Are you looking for Solar and Battery for your home? These Solar Rebates 2026 can be helpful.
- What are STCs?
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are part of the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. They help reduce the upfront cost of eligible solar installations.
When you install an eligible solar system, your installer or an authorised certificate agent can generally claim the STCs on your behalf. The financial value is usually passed on as an upfront discount on your quote. The number of certificates depends on factors such as system size, location and installation date.
Read more: Clean Energy Regulator — Small-scale Technology Certificates.
- Solar rebates and incentives comparison table
Here is a quick comparison of the main programs to investigate as of October 2026.
Rebate or incentive | Who is it for? | What can you receive? | Official information |
Federal solar STCs | Eligible residential and commercial solar systems up to 100 kW | An upfront discount based on the number and market value of eligible certificates | |
Mid-scale solar STCs — new from 1 October 2026 | Eligible solar systems above 100 kW and up to 1 MW | Access to STCs under the expanded scheme, subject to eligibility | |
Cheaper Home Batteries Program | Eligible households and businesses installing qualifying batteries | An upfront discount through the federal battery certificate scheme | |
NSW Batteries for Businesses Incentive | Eligible NSW businesses | An upfront battery installation discount, potentially higher when combined with new or additional solar | |
NSW Batteries for Apartment Buildings Incentive | Eligible apartment buildings and strata communities | An upfront discount for shared battery storage, potentially higher with new or additional solar | |
NSW Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Incentive | Eligible NSW households and small businesses with qualifying batteries | An incentive for connecting an eligible battery to a participating VPP, plus possible ongoing payments |
Please note: These programs have different eligibility rules. Not every customer will qualify, and some incentives apply to battery storage rather than solar panels alone.
- What’s new with solar STCs from October 2026?
The key change is the expansion of the federal STC scheme to eligible solar systems between 100 kW and 1 MW.
Previously, solar systems above 100 kW generally could not access STCs under the existing small-scale scheme. The expansion opens up a new option for eligible medium-sized commercial solar projects.
This may be particularly relevant to:
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Farms and agricultural facilities
- Manufacturing businesses
- Commercial buildings and other large electricity users
The new eligibility applies to qualifying systems installed from 1 October 2026. However, the Clean Energy Regulator expects STC applications for these systems to open in mid-to-late November 2026.
Eligible projects can also involve a choice between STCs and Renewable Electricity Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates, so businesses should compare the available options before deciding.
Full details: Clean Energy Regulator — Mid-scale solar.
- What about the federal battery rebate?
The Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program helps eligible customers reduce the cost of installing qualifying battery storage.
The discount is generally applied upfront through your installer. The actual amount depends on the battery’s eligible capacity, applicable certificate factors and market values.
Battery incentives are separate from the standard solar STC discount, so your quote should show which discounts apply to the panels and which apply to the battery.
For the latest eligibility requirements, visit the official Cheaper Home Batteries Program page.
- NSW battery incentives for businesses and apartments
NSW has also introduced battery installation incentives that may help eligible businesses and apartment buildings manage their electricity costs.
For businesses: The Batteries for Businesses Incentive became available from 1 September 2026. Eligible projects may receive an upfront discount, with the potential for a larger discount when a battery is installed with new or additional solar capacity.
For apartment buildings: The Batteries for Apartment Buildings Incentive also became available from 1 September 2026. Eligible buildings may receive an upfront discount towards a shared battery, with a potentially higher discount when new or additional solar is installed.
The exact benefit depends on project eligibility, system design and the applicable program rules.
Read the official requirements:
- Can solar and battery incentives be combined?
In some cases, yes. Eligible customers may be able to access more than one incentive, provided they meet the conditions of each program.
For example, an eligible NSW business could investigate federal solar STCs alongside the NSW business battery incentive and the federal battery program.
However, eligibility is not automatic. Always ask your installer to confirm which incentives can be combined and to itemise the discounts in your quote.
- How do you know which rebate applies to you?
Before choosing a solar or battery system, consider your property type, electricity consumption, system size and future energy requirements.
For the most accurate assessment contact us today for a free assessment.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Government programs, certificate values and eligibility requirements can change. Confirm current conditions with the relevant government authority and your installer before making a decision.
