Solar rebates in 2026: what the federal solar panel rebate is worth
Every eligible solar system in Australia earns a federal discount through small-scale technology certificates. Here is how it is worked out, what it is worth this year, and how it combines with the battery rebate.
How the solar panel rebate works
The solar rebate in Australia is a federal discount under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. An eligible system creates small-scale technology certificates, or STCs, based on how much power it is expected to generate between now and the end of 2030.
Like the battery rebate, it is not a cash refund. You assign the certificates to your installer and their value comes straight off the invoice.
It applies in every state, there is no income test, and it shrinks every 1 January as the scheme counts down to 2030.
- Federal, available in every state
- Applied on the quote, not claimed back
- No income test
- Steps down every 1 January until the scheme ends in 2030
How the number is worked out
Three inputs, all set by the Clean Energy Regulator.
-
System size in kW
The panel capacity, up to 100 kW.
-
Your postcode zone
Sunnier zones earn more. Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra are all in zone 3, at 1.382 MWh per kW per year.
-
Years left to 2030
Systems installed in 2026 are credited for 5 years. In 2027 it drops to 4. Multiply the three together, round down, and that is your certificate count.
What the solar rebate is worth in 2026
Zone 3 (Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra), installed in 2026, at $37 to $40 a certificate. Your quote shows the exact figure.
| System size | Certificates and indicative discount |
|---|---|
| 6.6 kW | 45 certificates, roughly $1,650 to $1,800 |
| 10 kW | 69 certificates, roughly $2,550 to $2,750 |
| 13.2 kW | 91 certificates, roughly $3,350 to $3,650 |
From 1 January 2027 the credited period drops from 5 years to 4, so the same system earns about 20% less. Source: Clean Energy Regulator.
Who and what is eligible
The scheme’s rules, in plain terms.
-
Approved panels and inverter
Both on the Clean Energy Council approved lists.
-
Installed by an SAA accredited installer
Designed and installed to Australian standards.
-
Up to 100 kW
Larger systems fall under a different scheme.
-
Certificates created within 12 months
We create them for you after installation, so this is handled.
Solar and a battery: two separate rebates
Panels and batteries earn their own certificates, so a system with both gets both discounts on the same quote.
Solar panel rebate
Worked out on system size, postcode zone and years left to 2030, as above.
Battery rebate
Around 30% off an eligible battery under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. How the battery rebate works.
State extras
NSW adds a VPP incentive and the NSW Government’s Home Energy Saver loan program. See the NSW, Queensland and South Australia and ACT guides.
Solar rebate questions
How much is the solar rebate in 2026?
For a 6.6 kW system in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or Canberra installed in 2026, about 45 certificates, or roughly $1,650 to $1,800. A 10 kW system earns about 69 certificates, roughly $2,550 to $2,750.
Is the solar rebate means tested?
No. It depends on the system and where it is installed, not on income.
When does the solar rebate end?
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme ends in 2030. The rebate gets smaller every 1 January until then.
Can I get the solar rebate and the battery rebate together?
Yes. They are separate certificates, so a solar and battery system gets both.
Is it a cash rebate?
No. It is a point-of-sale discount. You assign the certificates to us and their value comes off your invoice.
Is the solar rebate the same in every state?
The rules are, but sunnier zones earn more certificates. Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra are all in the same zone.
See both rebates on one quote
We size the system to your usage, then show the solar and battery discounts for your installation date in dollars.
What our customers say
Ready to see what solar and battery could do for your place?
Tell us a little about your home and a local consultant will call you back. No obligation, no pressure.
Prefer to talk? Call 02 8311 7338.
