When Australians say solar rebate, they usually mean the federal small-scale technology certificate discount, which is applied to the price of an eligible system. It is not a cheque. The installer claims certificates and passes the value to you as a lower upfront price.
The federal discount
STCs are issued for eligible rooftop solar systems and sold on the market, at roughly $38 to $40 each at the time of writing. The number you get depends on the system size, your postcode zone and the install year. In 2026 the deeming period is 5 years, falling to 4 in 2027, and it keeps declining until the scheme ends on 31 December 2030. Our calculator guide shows how to work it out.
Battery discount
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program started on 1 July 2025 and gives STCs for approved home batteries, roughly a 30% discount at launch. It applies to batteries from 5 to 100 kWh usable, with up to 50 kWh counted. The battery must be on the approved list, capable of joining a virtual power plant and installed by an accredited installer, and it is one per property. See who gets the battery STCs.
State programs
States run their own incentives, which change often and often include income tests or caps. Victoria’s household rebate has an income cap of $150,000 as of 1 July 2026. Other states have their own schemes and some have wound down their battery programs into the federal one. Check each state government’s official page.
How to make sure you get the discount
- Use an accredited installer and approved equipment.
- Make sure the quote shows the STC discount separately.
- Sign the assignment form, which lets the installer claim the certificates for you.
- Keep the paperwork for your records.
What this means for you
Compare quotes on the net price after the STC discount and ask how the number was calculated. The STC overview and battery STC overview explain the schemes, and the glossary decodes the jargon.