What Rebates Are Available?
Australian homeowners can currently access three main rebate streams when installing solar or batteries. Most households qualify for at least one — and many can stack them.
Federal STCs (Solar)
Small-scale Technology Certificates are tradeable credits awarded to new solar systems. Your installer typically claims them and applies the value as a discount on your quote.
Solar Victoria
Victorian homeowners may qualify for additional solar panel and battery rebates on top of federal incentives. Income and property eligibility criteria apply.
Federal Battery Rebate
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is now live nationally and reduces the cost of a new home battery. Most homes with solar qualify.
What Changed in May 2026
On 1 May 2026, the STC calculation for batteries shifted to a tiered model, and rates have settled into their new long-term structure. The short version: rebates are still very much available — they're just calculated differently now. Don't let any installer use “the deadline” as a pressure tactic.
Rebates are still on the table
Federal STCs, Solar Victoria, and the federal battery rebate are all currently active. The biggest risk today isn't missing a deadline — it's accepting an inflated quote that quietly absorbs the rebate value.
What Can Go Wrong
- Quotes that quietly inflate cash price to absorb the rebate value
- Using an unaccredited installer (voids rebate eligibility)
- Installers who miscalculate your STC value
- Missing state-level rebates you actually qualified for
- Not getting proper documentation for your rebate claim
How to Maximize Your Rebate
- Use an SAA-accredited installer (required for rebate eligibility)
- Get multiple quotes to ensure competitive STC pricing
- Check if your state has additional incentives you can stack
- Ensure your installer handles all rebate paperwork
- Keep documentation for your records
- Compare the cash price, not just the post-rebate price
Calculate Your Specific Rebate
See exactly how much you could save based on your battery size and location.