Solar & battery rebates in NSW, made simple
Government incentives can cut thousands off the upfront cost of solar and batteries. Here's how they work in 2026 — and an instant estimate of what you could claim.
Estimate your rebate
Enter your system size (and battery, if any) to see your estimated upfront government rebate.
Indicative only — NSW 2026 basis (Zone 3, 5-year STC deeming, ~$38/STC; battery ~$252/usable kWh from 1 May 2026, tiered above 14 kWh). Actual rebate depends on install date, STC market price and product eligibility. A tailored quote confirms exact figures.
The federal solar rebate (STCs)
Australia's main solar incentive is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). When you install an eligible system (up to 100 kW), it earns Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) — and your installer applies their value as an upfront discount on your invoice. You don't fill in paperwork; it's already in the price.
The number of STCs is calculated as:
- System size (kW) × zone rating × deeming years. For most of NSW the zone rating is 1.382 (Zone 3).
- The deeming period is the years left until the scheme ends on 31 December 2030. In 2026 it's 5 years, dropping by one each January — so the rebate shrinks every year you wait.
- Each STC trades for roughly $35–$40 depending on the market.
The battery rebate (Cheaper Home Batteries)
From 1 July 2025, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program added a discount of around 30% on eligible home batteries (5–100 kWh). From 1 May 2026 the rate is about $252 per usable kWh, applied in full to the first 14 kWh, then tapering (60% from 14–28 kWh, 15% from 28–50 kWh). Like the solar rebate, it's deducted upfront by your installer.
What about a separate NSW state rebate?
NSW doesn't run a general cash rebate for rooftop solar panels — the federal STC discount is the main incentive, and it applies to NSW homes. NSW does offer incentives to connect an eligible battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), which can add a few hundred dollars more. We'll tell you exactly which incentives you qualify for in your quote.