Solar Panel Rebate Explained: Save More on Solar in 2025
Thinking about going solar but not sure how the rebate works? The solar panel rebate, officially known as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (or SRES), can take a big chunk off the upfront cost of installing solar. But figuring out what you’re actually entitled to and how much you could save can get confusing fast.
This guide breaks it all down for you: from how the federal rebate works to who’s eligible, how to claim it, and what extra incentives might be available in your state.
What Is the Solar Panel Rebate?
The so-called solar panel rebate is created by the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to help reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels on your home or business. Instead of waiting for a cashback, the savings are built into your quote as a discount. Here’s how it works:
When you install a solar system (100 kW or smaller), it earns a set number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) based on how much clean energy it’s expected to generate between now and the end of 2030. Your installer then sells these certificates to energy retailers and passes the value onto you as an upfront discount—so you don’t have to worry about trading them yourself.
So, how much could you save? In 2025, each STC is typically worth around $38–$39, and a standard 6.6 kW system in somewhere like Sydney or Melbourne might generate 55–65 STCs—that’s around $2,000 to $2,600 off your system cost, depending on where you live and your system size.
The solar panel government rebate does reduce each year as the scheme winds down, so the earlier you install, the more you save. The program is set to end completely on 31 December 2030. Plus, from 1 July 2025, home batteries will also be eligible under the same scheme, meaning even more savings if you’re adding storage.
Who Can Get the Solar Rebate?
The good news? Most Australians are eligible for the federal solar power rebates, and it’s not means-tested. Whether you own your home, rent with permission, or run a small business, you can likely claim the rebate as long as your system meets a few key requirements.
To qualify you must:
Keep system size sensible. The array (or the combined total if you upgrade) must be 100 kW or smaller and expected to produce under 250 MWh per year.
Use CEC-approved gear. Your panels and inverter must appear on the Clean Energy Council’s approved products list.
Choose an accredited installer. Systems must be designed and installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited professional.
Install new, unclaimed equipment. Second-hand panels and inverters or gear that has already generated STCs can’t be counted.
Install within 12 months. The STCs must be claimed within 12 months of installation.
Living in an apartment or renting? You can still benefit from the rebate, provided the property owner or body corporate is on board, and the above technical criteria are met
How to Claim the Solar Rebate
One of the best parts of the federal solar rebate is how easy it is to claim, especially if you’re going through a reputable solar retailer. Here’s how it usually works:
Get quotes from multiple accredited solar retailers. Make sure each quote clearly shows the STC rebate amount, so you can see what’s being discounted.
Choose your system and installer. Make sure the panels and inverter are listed on the Clean Energy Council’s approved list, and that your installer is SAA-accredited.
Sign the paperwork. You’ll be asked to sign an STC assignment form, which allows your installer to claim and sell the certificates on your behalf.
Get your system installed. Once it’s up and running, the installer takes care of submitting everything to the Clean Energy Regulator. They then receive the STCs and trade them on the open market.
Start saving. With the rebate already factored into your price, you’re ahead from day one. There’s no need to interact with the government, and you’ll also start earning feed-in credits for any extra energy your system exports.
Prefer to manage the rebate yourself? You can technically register for the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) Registry and sell your STCs directly, but most people find it easier (and faster) to let their installer handle the process.
Either way, the rebate is a great way to bring down the cost of going solar—no long waits, no complex applications.
How Much Can You Save?
In 2025, the federal solar panel rebate can shave roughly $800 to $3,800 off a new rooftop system, depending on where you live, how big your array is and the going price of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
Let’s take a closer look at what affects how much of a rebate you’ll get:
STC price. Installers usually bundle the STC value into your quote. The spot price has hovered near $38-$39 in recent years—just below the $40 Clearing House ceiling—so that’s the figure most retailers are using for 2025 quotes.
System size. Every extra kilowatt earns more certificates, so a 10 kW array receives roughly 3-4 times the discount of a 3 kW starter system.
Sun-zone rating. Australia is divided into four solar zones. The sunnier your area, the more STCs your system is eligible for. Zone 1 (e.g. Darwin, north-QLD) gets the biggest multiplier; Zone 4 (southern VIC, TAS) the smallest.
Deeming period. Systems installed in 2025 receive six years’ worth of certificates; installs in 2026 will only get five, and so on until the scheme finishes.
A quick example
Let’s say you’re installing a 6.6 kW system in Sydney (Zone 3). Here’s how it breaks down:
You’d earn around 55 STCs
At $39 each, that’s about $2,145 off the upfront cost
This discount is applied immediately, so you’re not waiting for a refund or rebate later. It comes off your system price right away.
What could you save in your area?
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a quick look at how much you could save based on your location and system size:
System Size | Zone 1 (e.g. Darwin, Townsville) | Zone 2 (e.g. Brisbane, northern Perth) | Zone 3 (e.g. Sydney, Adelaide) | Zone 4 (e.g. Melbourne, Hobart) |
3 kW | $1,131 | $1,092 | $975 | $819 |
6.6 kW | $2,496 | $2,379 | $2,145 | $1,833 |
10 kW | $3,783 | $3,588 | $3,237 | $2,769 |
Assume you live in Queensland, here’s a deeper dive into how the federal solar rebate plays out across different system sizes:
System size | Est. price before rebate | Upfront solar rebate | Est. price after rebate | Typical annual savings |
3 kW | $4,000 | –$1,050 | $2,950 | ≈ $600 |
5 kW | $6,600 | –$1,750 | $4,850 | ≈ $1,000 |
6.6 kW | $8,800 | –$2,150 | $6,650 | ≈ $1,400 |
8 kW | $10,600 | –$2,650 | $7,950 | ≈ $1,800 |
10 kW | $13,200 | –$3,300 | $9,900 | ≈ $2,200 |
You see, even with the rebate, rooftop solar isn’t practical for everyone. Maybe you’re renting, live in an apartment, or just can’t swing the upfront cost of a full system right now. That’s where a solar generator can really shine.
These compact units let you harness solar power without needing to drill into a roof or go through complex approvals. Just unfold the panels, plug them in the power station, and start storing free energy you can use later—whether it’s to cut down on grid use during peak hours or keep the lights on when storms roll in.
Take the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 portable power station, for example. This suitcase-sized solar generator punches well above its weight:
It stores 4 kWh of energy and can power heavy-duty appliances like a kettle, microwave or washing machine—even all at once—thanks to its 4,000W AC output and 8,000W surge capacity.
Need more backup? You can scale up to 12 kWh with extra plug-in batteries—no electrician required.
This portable power station recharges fast, too: 0–80% in under an hour from a wall socket. Pair it with EcoFlow’s solar panels to top it up on your balcony or in your backyard, supporting up to 2.6 kW of solar input.
And during blackouts, its built-in 10 ms UPS kicks in fast enough to protect sensitive gear like hard drives and consoles—no noisy fumes, no fuss.
Whether you want reliable backup power, a flexible solar option that moves with you, or just a way to lower your energy bills without rooftop panels, the DELTA Pro 3 makes it easy to start tapping into clean energy, anytime, anywhere.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 portable power station
What Are Other Rebates for Solar Available in Your State?
Australia’s federal solar panel rebate (the SRES) is only the starting point. Every state and territory layers on its own mix of up-front rebates, no-interest loans or virtual-power-plant (VPP) deals that can sweeten the economics even further.
Below is a quick state-by-state rundown so you know what to look for when you’re comparing quotes and timing your install.
New South Wales
Home battery discount (PDRS). From 1 November 2024 households and small businesses can knock around $1,600–$2,400 off a new battery, with the exact figure scaling to usable kilowatt-hours.
Extra VPP cash. Add another $250–$400 by enrolling the battery in an approved VPP for at least three years.
Low-income solar swaps. A separate $290 million “Energy Bill Buster” package is rolling out through 2025, offering fully funded rooftop systems or home-upgrade vouchers to eligible households.
Victoria
Solar Homes Program Victoria. Owner-occupiers and landlords can still claim up to $1,400 off panels plus an optional interest-free loan of the same value.
Battery loans ending. The state’s interest-free battery loans finish on 30 June 2025, so lodge any final applications early.
Queensland
Battery Booster recap. The 2024 Battery Booster offered $3,000–$4,000 for home batteries but closed on 8 May 2024 once funds ran out. But keep an eye on the new federal battery rebate (see below) and any future state top-ups.
South Australia
City of Adelaide grants. Residents inside the CBD and North Adelaide can still claim up to $2,000 (50 %) for a battery via the Sustainability Incentives Scheme.
Tesla VPP for public housing. Community-housing tenants may qualify for a no-cost Tesla Powerwall through the state-backed Virtual Power Plant.
Don’t forget the coming federal battery rebate
From 1 July 2025 the Commonwealth’s $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program will cut a typical install by about 30 % (≈ $372 per usable kWh) and can be stacked with most state offers where they still exist.
Conclusion
Switching to solar is a smart move, and thanks to the national solar panel rebate, it’s more affordable than you might think. The federal scheme can save you thousands, and depending on where you live, there may be even more support to help you get started.
With the rebate set to decrease each year until it ends in 2030, now is the time to act if you’re considering making the call. Just make sure you work with a Clean Energy Council-approved installer and explore what local programs are available in your area to maximise your savings.
FAQs
How much is the Australian government solar rebate?
The federal solar rebate is delivered through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the SRES, which you normally receive as an instant point-of-sale discount from your installer. At the current market price of about $38 per STC and a 2025 deeming period of six years, a standard 6.6 kW system in Zone 3 (Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide) creates roughly 63 STCs, cutting the upfront bill by around $2,500–$2,600 (≈25–30 % of system cost).
Who is eligible for solar panel rebate in QLD?
In Queensland, both homeowners and businesses can benefit from the federal solar rebate under the SRES. To be eligible, you must:
Install a new solar system with a capacity of up to 100 kW.
Use Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved panels and inverters.
Have the system installed by a CEC-accredited installer.
The rebate is typically applied as an upfront discount by your installer.
How much is a VIC solar rebate?
Victoria’s Solar Homes Program pays up to $1,400 per household for a new rooftop PV system and offers an optional interest-free loan of the same amount, repayable over four years. To qualify, the property must be valued under $3 million, the combined taxable income of all owners must be below $210,000 a year, and the address must not have already received a Solar Homes PV rebate.
Can you get free solar panels in Victoria?
There is currently no Victorian or federal scheme that supplies solar panels entirely free of charge to private homeowners. However, stacking the state rebate and interest-free loan with the federal STC discount can slash 50–60% off the up-front price. In some low-cost cases this leaves households with little or no initial out-of-pocket expense, but the loan must still be repaid.