More than 4 million rooftop solar PV systems have been installed in Australia since November 2024. Around 30% of residences in Australia have rooftop solar PV, which has the highest solar adoption rate worldwide.
Energy storage via a solar battery is a great option to make the most of your high-value solar PV system. Energy Matters can help you make an informed decision on the suitability of a solar battery for your home and needs with our Solar Power and Battery Storage Calculator.
Two primary sources of solar rebates or incentives are available in Australia.
- State governments (some, but not all)
- Electricity retailer (on occasion – retailer dependant)
On this page
Are there any federal rebates or incentives for battery storage installations?
The federal government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) does not cover the purchase and installation of a battery. This means that battery storage systems are NOT eligible to receive Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
Feed-in Tariff (FiT)
When you export excess electricity from your solar installation to the grid, you are compensated with a solar Feed-in Tariff, or FiT, from your electricity retailer.
The feed-in tariff’s value varies between states and among electricity retailers. The government introduced FiTs as a financial incentive to increase demand for solar PV systems. Feed-in tariff rates have significantly decreased as the solar industry has expanded, and solar panel costs have fallen by roughly 80%.
Maximising your savings with solar battery rebates
Navigating the landscape of solar battery rebates can significantly reduce the upfront cost of your energy storage solution. Understanding these incentives is crucial for homeowners looking to optimise their investment in sustainable energy.
When considering a solar panel and battery package, exploring the various rebate programs available in your region is essential. These rebates are designed to encourage the adoption of clean energy technologies, making installing a comprehensive system more affordable.
- Understanding solar battery storage
- Understanding how solar battery storage systems work is essential to fully leveraging the benefits of a solar battery rebate. These systems store excess energy generated by your solar panels, allowing you to use them during periods of low sunlight or power outages, which enhances energy independence and reduces reliance on the grid. A well-designed solar battery storage system can provide substantial long-term savings and increased energy efficiency resilience with available rebates. Learn more about solar battery storage.
- Determining the right solar panel system size
- The size of your solar panel system heavily influences the effectiveness of your solar panel and battery package. To maximise your solar battery rebate, install a solar panel system sized appropriately for your energy consumption and storage capacity. Calculating the ideal solar panel system size ensures you generate enough power to charge your battery and meet your household’s energy needs, optimising your savings and the return on your investment. Find out how to size your home solar system.
By taking advantage of available solar battery rebates and carefully planning your solar panel and battery package, you can save significantly while contributing to a sustainable energy future.
State solar battery rebates and subsidies in Australia
Solar battery systems traditionally have not enjoyed the same solar rebates in Australia. But some recent government solar battery rebates, and solar battery subsidies, are available to support the purchase of solar batteries. There are currently no state government incentives for solar batteries if you live in Queensland or Tasmania.
Victoria (VIC): Solar battery rebates and incentives
Solar battery loans
Solar Victoria offers interest-free loans of up to $8,800 to help slash the upfront cost of installing a solar battery. This program aims to boost self-sufficiency and save you money on energy bills.
If you own your home, have a combined taxable income under $210,000, and possess a solar panel system exceeding 5kW (or plan to install one with the battery), you might be eligible! These limited loans are repaid over four years, potentially bringing your upfront costs down to zero.
New South Wales (NSW) : Solar battery rebates and incentives
Eligible NSW residents and businesses will be able to access a battery incentive from 1 November 2024. There will be an additional incentive to connect your battery to an eligible Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
If eligible, you could receive:
- $1600 to $2400 off the upfront installation costs of a battery for homes and businesses with existing solar, depending on battery size.
- $250 to $400 for connecting your home or business battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). This incentive is available twice, with a minimum three-year gap.
For those without solar, the incentive can be factored into a quote for a new solar and battery system installation.
The installation discount is usually applied by the approved supplier. Different suppliers may offer varying products, services, and incentives, allowing you to compare options.
For more information on NSW solar battery rebates, visit our NSW Battery Incentive page.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Solar battery rebates and incentives
Sustainable Household Scheme
Households who are eligible can borrow up to $15,000. You have a maximum of ten years to pay it back. There are no fees or upfront costs, and there are zero interest loans to help with the costs of energy-efficient upgrades. These include:
- rooftop solar panels
- household battery storage systems
- electric heating and cooling systems
- hot water heat pumps (HWHP)
- electric stove tops
- electric vehicles (cars)
- electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- installation costs for these products
Northern Territory (NT): Battery storage rebates and incentives
Home and Business Battery Scheme
You can apply for a subsidy through the Home and Business Battery Scheme if you’re a Northern Territory (NT) homeowner, business owner, or not-for-profit organisation and want to buy and instal batteries and inverters. A subsidy of $400 per kilowatt hour of useable battery system capacity, up to a maximum amount of $5,000, is offered to eligible homeowners and businesses.
You can apply if you’re:
- a registered owner of residential property in the NT
- a registered NT business
- a not-for-profit or community organisation
- operating in the NT in either owned or leased premises
You can use the funding to buy and install:
- a solar photovoltaic (PV) with an eligible solar battery and inverter
- an eligible battery and inverter only if you already have solar PV installed
Check out our page to learn more about the battery system rebates in NT.
Tasmania (TAS): Solar battery rebates and incentives
Tasmania's Energy Saver Loan Scheme
Tasmania’s Energy Saver Loan Scheme offers interest-free loans of up to $10,000 to assist households, landlords, small businesses, and not-for-profit organisations in adopting energy-efficient products. Eligible items include PV systems, solar battery storage systems, reverse cycle air conditioning, hot water systems, induction and ceramic stove tops, energy-efficient white goods, double glazing, and insulation. This initiative aims to promote energy efficiency and sustainability across the state.
Key features:
- Loan amount: $500 to $10,000
- Repayment terms: 1 to 3 years
- Interest rate: 0%
- Customer fees: No establishment or account-keeping fees (late repayment fees may apply)
Eligibility criteria:
- Residential households: Tasmanians applying for their principal place of residence
- Landlords: With residential tenants
- Small businesses and community organisations: With electricity consumption lower than 150 MWh per year
Queensland (QLD): Solar battery rebates and incentives
There are currently NO solar rebates or incentives in Queensland.
South Australia (SA): Solar battery rebates and incentives
There are currently NO solar rebates or incentives in South Australia.
Western Australia (WA): Solar battery rebates and incentives
There are currently NO solar rebates or incentives in Western Australia.
Ready to upgrade your solar systems and take your energy savings to the next level?
Embrace the energy efficiency revolution by upgrading your solar systems and adding a battery or solar inverters with Energy Matters.
Check our page for our recommended solar products.
With our 3 free solar quotes, you can compare plans from pre-qualified and vetted installers in your area and find the perfect solution for your home and business. Harness the sun’s power and save money on electricity bills while reducing environmental impact. Let Energy Matters guide you towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
