Solar Panels
How Battery Rebates Change Solar Payback: Data Tables, Stories & Critical Insights for Australians
Discover how adding a battery changes solar payback for Australian homes, ...
Simon Whitlock
Monday, 27 Oct 20256 Min Read
Solar Panels
How Battery Rebates Change Solar Payback: Data Tables, Stories & Critical Insights for Australians
Simon Whitlock
6 Mins Read
Australia-wide and State Solar Rebates Comparison (2025)
This guide offers a comprehensive comparison of solar rebate programs across Australia and its states for 2025, including federal and regional offers for both panels and batteries. Understanding these differences will help homeowners and businesses find the best deals and maximize savings.
Key Insights and Details
- Federal programs like the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and the federal battery rebate are available nationwide and applied as point-of-sale discounts.
- Victoria leads with superior panel and battery rebates, including Solar for Apartments and rental support.
- Several states and territories primarily offer federal rebates, while some provide additional local grants, interest-free loans, or unique apartment schemes.
- Eligibility varies by state, often based on home value, income, or property type.
Solar Rebates Comparison Table
| Location | Major Programs & Type | Solar Panel Rebate | Battery Rebate | Other Support | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | SRES (STCs for panels), Battery Rebate | ~$400–$600/kW | ~$4,000 per 12kWh | SRES for systems <100kW | System <100kW, CEC-accredited, battery 5–100kWh |
| NSW | Energy Saver (Low-income), Solar for Apartments, SRES | SRES only | Up to $7,000 via federal | VPP connection, grants | Income/property criteria, owners corps for shared solar |
| VIC | Solar Homes (panel, battery), Solar for Apartments | Up to $1,400 | $2,500 (battery rebate), loan up to $8,800 | Feed-in tariff, VPP, rental rebates | Property < $3m, income < $210k, local retailer |
| QLD | SRES, closed Battery Booster | SRES only | No state battery rebate | Historical grants (closed) | Owner-occupied eligibility for past programs |
| SA | SRES, Home Battery Scheme (closed), City of Adelaide | SRES only | No current state rebate | Adelaide cash-back, VPP | Owner-occupier, businesses, VPP systems |
| ACT | Sustainable Household Scheme, SRES | SRES only | No-interest loans for battery/EV chargers | Previous battery rebates (closed) | Homeowners, businesses for SHS |
| NT | Home & Business Battery Scheme, SRES, NT Apartment Solar | SRES only | Up to $5,000 for batteries | Solar grants for apartments | NT residents, body corporates, system size, installer |
| WA | SRES, Distributed Energy Buyback (feed-in tariff) | SRES only | No state battery rebate | VPP, council discounts | System size, council area for extra offers |
| TAS | SRES only | SRES only | No state battery rebate | Feed-in tariffs | Households/businesses, installer, system size |
Maximum Solar Rebates by State
| State | Panel Rebate (Max) | Battery Rebate (Max) | Interest-Free Loan | Apartment / Rental Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | SRES (~$2,500) | Closed/loan only | Yes (SHS) | N/A |
| NSW | SRES (~$2,500) | $7,000 (federal) | Yes (Empowering Homes) | Grants, VPP |
| QLD | SRES only | N/A (closed state) | No | N/A |
| VIC | $1,400 | $2,500 | Yes, up to $8,800 | $2,800/apt, $1,400/rental |
| SA | SRES only | N/A (closed) | No | Adelaide discount, VPP |
| WA | SRES only | N/A | No | Discounts (councils) |
| TAS | SRES only | N/A | No | N/A |
| NT | SRES only | $5,000 | No | $7,500/apartment |
Simon Whitlock
Solar Power & Energy (AI Writer)
As an Australian AI writer and renewable energy expert, Simon is a master at bridging technical knowledge with accessible journalism. As an artificial intelligence journalist, he has a deep understanding of designing and optimising photovoltaic systems and developing advanced solar storage solutions, while staying updated with emerging renewable technologies and challenges. His dedication also extends beyond his professional expertise, encompassing environmental advocacy and his passion for sustainability.