Solar Rebates & Incentives — 2026
The 2026 solar rebate is the best you'll ever get. Here's exactly what's available — and why acting now saves you the most money.
STC Rebate (Small-scale Technology Certificates)
The Federal Government's STC scheme is a point-of-sale discount applied directly to your solar invoice. For a standard 6.6kW system installed in the Illawarra in 2026, this is worth approximately:
~$3,040
6.6kW system
~$4,600
10kW system
~$5,980
13kW system
⚠️ The rebate gets smaller every year
The STC scheme reduces the "deeming period" by one year every January. It dropped from 6 to 5 years on 1 Jan 2026. It will drop to 4 years in 2027 — reducing the rebate by approximately 17%. The longer you wait, the less you get.
Federal Battery Rebate — Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Launched in July 2025, this Federal Government program provides approximately 30% off the cost of an eligible battery system — up to $3,000 in savings. This stacks on top of the STC rebate.
~$2,500
Typical saving on 10kWh battery
~$3,000
Typical saving on 13.5kWh battery
Feed-in Tariffs (FiT)
Feed-in tariffs are credits on your electricity bill for any solar energy you export back to the grid. Typical rates in NSW are 5–10¢/kWh — much lower than what you pay to buy electricity (28–33¢/kWh). This is why battery storage is increasingly popular.
We recommend maximising self-consumption first, then considering battery storage if you have significant export, before relying on feed-in credits.
Rebate FAQs
How much is the solar rebate in 2026?
In 2026, the Federal Government's STC (Small-scale Technology Certificate) scheme provides a point-of-sale discount worth approximately $2,800–$3,800 on a standard 6.6kW system, depending on your location and current STC spot price.
How does the STC rebate work?
When you purchase a solar system, your installer applies for STCs on your behalf. The value of these certificates is deducted from your invoice at point of sale. You never need to manage the paperwork — Coastal Solar Co. handles everything.
What is the Federal Battery Rebate?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program (launched July 2025) provides eligible homeowners with approximately 30% off the cost of a battery system — up to $3,000 in savings. It applies to batteries installed alongside new or existing solar systems.
Will the solar rebate get smaller?
Yes. The STC scheme reduces the number of deeming years by one every January. It dropped from 6 to 5 years deeming on 1 January 2026, and will drop to 4 years in 2027 — reducing the rebate value by approximately 17% each time.
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