South Australia Solar Rebate: Who Qualifies and How Much You’ll Save
- 1. Federal Solar Rebate (SRES) – Upfront Discount on Solar Panels
- 2. SA Feed-in Tariff – Earn Credit for Exporting Excess Solar Energy
- 3. City of Adelaide Solar PV Rebate – Extra Support for Central Residents
- 4. City of Adelaide Battery Rebate – 50% Off Home Battery Storage
- Stack Rebates for an Adelaide Home
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Thinking about going solar in South Australia? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not short on sunshine. With electricity prices climbing and plenty of sun to soak up, installing solar panels just makes sense. What makes it even more appealing are South Australia solar rebates, incentives that helps ease the upfront cost of going solar.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the solar rebates and incentives in SA, who’s eligible, how to apply, and how much you could realistically save. Whether you’re just starting to look into solar or you’re ready to take the plunge, this is what you need to know.
1. Federal Solar Rebate (SRES) – Upfront Discount on Solar Panels
The Federal Government Solar Rebate in South Australia, as part of the national Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), provides an upfront discount on the cost of installing solar panels for eligible Australian households and businesses.
This rebate is not a cash payment, but rather a reduction in your system cost through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Each STC represents 1 megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity that your system will generate over its lifetime.
How it works:
Your installer creates STCs based on the size of your solar system and your location.
STCs are traded on the market and their value is passed onto you as a discount on your installation cost.
The discount depends on your system’s expected energy generation and the number of certificates (STCs) assigned to it.
Who is eligible:
Homeowners and businesses in Australia are installing solar systems with a capacity of up to 100 kW and an annual output of less than 250 MWh.
The solar panels and inverters must be Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited.
The system must be installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) certified installer.
No means test – this solar panels South Australia rebate is available to all eligible systems, whether for owner-occupied homes, businesses, or off-grid solar setups.
How much can you save:
For a typical 6.6 kW solar system in Adelaide (Zone 3), the system will generate 55 STCs in 2025. At an average STC price of $38–$40 per certificate, this equates to an upfront discount of about $2,000.
For larger systems (e.g., 10 kW or more), the rebate can be much higher, as the STC generation increases.
Example Calculation:
A 6.6 kW solar system in Adelaide produces approximately 55 STCs.
At a market value of $38 per STC, that’s 55 STCs x $38 = $2,090 off your system cost.
If your system costs $6,000, you would pay approximately $3,910 after applying the rebate.
How to apply:
No paperwork required from you. The process is simple:
Make sure the solar panels and inverters you buy are on the Clean Energy Council list of approved products.
Choose an accredited solar installer (check for Clean Energy Council certification).
The installer will calculate the number of STCs based on your system size and location.
The installer will claim the STCs and apply the rebate directly to your invoice. You don’t need to apply for the rebate yourself.
Keep in mind:
The federal rebate reduces slightly each year (as the scheme winds down by end-2030). So the earlier you install, the more STCs you receive.
STC values fluctuate, so the rebate amount can vary slightly depending on market conditions at the time of installation.
2. SA Feed-in Tariff – Earn Credit for Exporting Excess Solar Energy
The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) is a payment you receive for the excess solar energy your system sends back to the grid. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home is using (such as during the day when you’re out), the extra energy is exported to the grid, and your energy retailer credits you for it. The FiT rate is the price per kWh of exported energy.
How it works:
Your solar system generates electricity, and anything not used by your home is sent to the grid.
Your energy retailer will pay you for the excess energy you export based on their FiT rate.
The higher the FiT, the more you get paid for your exported energy.
Who is eligible:
Any South Australian household with a grid-connected solar system is eligible to earn FiT credits.
You’ll need a smart meter to track your energy exports.
How much can you earn:
The FiT rate varies by retailer and can range from 3¢ to 15¢ per kWh.
As of 2025, most retailers offer rates between 4¢ and 8¢ per kWh.
If you export about 3,600 kWh per year (a typical figure for a 6.6 kW system), this could earn you between $140 and $300 annually, depending on the FiT rate.
Some long-term customers who signed up before 2011 can receive higher rates (around 44¢ per kWh) until 2028.
How to apply:
The FiT is typically set up automatically when you choose an electricity retailer that offers a FiT plan.
When you install your solar system, your installer will ensure your meter is set up to track both import (grid usage) and export (solar energy sent to the grid).
You’ll need to select a retailer that offers a FiT and sign up to their plan.
Compare different retailers using comparison tools like Energy Made Easy or Compare Club to find the best FiT deal for your system.
3. City of Adelaide Solar PV Rebate – Extra Support for Central Residents
The City of Adelaide Solar PV Rebate is a financial incentive for residents living within the City of Adelaide municipality. It helps to cover the cost of installing solar panels in your home or business. This South Australia solar power rebate is part of the Sustainability Incentives Scheme, which aims to encourage more clean energy installations in Adelaide’s central area.
How it works:
The rebate covers 20% of the cost of installing solar panels, up to a maximum cap based on your system size.
If you’re eligible, the City of Adelaide will reimburse you for part of your installation cost after your system is installed, making it more affordable to go solar.
You can stack this rebate on top of the Federal Solar Rebate (SRES) and potentially other incentives, increasing your total savings.
Who is eligible:
Homeowners, renters, and businesses within the City of Adelaide (i.e., postcodes 5000 and 5006).
If you’re a tenant or part of a strata-managed property, you’ll need owner consent to apply for the rebate.
Concession card holders may receive additional priority or benefits within the program.
The rebate is only available for new solar PV systems installed by Clean Energy Council-accredited installers.
How much can you save:
The rebate amount depends on your system size. For most residential systems (under 10 kW), the rebate is capped at $1,000. For larger systems (10–20 kW), the cap is $2,500, while systems over 20 kW can receive up to $5,000.
How to apply:
Install your solar system: Get quotes from accredited installers and ensure your system is designed to meet the program’s specifications.
Submit your application: After installation, apply for the rebate through the City of Adelaide’s SmartyGrants portal. You’ll need to provide documentation like: the invoice for your solar system, proof of payment, and certification that your system meets Clean Energy Council standards.
Wait for approval and reimbursement: Once your application is approved, the City of Adelaide will reimburse you up to the applicable cap.
4. City of Adelaide Battery Rebate – 50% Off Home Battery Storage
Another part of the Sustainability Incentives Scheme, the City of Adelaide Battery Rebate offers a 50% discount on the cost of installing a home battery storage system. It’s available for people who install a battery alongside a solar system to maximize self-consumption of solar energy and have a home backup generator ready for emergencies and blackouts.
How it works:
The rebate covers 50% of the installation cost for a home battery, up to a maximum of $2,000.
If your battery system costs more than $4,000, you’ll receive the full $2,000 discount. If the system is smaller, like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station, the rebate will cover 50% of the cost, up to the $2,000 cap.
The battery must be installed alongside a solar PV system, and it must be a Clean Energy Council-approved battery.
The battery system must be new and properly sized to store the energy generated by your solar panels.
Stack Rebates for an Adelaide Home
Now, let’s take a look at how much you could save by combining multiple solar rebates in South Australia if you live in Adelaide and install a 6.6 kW solar system and a 10 kWh battery.
We’ll assume you’re eligible for the Federal Solar Rebate, the City of Adelaide Solar PV Rebate, and the City of Adelaide Battery Rebate.
Solar System Costs
System Size: 6.6 kW (a typical residential system)
Cost of Installation: Let’s say the quoted price for a 6.6 kW solar system is $6,000.
Federal Solar Rebate (SRES)
The Federal Solar Rebate provides an upfront discount based on Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
For a 6.6 kW system, the rebate would be around $2,000 (based on current STC prices of ~$38 each).
New Price after SRES rebate: $6,000 – $2,000 = $4,000
City of Adelaide Solar PV Rebate
The City of Adelaide Solar PV Rebate offers 20% of the installation cost, capped at $1,000 for systems under 10 kW.
For a $6,000 system, you can get the full $1,000 rebate.
New Price after City of Adelaide rebate: $4,000 – $1,000 = $3,000
Total savings on solar system: $2,000 (Federal rebate) + $1,000 (City of Adelaide rebate) = $3,000 off the upfront cost.
Battery System Costs
Battery Size: 10 kWh (typical home battery)
Cost of Installation: Let’s say the quoted price for a 10 kWh battery is $10,000.
City of Adelaide Battery Rebate
The City of Adelaide Battery Rebate offers 50% off the cost of the battery, up to a maximum of $2,000.
For a $10,000 battery, you’ll receive the full $2,000 rebate.
New Price after City of Adelaide rebate: $10,000 – $2,000 = $8,000
Total savings on battery system: $2,000 off the battery cost.
Final Cost Breakdown
Solar System after rebates: $3,000 (down from $6,000)
Battery System after rebates: $8,000 (down from $10,000)
Total cost after all rebates: $3,000 (solar) + $8,000 (battery) = $11,000
Additional Savings
Feed-in Tariff (FiT): If you export excess energy to the grid, you can earn credits. For example, if you export 3,600 kWh per year and receive a 5¢ per kWh FiT, you could earn about $180 per year in credits.
Self-consumption Savings: By using your own solar energy instead of grid electricity, you could save $1,500+ per year on your electricity bills, depending on your energy usage.
By combining the Federal and City of Adelaide rebates, you can reduce your solar and battery system cost by over $5,000. With ongoing savings on your electricity bills and potential Feed-in Tariff credits, your investment in solar and battery storage becomes more affordable, with a payback period that could be 5–6 years depending on your energy use.
Conclusion
With sunlight on tap and the South Australia solar rebates to sweeten the deal, going solar isn’t just an eco‑friendly gesture—it’s a smart financial move for anyone living under the Big Aussie Sky. By understanding the schemes’ nuts and bolts, confirming your eligibility, and submitting well‑prepared applications, you can unlock thousands in upfront savings and ongoing bill reductions.
Ready to turn sunbeams into savings? Use the steps outlined above, get your quotes in order, and stake your claim on the rebates while they’re still on offer. Your future self—and your future power bill—will thank you.
FAQs
Are there solar rebates in South Australia?
Yes, there are several solar rebates available in South Australia, including the Federal Solar Rebate (SRES), which provides an upfront discount on solar panels. Additionally, residents of the City of Adelaide can access local rebates for solar panel installation and home battery storage.
What are the new solar rules in South Australia?
South Australia has implemented “Smarter Homes” regulations, effective since September 2020. These rules require new solar systems to meet technical standards, including voltage ride-through capabilities and remote disconnect features, to enhance grid stability and prevent blackouts.
Who has the best solar feed-in tariff in SA?
As of March 2025, ENGIE offers the highest solar feed-in tariff in South Australia, paying up to 11 cents per kWh for exported solar energy. Other retailers like AGL, Energy Australia, Alinta Energy, and Origin Energy offer rates around 10 cents per kWh.
How much is a 10kW solar system in South Australia?
The cost of a 10kW solar system in South Australia typically ranges between $7,000 and $12,000 after applying available government rebates. This price can vary based on factors such as system quality, installation complexity, and the specific rebates applicable.