Last Updated: 26 August 2026 By Leo
Thinking about installing solar panels or a home battery in 2026?
Australian households and small businesses may be eligible for federal solar and battery incentives, while some states and territories offer additional rebates, incentives or financing programs.
Here’s a simple state-by-state guide to the solar and battery support currently available across Australia.
Important: Incentive values and eligibility vary depending on system size, location, household circumstances and program requirements. Government programs may also change or close when funding is exhausted.
Federal Solar & Battery Incentives Available Across Australia
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Eligible rooftop solar systems can receive Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
The value of the incentive depends on factors including the system size, installation location, installation date and current STC market value.
In most cases, the value of the STCs is provided as an upfront discount through the solar retailer or installer.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
The Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides an upfront discount on eligible home battery systems through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
From 1 May 2026, support is calculated using a tiered structure based on usable battery capacity:
Usable Battery Capacity Applicable STC Factor
0–14 kWh 100%
Above 14–28 kWh 60%
Above 28–50 kWh 15%
Above 50 kWh 0%
The actual dollar value of the battery discount is not fixed. It depends on eligible battery capacity, the applicable STC factor and the market value of STCs.
Solar & Battery Incentives by State
New South Wales (NSW)
Eligible NSW households can access federal solar and battery incentives.
NSW also offers a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) incentive for eligible households and small businesses that connect an eligible battery to a participating VPP.
The value of the incentive varies depending on battery capacity, the VPP provider and contract terms. It can be combined with the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Eligible households may also have access to support through the Home Energy Saver program. Financing and targeted assistance are subject to separate eligibility requirements and should not be treated as a general household rebate.
Victoria (VIC)
Eligible Victorian households can receive a solar panel rebate of up to $1,400 through the Solar Homes Program.
An optional interest-free loan of up to the same amount may also be available.
From 1 July 2026, the combined household taxable income threshold is $150,000 per year, subject to Solar Victoria’s other eligibility requirements.
Eligible Victorian households installing a battery can also access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia offers additional support through the WA Residential Battery Scheme.
Eligible households can receive up to:
$1,300 for Synergy customers
$3,800 for Horizon Power customers
The rebate can be combined with the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Eligible households may also have access to interest-free financing. Loans are separate from rebates and should not be included when calculating the total rebate value.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland does not currently offer a general state solar or battery rebate for most owner-occupied homes.
Eligible Queensland households can still access federal solar STCs and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Under Supercharged Solar for Renters, eligible landlords can receive rebates of $2,500 to $3,500 for installing solar on qualifying rental properties.
This program is specifically for eligible rental properties and is not a general $3,500 rebate for Queensland homeowners.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia does not currently offer a general state solar or battery rebate under the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS).
Some electricity retailers and VPP providers may offer separate incentives, credits or electricity plan benefits. These vary by provider and should not be treated as guaranteed government rebates.
Eligible South Australian households can still access federal solar and battery incentives.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Eligible ACT households may access financing through the Sustainable Household Scheme for solar, batteries and other eligible energy upgrades.
As this is primarily a financing program, the loan amount should not be counted as a direct rebate.
Eligible households can also access applicable federal solar and battery incentives.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania does not currently offer a broadly available state residential solar or battery rebate.
Eligible Tasmanian households can still access federal solar STCs and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Northern Territory (NT)
The Northern Territory’s Home and Business Battery Scheme has reached its funding cap and is currently closed to new grant applications.
Eligible NT households and businesses can still access applicable federal solar and battery incentives.
Which State Has the Best Solar & Battery Incentives?
There isn’t a single answer because each state program has different eligibility requirements.
Western Australia currently provides substantial direct battery rebates for eligible households, while Victoria continues to provide targeted solar support. NSW offers additional incentives for eligible batteries connected to a VPP, and Queensland provides targeted solar support for eligible rental properties.
Loans, VPP benefits and targeted programs should not be treated as general rebates available to every household.
Find Out What You Could Be Eligible For
The incentives available to you depend on your postcode, system size, battery capacity, property type and individual eligibility.
Solar Time Energy can help you understand which solar and battery options may suit your property and which current incentives may apply to your installation.
Get a free solar & battery quote today.
Call Solar Time Energy: 1300 712 020
Disclaimer: Information is current as at 26 August 2026 and is provided for general information only. Government rebates, incentives, financing programs, eligibility requirements and funding availability may change. Please refer to the relevant government authority for the latest information.