SOLARPLUS ENERGY / HOUSEHOLD GUIDE
Solar & battery rebates: what will you actually pay?
Choose your state to see what comes off the price and what you still have to repay. Federal incentives are explained once below.
Start with the federal solar and battery discounts
Eligible rooftop solar and home batteries can earn small-scale technology certificates (STCs). If you assign the certificates to a registered agent, their value can come off the installation price. Ask whether the price you have been quoted already includes that discount.
For batteries, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program covers eligible new storage paired with new or existing solar. The model, usable capacity and installation date affect your estimate. A second battery purchase does not automatically qualify for another claim at the same property.
Official guidance: How STCs work · Battery eligibility and capacity limits.
Victoria | Solar panel rebate and optional loan
For eligible homes, Solar Victoria can cover up to half the solar PV purchase cost remaining after other discounts, capped at $1,400. You can also request a matching interest-free loan when you apply. The rebate reduces the price; the loan is repaid monthly over four years.
Who should check?
For the owner-occupier pathway, the owners’ combined taxable income must be below $150,000 and the property value below $3 million. Prior systems and previous assistance at the address also count. Rental properties follow a separate pathway.
Before installation
Use an authorised retailer and eligible equipment. The retailer uploads your quote; you complete the application and wait for the eligibility confirmation and QR code before installation. Installing first can disqualify the claim.
Adding only a battery? The former Victorian battery loan is closed to new applications. Check the federal battery rules above instead.
Official guidance: Solar Victoria PV rebate and application steps · Solar Homes program status.
New South Wales | Home Energy Saver
Open: interest-free loan, up to $15,000
Eligible NSW property owners, including landlords, can apply to spread approved upgrade costs over as long as ten years. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents; combined taxable household income must be $210,000 or less. Brighte or Plenti assesses the application. Check the provider’s approved suppliers and products before committing to a quote.
Separate discount: check the application order
NSW currently lists its discount of up to $4,000 as coming soon. It targets eligible concession-card holders or households with combined gross income of up to $80,000. Leave it out of your payable-price calculation until approved. If you want both forms of support for the same purchase, NSW advises applying for the discount first.
Already considering a virtual power plant? A separate NSW incentive may apply when a compatible battery joins an eligible VPP contract. Check retailer conditions and how your battery can be used before signing.
Official guidance: Loan eligibility and providers · Discount status and application order · NSW VPP incentive.
Worked example: a Victorian solar quote
Illustration only, not a SolarPlus offer or customer quote. Assume eligibility for the example discounts and approval for the optional loan. All figures are in Australian dollars.
- Installed price before incentives: $8,000.
- Discounts: $1,600 in illustrative federal STCs plus a $1,400 Victorian PV rebate = $3,000 off.
- Total payable after discounts: $8,000 − $3,000 = $5,000.
- Payment split: pay $5,000 without finance, or $3,600 upfront and repay the $1,400 loan over four years.
Either way, the system costs $5,000 after discounts. Estimated future bill savings are separate; they do not reduce today’s invoice.
What would this mean for your home?
Have your postcode, a recent electricity bill and any existing solar or battery details handy. Ask us to show the installed price, eligible deductions and remaining balance as separate lines.
Program information checked 3 November 2026. Confirm current rules and availability with the program or lender before placing an order.
