property, the questions are different.
You need to think about reliability, battery sizing, backup power, monitoring and long-term system performance.
Before applying for any rebate or grant, check the latest official rules, confirm eligibility, and speak with an experienced solar or off-grid provider.
