Solar Rebate & STC Calculator Australia
Calculate your federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate and state-specific solar incentives. Updated for current rebate assumptions and government programs.
About Solar Rebates in Australia
The federal government provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that reduce the upfront cost of solar systems. The rebate amount depends on your location's solar zone and system size. Some states also offer additional rebates and incentives.
System Details
Enter your system specifications to calculate available rebates
Common sizes: 6.6kW (standard), 10kW (large home), 13.2kW (very large)
STC rebate amounts vary by solar zone
STC rebate reduces each year until 2030
Select Your Location
Choose your state to see available rebates and incentives
How Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) Work
What are STCs?
STCs are certificates created when you install a solar system. Each certificate represents 1 megawatt-hour of renewable electricity your system will generate over its lifetime. These certificates have monetary value and are sold to reduce your system cost.
How the Rebate Works
Your installer typically handles the STC process and applies the rebate as a discount on your system price. The number of STCs depends on your location's solar zone - areas with more sunshine generate more certificates.
STC Zones Explained
Highest rebate
Northern Territory, Far North QLD
High rebate
Queensland, Northern WA
Medium rebate
NSW, ACT, Perth, Adelaide
Standard rebate
Victoria, Tasmania, Southern SA
State Solar Rebates & Incentives
Victoria
Solar Victoria provides a solar PV rebate up to $1,400 for eligible households plus an optional interest-free PV loan. Battery loans are treated as closed unless Solar Victoria reopens them.
Solar PV rebate up to $1,400 if eligible
South Australia
Households can usually access the federal STC scheme for eligible solar systems. Check for current local, retailer, or VPP battery offers before assuming a separate state rebate is open.
Federal STCs plus current local checks
New South Wales
Federal STC rebate applies. NSW battery VPP incentives may be available through participating providers, but amounts vary and should not be counted as guaranteed savings.
Federal STCs plus possible VPP offer
Queensland
Higher STC zone means more certificates. Federal rebate provides significant savings. No broad current Queensland state solar or battery rebate is deducted here.
Zone 2 federal STC guide
Western Australia
Federal solar STCs apply. WA has a residential battery rebate for eligible Synergy and Horizon Power customers, plus possible no-interest battery finance.
Battery rebate up to $1,300 or $3,800 if eligible
ACT
Federal solar STCs apply. ACT finance support may help eligible battery and electrification upgrades, but it should not be counted as a solar rebate deduction.
Finance support may be available if eligible
Important Information
STC values fluctuate: The STC value used in this calculator is an indicative planning assumption. Actual values vary based on market conditions.
Installation requirements: Systems must be installed by an appropriately accredited installer using approved components to be eligible for STCs.
State rebate eligibility: State rebates often have income limits, property value caps, and other eligibility criteria. Check specific program requirements.
Solar Rebate FAQ
What is the STC rebate for solar panels in Australia?
The Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate provides approximately $2,000-$4,500 off solar system costs depending on system size and location. STCs are created based on expected electricity generation over the system's lifetime and sold to reduce your upfront cost. Your installer handles the paperwork and applies the discount automatically.
How much is the solar rebate in 2026?
In 2026, a typical 6.6kW solar system may receive roughly $1,300-$1,900 in federal STC value depending on your location's solar zone, install date and STC market value. Northern areas (Zone 1-2) receive more STCs than southern areas (Zone 3-4). The rebate decreases each year and will phase out by 2030.
When does the solar rebate end?
The STC rebate reduces by approximately one-fifteenth each year until 2030, when the scheme ends completely. Installing solar sooner means you receive more STCs and a larger rebate. In 2026, you can still receive a meaningful rebate, but waiting reduces your potential savings.
Do I need to apply for the STC rebate?
No, your installer handles everything. Most installers offer a "point of sale discount" where they purchase your STCs upfront and reduce your system price accordingly. This means you see the rebate as an instant discount rather than having to claim it separately.
Last reviewed May 2026
Figures and policy settings change. Use this as a planning guide and confirm details before signing a quote.