Solar Panel Rebate Australia 2026: How It Works and How to Claim
Rising power bills and the upfront cost of rooftop solar can make the solar panel rebate difficult to assess, especially when STC values, postcode zones and state programs affect the discount. Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme still reduces the cost of eligible systems in 2026. This article explains how much you may save, who qualifies, how to claim the discount and which state or territory incentives may also apply.
How Much Is the Solar Panel Rebate in Australia in 2026?
The federal solar rebate does not have one fixed dollar value. The table below shows estimated STC discounts for common residential solar system sizes using an illustrative STC value of $39.60 as at July 2026:
Representative location | Solar zone | 5 kW system | 6.6 kW system | 10 kW system | 13 kW system |
Sydney, NSW (2000) | 3 | $1,350 | $1,780 | $2,730 | $3,520 |
Melbourne, VIC (3000) | 4 | $1,150 | $1,540 | $2,340 | $3,050 |
Brisbane, QLD (4000) | 3 | $1,350 | $1,780 | $2,730 | $3,520 |
Adelaide, SA (5000) | 3 | $1,350 | $1,780 | $2,730 | $3,520 |
Perth, WA (6000) | 3 | $1,350 | $1,780 | $2,730 | $3,520 |
Hobart, TAS (7000) | 4 | $1,150 | $1,540 | $2,340 | $3,050 |
Canberra, ACT (2600) | 3 | $1,350 | $1,780 | $2,730 | $3,520 |
Darwin, NT (0800) | 2 | $1,500 | $1,980 | $3,010 | $3,920 |
*Figures use the listed postcodes, count whole STCs and round the discount to the nearest $10. They exclude agent fees and additional state or territory incentives. Use the Clean Energy Regulator’s official solar panel rebate calculator to estimate your STC entitlement.
How Does the Solar Panel Rebate Work?
What Are STCs?
Small-scale technology certificates, commonly called STCs, are tradable renewable energy certificates. For rooftop solar, one STC represents one megawatt-hour of renewable electricity that an eligible system expects to generate during its applicable deeming period. The scheme estimates this generation in advance rather than measuring the system’s actual output over future years. Solar retailers usually include the agreed STC value as an upfront discount in the system quote.
What Determines Your STC Discount?
Two figures shape the discount:
The number of STCs the system can create
The dollar value that the retailer or registered agent applies to each STC
These two figures work together to determine the estimated reduction shown in your solar quote:
Estimated STC discount = whole STCs × value applied per STC
Only whole certificates count toward the final calculation. The STC count depends on three main factors:
Eligible system capacity: A larger eligible rooftop system generally generates more certificates, but the solar system size should still reflect your electricity use, available roof space and proposed system design.
Installation postcode: The postcode determines the solar zone rating used in the calculation.
Installation year: The year determines how much of the deeming period remains before the scheme ends.
The Clean Energy Regulator sets the rules for calculating the certificate entitlement. It does not set the commercial STC price that an agent or retailer uses in a customer quote, so similar systems can show slightly different discounts.
Why Does the Rebate Reduce Each Year?
The SRES runs until the end of 2030. Its deeming period covers the remaining years in which a newly installed system can create certificates under the scheme. Each January reduces that period by one year, so the same system creates fewer STCs when installed in a later calendar year.
Installation year | Deeming period |
2026 | 5 years |
2027 | 4 years |
2028 | 3 years |
2029 | 2 years |
2030 | 1 year |
Who Is Eligible for the Solar Panel Rebate?
Solar rebate eligibility mainly depends on whether the proposed system and installation meet the federal scheme requirements.
Check these requirements before accepting a solar quote:
System size: The solar PV system must have a rated capacity of no more than 100 kW and meet the scheme’s annual generation limit. Typical household systems remain well below these thresholds.
Approved equipment: The exact solar panel and inverter models must appear on the Clean Energy Council’s approved product lists when the system is installed.
Accredited installation: A Solar Accreditation Australia-accredited professional must complete the required design and installation work. The installer also needs the relevant electrical licence for your state or territory.
Compliant system: The installation must meet current electrical, grid connection and safety requirements and be complete before STCs can be created.
Claim timeframe: STCs must be created within 12 months of installation. Your retailer or registered agent will usually manage this as part of the sale.
How to Claim the Solar Panel Rebate
Most households do not need to submit a separate solar rebate application. Their solar retailer or registered agent will usually manage the STC claim and apply the agreed discount to the system price. Your main tasks involve choosing an eligible quote, checking the discount and signing the relevant documents.
1. Get an Eligible Solar Quote
Request quotes from at least three solar providers where possible. Each quote should use eligible equipment and identify the accredited professionals who will design and install the system. A site visit can also reveal switchboard work, shading, roof access issues and other costs before you sign the contract.
Check that the written quote includes:
The proposed system capacity
The exact panel and inverter model numbers
The installer’s Solar Accreditation Australia number
A site-specific system design
Equipment and installation costs
Any switchboard, wiring or meter work
The federal STC deduction
Product and workmanship warranties
Quote tip: Compare the final installed price and the work included in each offer. A low advertised price may leave out switchboard upgrades, difficult roof access or other site-specific costs.
2. Check How the STC Discount Is Calculated
Before signing, check that the quote clearly separates the system price, STC deduction and final amount payable. The wording may vary between providers, with common labels including STC discount, STC incentive and government rebate.
Quote item | What to check |
System price | The equipment and installation cost before the STC deduction |
Number of STCs | The estimated certificate count for the system |
Value per STC | The amount the retailer or registered agent offers for each certificate |
Total STC discount | The full deduction applied to the system price |
Final amount payable | The remaining balance after the discount |
Additional work | Switchboard, wiring, meter, travel or roof-access costs |
Many advertised solar prices already include the STC discount. Check whether the displayed price comes before or after the rebate so you do not deduct the same amount twice. Compare the value per STC and the final installed price across each quote.
Comparison tip: Focus on the final installed price, equipment, system design, warranties and support. A higher STC deduction does not automatically make one quote better value.
3. Assign the STCs
To receive the discount, you assign the right to create the STCs to a registered agent. The retailer may include this assignment in the sales contract or provide a separate STC Assignment Form. After receiving the assignment, the registered agent can create and sell the certificates.
Before signing, check that the form or contract shows the correct:
System owner’s name
Installation address
Solar system details
Registered agent’s legal name
Estimated STC entitlement
Discount or payment provided for the assignment
Read the complete assignment section and ask the provider to correct any missing or inaccurate details. You can assign the STC rights for one installation to only one registered agent, and you cannot make another claim after the agent creates the certificates.
4. Keep the Required Records
Collect the installation documents once the work finishes. These records can support warranty claims, insurance questions, future repairs and any issue involving the STC discount.
Document | What to check |
Accepted quote and contract | Equipment, installation scope, extra costs and agreed STC discount |
STC assignment form | Correct owner, agent, address and system details |
Final tax invoice and receipt | Itemised discount and the amount you paid |
Electrical safety or compliance certificate | Correct address, installation date and licensed electrician details |
System handover documents | Equipment details, operating instructions, shutdown procedure and monitoring setup |
Product and workmanship warranties | Coverage periods, exclusions and claim contacts |
After-installation tip: Before the installer leaves, check that the installed panel and inverter models match the quote. Ask for a basic demonstration of the inverter, monitoring system and shutdown procedure.
Solar Rebates and Incentives by State and Territory
The federal STC discount applies across Australia, but additional solar panel incentives depend on where you live and what type of property you own. Some state solar panel rebates target owner-occupiers, while other programs focus on renters, apartments or concession card holders. The table below covers programs that can directly help pay for rooftop solar. It excludes feed-in tariffs and incentives that only apply to home batteries.
State or territory | Additional rooftop solar support | Who may qualify | Current position |
Victoria | Solar panel rebate of up to $1,400, with an optional matching interest-free loan | Eligible owner-occupiers, homes under construction and rental properties | Open |
Queensland | Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate of up to $3,500 | Eligible landlords installing solar at a currently rented property | Open |
New South Wales | Home Energy Saver zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 can cover rooftop solar. Discounts of up to $4,000 target lower-income and concession households | Eligible property owners for loans; eligible owners or tenants for discounts | Loans open; discount applications opening separately |
South Australia | No broad state solar panel rebate currently applies to standard household installations | Households can still use the federal STC discount and check for council-based support | No broad state program identified |
Australian Capital Territory | Home Energy Support can cover 50% of rooftop solar costs, up to $2,500. Eligible households may also access a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000 | Eligible owner-occupiers who hold an approved concession card and meet the property requirements | Open |
Tasmania | No broad state rooftop solar rebate currently identified | Households can still access the federal STC discount and check current council or finance options | No broad state program |
Western Australia | No broad standalone state rebate for rooftop solar | Households can use the federal STC discount and check whether their local council offers additional help | No broad state solar rebate |
Northern Territory | Solar for Multi Dwellings grants can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, capped at $7,500 per dwelling | Eligible unit management corporations and other approved shared-property entities | Open |
*Program funding, application windows and eligibility rules can change. Check the relevant government page before paying a deposit or starting installation.
What to Check Before Applying
State and territory assistance does not automatically appear in every solar quote. Before committing to an installation:
Confirm that the program supports rooftop solar panels, not only batteries or other upgrades.
Check whether you need approval before accepting a quote, paying a deposit or starting work.
Identify whether the support comes as a rebate, grant or repayable loan.
Ask the provider to list the federal STC discount and any additional government support separately.
Check council programs as well, especially when your state does not offer a broad household rebate.
Home batteries may qualify for separate federal or state incentives, but these programs use different eligibility and calculation rules from the solar panel rebate covered in this article.
Can Portable Solar Systems Receive the Solar Panel Rebate?
The Clean Energy Regulator strictly limits STCs to permanent, grid-connected rooftop systems installed by accredited professionals. Because portable solar systems require no fixed installation or grid connection, they do not qualify for federal or state rebates.
Even without an upfront STC discount, portable solar can still suit renters, apartment residents and caravan travellers who want a flexible way to collect and store energy without committing to a fixed rooftop installation. A solar generator combines solar charging with battery storage, allowing selected devices to use the stored energy at home or while travelling.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Solar Generator (PV220W) offers a practical setup for home offices, rental homes and everyday evening use. It efficiently powers everyday electronics like laptops, Wi-Fi routers, and lighting, while built-in energy tracking helps you actively monitor consumption and trim daily electricity bills.
Households that need more output for short blackouts or larger essential appliances can consider the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Solar Generator (PV400W). Its stronger scenario lies in managing higher-demand loads and keeping selected critical devices running when available battery power needs careful prioritisation.
Conclusion
The federal solar panel rebate can reduce the upfront cost of an eligible rooftop system, but the final amount depends on the system size, postcode, installation year and STC value used in the quote. As the deeming period falls each January until 2030, check whether the quoted price already includes the discount and compare the full installation cost, equipment, installer accreditation and any additional state support before proceeding.
FAQs
How much does a 6.6 kW solar system cost?
A professionally installed 6.6 kW solar system with quality components generally costs about $5,500 to $8,000 in 2026. This range usually already includes the federal STC discount. The final price can change with the panel and inverter choice, roof access, switchboard work and installation location.
Is the solar panel rebate the same as a feed-in tariff?
No. The solar panel rebate reduces the upfront installation cost through STCs. A feed-in tariff provides ongoing bill credits for eligible solar electricity exported to the grid.
Can I claim the rebate when replacing or expanding an existing solar system?
You may qualify for STCs when adding new panels, installing a separate system or fully replacing an older setup. Only the new eligible equipment or added capacity can count, and you cannot claim STCs again for panels that already received them.
*Disclaimer: Before reading this guidance, please remember that tax matters can be highly individualized and complex. EcoFlow does not provide any assurances or guarantees concerning potential tax credits associated with our products. Any information in this guidance is solely for educational purposes and shall not be construed as legal advice. We recommend you rely on the expertise of tax professionals for accurate and personalized tax advice.