As you probably know, the federal government’s solar rebate program, the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STC), is set to continue until 2030. It’s important to note, however, the number of certificates issued will decrease each year, which means the rebate amount will also decrease over time, until it reaches zero at the end of 2030. To maximise your rebate, you should install your solar system sooner rather than later. While there were some extra savings to be had earlier in the scheme, we’re here to tell you solar is still worth it!
Federal Government Rebates
The main solar rebate from the Australian Government is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which was designed to make solar installations more affordable for everyday Aussies. Under this scheme, homeowners and businesses are eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs), which effectively act as a subsidy for installing rooftop solar systems.
When you install or upgrade a solar system, you are awarded a certain number of STCs based on the system’s size and the amount of renewable energy it is expected to produce. Typically, your solar retailer or installer will handle all of this for you and apply the value as a discount on your system’s upfront cost. It’s important to note that adding a battery to your system won’t increase the number of STCs, as they are based on your solar panels and inverter.
The SRES is set to run until 2030, but the number of certificates issued will decrease each year, which means the rebate amount will reduce over time until the scheme ends. To maximise your rebate, it’s best to install your solar system sooner rather than later.
State, Territory and Local Government Incentives
In addition to the federal STCs, several states, territories, and local governments offer their own subsidy programs to further reduce the upfront cost of solar and batteries. These include rebates, low-interest loans, or even subsidies that replace other forms of financial assistance like bill rebates.
For example, New South Wales (NSW) is introducing a battery subsidy from November 2024, providing between $1,600 and $2,400 towards the cost of installing a solar battery. Additionally, there will be a $250–$450 payment for joining a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), which can be claimed again after three years. If you’re in NSW, there’s never been a better time to prepare for this opportunity.
It’s important to remember that state and local government schemes vary based on where you live. Whether you’re eligible for a rebate, loan, or special subsidy depends on your location, and these programs can change over time. At Bare Energy, we stay up-to-date on all the latest rebates and incentives across greater NSW, ensuring you can take full advantage of every available program to reduce your costs.
How to Qualify
Qualifying for federal rebates is simple. All homeowners across Australia are eligible for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) as long as they install a qualifying solar system. This applies regardless of your postcode or region, so wherever you are in Australia, you can take advantage of these savings.
However, state and local government rebates and subsidies do vary based on location and have differing eligibility criteria. Each state has its own rules regarding system size, property type and whether the system is for a home or business.
Get The Most Out of Your Solar Investment
Solar rebates and incentives are an excellent way to reduce the upfront cost of going solar. With federal rebates available to all homeowners and additional state and local government programs in place, you can significantly lower your investment while benefiting from long-term savings. However, with many programs set to decrease over time, there’s no better time to act than now!
Want to get the most out of your solar investment? Contact Bare Energy today to find out how we can help you take full advantage of all the available rebates and incentives while securing a cleaner, greener energy future.
