Australians who are thinking about installing solar panels in their house may be entitled to government incentives. Rebates are available through NSW government solar rebates and federal government programs. These can help Australian homeowners save thousands of dollars on the cost of installing a solar panel system.
NSW Solar Panel Rebate 2025
Starting May 2025, eligible NSW households receive rebate or loan of up to $3,000, depending on the size of the solar panel system installed. It helps to reduce the cost of solar panel system installation in New South Wales. Additionally, low-income households may qualify for interest-free loans to cover the initial costs of installing solar panels in NSW.
Check Your NSW Solar Rebate Eligibility
To qualify for the NSW Solar Rebate, certain criteria must be met:
1. Household income must be under $180,000 per year.
2. Property value must not exceed $3 million.
3. Install a solar panel system using Clean Energy Council (CEC)-approved components and an accredited solar installer.
4. Low-income households also access interest-free loans or swap their annual energy rebate for a solar panel system through the Rebate Swap for Solar initiative.
Interest Free Loans
Alongside rebates, eligible NSW homeowners can take advantage of Zero-interest loans to lower the upfront cost of installing solar systems. These loans make transitioning you to solar more budget-friendly by enabling you to spread out payments while reaping the benefits of solar energy from day one.
The solar rebate in NSW is a financial incentive designed to reduce the upfront cost of installing solar power systems. It primarily works through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) run by the federal government and is supplemented by state-based programs like in NSW Solar Rebate.
How to apply for the NSW Solar Rebate?
Step 1: First, check the NSW government’s website to see if you are eligible.
Step 2: If you are eligible, choose a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited solar panel installer in Sydney.
Step 3: Get a quote from solar panel installer in Sydney.
Step 4: If you are happy with the quote, go ahead and sign a contract with the installer to install the system.
Step 5: The solar panel installer will then apply for the rebate for you through the NSW government’s online portal.
Step 6: Once the rebate application is approved, the installer will deduct the rebate amount from the total cost of the solar system.
Step 7: You will then need to pay the remaining cost to the installer.
Step 8: After you make the payment, the installer will install the solar system and provide you with all the necessary documents and warranties.
Change in the NSW Solar Rebates Every year
The NSW Government has announced a strategy for net-zero emissions from 2050. As well as, a strategy for developing a net-zero emissions goal. This is a critical first step in combating climate change in NSW.
The solar rebate in NSW are reduced every year on January 1st. This revision is part of the phase-out scheme, which aims to reduce the rebate to zero by 2031. Hence, if you want to apply for a NSW solar rebate in 2025, you must be aware that the solar rebate will be lower than it was last year.
Solar Rebate Phase Out
As the rebate decreases by 4-5% each year, homeowners should act quickly to take advantage of current rebate and maximize savings.
Also read: When Does the Government Solar Rebate End
How Much is the NSW Solar Panel Rebate 2025
The rebate is mainly calculated through the STC (Small-scale Technology Certificates) scheme, and the value of your rebate depends on the size of your solar system and its location. The number of STCs assigned to a system is influenced by factors like system size and sunlight exposure (which is divided by zone).
Here’s an approximate estimate of the STC rebates for various solar system sizes in NSW based on current market trends (assuming an STC value of $35):
1. 1.5kW System: $990 – $1050 (28-30 STCs)
2. 2kW System: $1320 – $1400 (38-40 STCs)
3. 3kW System: $190 – $2100 (58-60 STCs)
4. 4kW System: $2640 – $2800 (78-80 STCs)
5. 5kW System: $3300 – $3500 (98-100 STCs)
6. 6.6kW System: $4356 – $4620 (129-132 STCs)
7. 10kW System: $6600 – $7000 (198-200 STCs)
8. 10.56kW System: $6969 – $7392 (209-212 STCs)
9. 13.2kW System: $8712 – $9240 (261-264 STCs)
These values are indicative and can fluctuate based on the STC market rate, which ranges between $35 and $40. It’s also important to note that solar rebates decreases over time as the scheme gradually phase out.
Consult with Isolux solar to get the accurate rebate estimate based on the latest STC rates.
NSW Solar Battery Rebate Starting November 1, 2024
Starting November 1, 2024, NSW Solar Battery Rebate offers incentives between $1,600 and $2,400 to eligible households and business. It is a part of Peak Demand Reduction Scheme(PDRS). Additionally, you can receive an extra incentive ranging from $250 to $400 for connecting your battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). This incentive can be claimed twice, with a minimum gap of three years.
Also read: NSW Federal Battery Rebate 2025
Benefits of adding a battery system:
- Maximizing solar power usage during non-sunlight hours
- Additional savings from feeding excess energy back into the grid
- The potential to participate in VPP schemes, further reducing electricity costs
For those without solar panel system, the incentive can be factored into the quote when installing a new solar and battery system.
What is the $7000 Solar Rebate NSW?
The NSW solar rebate program once offered up to $7,000 to help households reduce the cost of installing solar panel systems. This initiative aimed to make solar energy more accessible for New South Wales residents who used approved solar installation companies in Sydney.
However, this specific rebate is no longer available. That said, NSW homeowners can still benefit from alternative incentives, such as the federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) scheme, which provides financial support for installing eligible renewable energy systems.
Why Should You Go for Solar Power and Solar Rebate NSW?
Here are the top reasons why you should go solar and opt for the solar rebate.
1. After installing solar, you will see significant cost savings on your energy expenses.
2. You will be less exposed to a power outage as the dependency on power grids will be less.
3. You will no longer be vulnerable to abrupt increases in your energy expenses.
4. By converting to solar, you help to preserve the environment by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Installing solar panels on your home will dramatically raise the value of your property.
Solar power is often an attractive choice for the people of New South Wales. It is conceivable to recoup the cost of a solar panel system in five years.
Now that you know how solar rebates work, it is the best time to take advantage of the rebate scheme. If you’re thinking about making changes to your energy use, the solar rebate can help you become less susceptible to fluctuating energy prices.
Get a free quote if you’re looking to install a solar panel system with a battery in Sydney. We’ll help you access both the NSW rebate and the federal rebate to save on your initial investment.
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