Solar and Battery Rebates 2026: Your Complete Guide

Last updated: January 2026

Are you considering solar panels or battery storage for your home or business in 2026? Understanding the available rebates and incentives can make a significant difference to your investment. At Impressd Consulting, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the federal and state-based solar and battery rebates available this year.

The Federal Solar Panel Rebate: What You Need to Know

The Australian government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme continues to provide substantial savings for solar installations in 2026. While the rebate is gradually reducing as it approaches its scheduled end date of December 31, 2030, significant savings are still available for those who act now.

How the Rebate Works

When you install a solar panel system, you receive Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on your system's expected energy production through to 2030. These certificates are traded on an open market, typically valued between $37 and $40 each. Your installer handles all the paperwork and deducts the rebate value from your upfront cost.

Key factors affecting your rebate:

• System size

• Geographic location (areas with more sunshine receive more STCs)

• Number of years remaining until 2030

2026 Rebate Values by System Size

For a typical residential installation, here's what you can expect:

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia & Western Australia:

• 6.6kW system: approximately $1,800

• 8kW system: approximately $2,200

• 10kW system: approximately $2,760

Victoria & Tasmania:

• 6.6kW system: approximately $1,560

• 8kW system: approximately $1,880

• 10kW system: approximately $2,360

Northern Territory:

• 6.6kW system: approximately $2,000

• 8kW system: approximately $2,440

• 10kW system: approximately $3,040

Important: The Rebate is Decreasing

Each year that passes means fewer STCs are issued, reducing the rebate value. Waiting until 2027 could cost you several hundred dollars in lost rebate value. For example, delaying a 6.6kW system installation in Queensland by one year could reduce your rebate by approximately $360.

State-by-State Incentives for 2026

New South Wales

NSW offers multiple incentives to complement the federal rebate:

Battery Storage:

• VPP (Virtual Power Plant) rebate: $400 to $1,500 for eligible battery installations

Energy Efficiency:

• Energy Savings Scheme: Discounts on upgrading lighting, air conditioning, hot water systems, and pool pumps

• Low Income Electricity Rebate: Up to $313.50 for eligible concession card holders

Feed-in Tariffs:

• 4c to 10c per kWh (varies by retailer)

Victoria

The Victorian government provides some of Australia's most generous solar incentives:

Solar Panel Rebate:

• Up to $1,400 for new solar systems

• Up to $1,400 for upgrading systems over 10 years old

• Interest-free loans available up to $1,400

Rental Properties:

• Up to $1,400 per property (maximum two per financial year)

• Interest-free loans available

Additional Incentives:

• Hot water rebate: Up to $1,400 for heat pumps and efficient hot water systems

• Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program: Discounts on energy-efficient appliances and systems

Feed-in Tariffs:

• 1.0c to 11c per kWh (retailer-dependent)

Queensland

Queensland's sunny climate makes solar an excellent investment:

Federal Rebate:

• Full federal STC rebate available

• Higher rebate values due to increased sunshine hours

Community Programs:

• Community Solar Banks program in Townsville and Caloundra for eligible residents

Feed-in Tariffs:

• South-east Queensland: Retailer-set rates

• Regional Queensland: Flat rate of 8.66c per kWh

Western Australia

WA has introduced a significant battery incentive:

Battery Storage:

• Up to $7,500 rebate for eligible households installing battery systems

Feed-in Tariffs:

• Perth: 2.0c per kWh (off-peak), 10.0c per kWh (peak)

• Regional WA: Slightly higher rates depending on location

South Australia

SA offers targeted incentives, particularly in the City of Adelaide:

City of Adelaide Residents:

• Residential Solar Rebate for concession card holders and rental properties

• Commercial Solar Rebate: 20% up to $1,000 for systems up to 20kW

• Appliance Electrification Rebate: 50% up to $2,000 for replacing gas/wood appliances

• EV Charging Station Rebate: Up to $2,000

Feed-in Tariffs:

• 2c to 10c per kWh (retailer-dependent)

Australian Capital Territory

The ACT offers comprehensive energy support:

Home Energy Support Rebate:

• Up to $2,500 for eligible concession card holders

• Covers solar systems, heating/cooling, hot water heat pumps, electric cooking, and insulation

Sustainable Household Scheme:

• Low-interest loans (3%) up to $15,000

• Covers battery storage, energy upgrades, and electric vehicles

Electric Vehicles:

• Two years free registration

• No stamp duty on low and zero-emission vehicles

Feed-in Tariffs:

• 4c to 10c per kWh (retailer-dependent)

Tasmania

Federal Rebate:

• Full federal STC rebate available

Feed-in Tariffs:

• Locked in at 8.782c per kWh until June 2026

Note: Tasmania's Energy Saver Loan scheme has now closed.

Northern Territory

The NT offers attractive incentives in selected areas:

Battery Scheme:

• Currently closed for new applications

• Previously offered up to $5,000 for battery and inverter installations

Electric Vehicles:

• Free registration for new and used EVs

• Up to $1,500 stamp duty concession

• Up to $1,000 grant for home charger installation

Feed-in Tariffs:

• 9.33c to 18.66c per kWh (some of Australia's highest rates)

Eligibility Requirements

To claim the federal solar rebate, your installation must meet these criteria:

• System under 100kW capacity

• Designed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited designer

• Installed by an SAA accredited installer

• Panels approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC)

• Inverter approved by the CEC

• STCs claimed within 12 months of installation

• Compliant with Australian and New Zealand standards

• Meets all local, state, and federal requirements

Why Act Now?

The federal solar rebate is on a countdown to 2030. Each year you wait means:

1. Lower rebate values as fewer years remain in the scheme

2. Higher upfront costs as rebates continue to decrease

3. Delayed energy savings from lower electricity bills

4. Missed feed-in tariff income from excess solar generation

For a typical 6.6kW system, the difference between installing in 2026 versus 2027 could be several hundred dollars in lost rebate value.

Empower Your Solar Sales Team with Expert Knowledge

At Impressd Consulting, we provide professional sales representatives to solar companies across Australia. This comprehensive rebate guide is a resource for solar businesses and their sales teams to help communicate value to customers effectively.

Understanding rebates and incentives is crucial for:

• Accurately presenting total cost savings to potential customers

• Explaining the urgency of acting now as rebates decrease annually

• Navigating state-specific incentives confidently

• Answering customer questions about eligibility and savings

• Closing sales with complete transparency

Why Solar Companies Partner with Impressd Consulting

Our sales representatives are thoroughly trained on:

Federal and State Rebate Programs

• Current STC values and calculations

• State-by-state incentive programs

• Eligibility requirements and application processes

Effective Sales Communication

• Presenting total cost of ownership

• Demonstrating return on investment timelines

• Explaining feed-in tariff benefits

Customer Engagement

• Communicating complex rebate mechanisms clearly

• Addressing common objections and concerns

• Building trust through knowledgeable, professional service

The Solar Sales Opportunity in 2026

The solar industry continues to experience strong growth, driven by:

1. Decreasing rebate values creating urgency among customers

2. Rising energy costs making solar more attractive

3. Increased environmental awareness driving demand

4. Improved technology delivering better ROI

With the federal rebate decreasing annually and scheduled to end in 2030, customers who delay are losing money. Professional sales representatives who understand and can clearly communicate this urgency are essential to converting leads into installations.

Impressd Consulting Sales Representation Services

We provide solar companies with:

• Fully trained sales professionals who understand the technical and financial aspects of solar

• Up-to-date knowledge on all federal, state, and local incentives

• Professional representation that enhances your brand reputation

• Flexible engagement models to suit your business needs

• Proven sales strategies tailored to the Australian solar market

Our representatives become an extension of your team, equipped to guide customers through their solar journey from initial inquiry to installation.

For Solar Companies: If you're looking to scale your sales team with professionals who understand the complexities of solar rebates and can communicate value effectively to customers, Impressd Consulting can help drive growth for your business.

Contact us today to discuss how our sales representatives can strengthen your team.

Impressd Consulting provides professional sales representation services to solar companies across Australia. We help solar businesses grow by connecting them with skilled sales professionals who understand the industry and can deliver exceptional customer experiences.