Recent updates
Federal STC deeming drops to 5 years for 2026 installs
The STC deeming period stepped down from 6 to 5 years on 1 January 2026, trimming the federal solar rebate value versus 2025. Figures re-priced 10 October 2026.
Cheaper Home Batteries rate fell to 6.8 on 1 May 2026; next cut 1 Jan 2027
The federal battery factor fell from 8.4 to 6.8 STCs per usable kWh on 1 May 2026, about $270/kWh gross at $39.65 per STC. Next step-down: 1 January 2027.
NSW Empowering Homes closed: what NSW pays for batteries now
NSW's Empowering Homes loan no longer takes applications. NSW now pays a battery incentive only if you join a VPP, and lends up to $15,000 interest-free.
ACT Sustainable Household Scheme: 3% loans from $2,000 to $20,000
The ACT Sustainable Household Scheme lends $2,000 to $20,000 at 3% interest. Rooftop solar on its own is no longer eligible; batteries are. Updated 10 October 2026.
WA Residential Battery Scheme: $130/kWh Synergy, $380/kWh Horizon
WA's Residential Battery Scheme pays $130 per usable kWh for Synergy customers (max $1,300) and $380 on Horizon Power (max $3,800). VPP required.
Queensland does have a state solar rebate, if you own a rental
Supercharged Solar for Renters pays Queensland landlords up to $3,500 to put solar on a tenanted property. We had it missing from our QLD page, so we have added it. We also explain why the widely quoted $3,700 Queensland homeowner rebate does not exist.
July 2026: every figure re-verified, calculator rebuilt
We re-checked every rebate figure on the site against canonical government sources on 13 July 2026: federal battery factor confirmed at 6.8 until 31 December, solar deeming at 5 years, plus fresh state program statuses. And the calculator now gives an instant answer, no email required.
QLD Battery Booster closed in May 2024 and was not restarted
Queensland's Battery Booster rebate program closed to new applications on 8 May 2024. Two years on, it has not been restarted. Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program now applies.
Victoria's regulated minimum feed-in tariff removed from 1 July 2025
Victoria's Essential Services Commission stopped setting a regulated minimum solar feed-in tariff on 1 July 2025. Retailers now set their own voluntary rates with no floor.