Small-scale Technology Certificates for rooftop solar
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme is the main national assistance mechanism for eligible rooftop solar. An eligible installation creates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which are commonly assigned to a retailer or agent in exchange for an upfront reduction in the quoted price.
The benefit is not a fixed cash rebate. Certificate quantity and value depend on the system, location, installation date, eligibility and market price. Ask the quote to show the STC quantity, assigned value and final payable amount.
Australian Government guidance on solar rebates and loans.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Eligible batteries connected to new or existing rooftop solar may receive an upfront discount through the national Cheaper Home Batteries Program. The battery discount is separate from the rooftop-solar STC calculation and has its own equipment, capacity and installation rules.
Check current battery-program eligibility.
State, territory and council support
Programs differ by location and can close when funding is exhausted. In 2026, examples include targeted Solar Victoria assistance, the WA Residential Battery Scheme and NSW VPP incentives. Old articles may still mention closed programs such as NSW Empowering Homes or the South Australian Home Battery Scheme.
Use the official government page for your jurisdiction and recheck it immediately before signing a contract. Feed-in tariffs are electricity-retailer offers, not installation rebates, and should be compared separately.
Eligibility checklist
- Confirm the system capacity and installation date meet the current scheme.
- Use equipment on the applicable approved-product lists.
- Use appropriately licensed and SAA-accredited installers.
- Obtain required network or distributor approvals.
- Read any VPP, finance, certificate-assignment and repayment terms.
- Do not rely on a rebate until eligibility is confirmed in writing.
Avoid misleading rebate claims
Be cautious when a quote says a rebate ends immediately, guarantees a fixed saving without checking the property, or combines several incentives into one unexplained discount. Compare the equipment's normal retail scope, all deductions and the actual amount payable.
Frequently asked questions
Are STCs paid directly to the homeowner?
They can be created and traded by the eligible system owner, but most customers assign them to a retailer or agent for an upfront discount.
Does every state have an additional solar rebate?
No. Availability, technology coverage and eligibility vary.
Can solar and battery support apply to one project?
Potentially, because they relate to different eligible equipment. Both sets of rules must be met and itemised.
Does a rebate guarantee a good investment?
No. System design, energy use, tariffs, equipment quality, warranties and installation scope still determine value.