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How Do Solar Rebates Work: A Guide to Saving Money on Your Energy Bills
Solar energy is on the rise. More and more people are switching to solar power to heat their water and power their homes, especially given the high cost of other energy sources. But while solar panels themselves may not be terribly expensive, they aren’t exactly cheap either. On top of that, it can take time to recoup your initial investment.
Fortunately, many states have introduced solar rebate programmes as an incentive for residents who want to switch to solar power. With rebates for solar batteries, you might be able to get several thousand dollars back when you buy new solar panel system for your home or business. In this blog post, we’ll explain how do solar rebates work and how you can take advantage of them if you live in an area that offers them.
What Is the Solar Panel Rebate?
The solar panel rebate is a government-initiated programme that offers cash back to people who install solar panels on their homes or businesses. The amount of the rebate varies from state to state, but it typically covers a significant portion of the cost of a new solar system.
How Do Solar Rebates Work?
Solar rebates work by reimbursing you for a portion of the cost of your new solar system. In order to receive a rebate, you’ll need to submit an application to your state’s solar rebate program. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a cheque or electronic fund transfer for the amount of the rebate. You can then use that money to offset the cost of your solar system.
Government Rebates
There are federal and state rebates available for rooftop solar systems and battery storage, which can significantly reduce the cost of acquiring and installing a solar systems.
We've put up a list of the most significant programmes in Australia, but there may be more rebates available to you. On the Federal Government's energy rebates website, you can look for federal and state government subsidies.
When you get an estimate for a solar or battery storage system, the retailer will usually disclose any rebate amount that you are receiving.
National - Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides an ongoing financial incentive for the installation of eligible small-scale renewable energy systems, such as solar panel systems, small-scale wind systems, small-scale hydro systems, solar water heaters, and air source heat pumps.
The scheme reduces the upfront cost of installing a system by providing Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). STCs can be sold or traded to cover some, or all, of the cost of installing your system. You may choose to assign your Small-scale Technology Certificates to your installer, who will then discount the price of your system by the number of STCs you are entitled to. You can also create and trade them yourself on the open market.
The amount of electricity or heat that your system produces also determines how many STCs you will create each year.
The value of an STC changes over time. The price is set by the market and is dependent on the level of installations taking place across Australia. The more people install solar PV systems, the lower the STC price will be. This is because there are a fixed number of STCs available each year, and as more people install systems, the fewer STCs are left on the market.
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) maintains a historical record of STC prices and trading activity.
You may also be eligible for other state or territory-based subsidies or feed-in tariffs. These programmes provide payments for electricity generated by your system and exported back to the grid. Check with your local government authority or energy retailer to see if you qualify.
National - Large-scale Renewable Energy Target
The Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) is also run by the Federal Government and is designed to encourage investment in renewable energy generation.
The Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) encourages the development of renewable energy power stations in Australia by creating and selling certificates known as Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs).
Power stations that are LRET-accredited can generate LGCs for electricity generated by the power station's renewable energy sources. LGCs can then be sold to entities with LRET liabilities (primarily electricity retailers) in order to meet their compliance obligations.
Liable entities must purchase LGCs from the market and return them to the Clean Energy Regulator on an annual basis. The renewable power percentage determines the number of LGCs that must be submitted by liable entities each year.
LGCs can also be sold to businesses and individuals who want to voluntarily offset their energy consumption and emissions.
The LRET extends the accreditation of power stations and the creation of LGCs until 2030.
Australian Capital Territory Solar Rebate
The ACT Government Household Battery Storage programme offers rebates to Australian Capital Territory residents and businesses who install a battery storage unit connected to a new or existing rooftop solar PV system.
The household battery rebate is $3,500 (excluding GST) or 50% of the battery price (excluding GST), whichever is less.
Queensland Solar Rebate
Under the national SRE scheme, Queenslanders can receive
solar incentives worth an average of $2,772 in 2022 for a standard 5kW solar system installed. It is used as a point-of-sale discount to reduce the cost of going solar. Feed-in tariffs are also available for homeowners who own solar panels. Regional Queenslanders will receive 6.583 cents per kilowatt-hour of exported electricity, while South East Queenslanders will receive 18 cents.
South Australia Solar Rebate
South Australia's Home Battery Scheme provides substantial subsidies on the cost of a battery as well as low-interest financing if needed. Every household that purchases a system will have cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable power as a result of the Scheme.
Furthermore, the installation of these systems will reduce network demand (particularly during peak periods), resulting in lower energy prices for all South Australians.
Note: As of August 2024, the
Home Battery Scheme (HBS) has closed and new applications are no longer being accepted.
Victoria Solar Rebate
The Solar Homes Program helps Victorian households that qualify by giving them a discount at the point of sale when they buy a solar battery. The solar battery rebate programme is aimed at certain postcodes with a lot of solar PV and a growing population. Solar battery rebates of up to $2,950 are available.
Under the
rebates for solar batteries, you can't get loans with no interest.
Feed-in Tariffs
A feed-in tariff is a rate you are paid for the electricity you generate and export to the grid. In some states, feed-in tariffs are mandatory, while in others they are voluntary. In most cases, if you have an existing solar PV system installed on your property, you will be able to choose whether or not you want to receive a feed-in tariff.
The amount of money you will be paid per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity generated by your system depends on a number of factors, including the state or territory in which you live and the size of your system.
Feed-in tariffs can change over time, so it's important to check with your energy retailer about what rate you will be paid before you install a solar PV system.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a number of solar rebates and incentives available to Australian households. These rebates and incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of going solar, making it more affordable for everyone.
If you're thinking about going solar, be sure to do your research and find out what rebates and incentives are available in your state or territory. You may be surprised at how much you can save.
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Solar energy can be a smart way to generate electricity for your home or business. However, solar panels only produce energy when sunlight is available. This means you may still need electricity from the grid during the evening or when solar production is low. Battery storage provides a way to store energy for later use. A Deye inverter and battery storage system can work with solar panels to manage energy production, storage, and household or business consumption. Deye offers residential hybrid inverter and energy storage solutions designed for different system sizes and applications. For property owners looking for Deye Inverter & Battery Storage in Greater Victoria , GES Energy can help with system design, product selection, and professional installation. The right solution depends on your electricity usage, existing solar system, property requirements, and energy goals. What Is a Deye Hybrid Inverter? A hybrid inverter is an important part of a solar and battery storage system. It helps manage electricity from your solar panels, battery, home, and the grid. This allows energy to be used where it is needed and stored when appropriate. Deye offers a range of residential hybrid inverters for different applications. Its Australian residential range includes single-phase and three-phase models with different power capacities and battery configurations. This flexibility can make Deye suitable for a range of homes and energy requirements. However, the correct inverter should always be selected based on the property's electrical system and expected energy demand. How Does Deye Battery Storage Work? The process is straightforward. During the day, your solar panels generate electricity. Your home or business can use that electricity immediately. If your solar system produces more energy than you need at that time, compatible battery storage can store some of the excess energy. You can then use the stored energy later. This can be particularly useful when solar production falls in the evening or during periods when your electricity demand is higher. Deye's current home energy storage systems combine battery storage, hybrid inverter technology, and energy management features. Some Deye systems are also designed to provide backup power to connected loads during a grid outage. Why Consider Battery Storage in Greater Victoria? Energy consumption does not always match solar production. Your solar panels may generate their highest output during the middle of the day, while your household may use more electricity in the morning and evening. Battery storage can help close this gap. Instead of using all your solar electricity immediately or exporting excess energy, you can store some of it and use it later. GES Energy explains that solar batteries can store solar energy for later use and help property owners make greater use of their solar generation. The company provides battery storage design and installation services across Victoria. Store More of Your Solar Energy One of the main reasons people consider battery storage is to make better use of their solar power. A solar system can produce more electricity than your property needs at certain times of the day. A compatible battery can store some of that excess energy. You can then use the stored energy when your solar panels are producing less electricity. This can create a more flexible energy system. Instead of relying only on the timing of solar production, you have the option to use stored energy when it suits your needs. Battery Storage for Backup Power Power outages can interrupt important household and business activities. Depending on the system design, a battery storage system can provide backup power to selected loads when the grid goes down. Deye's current residential energy storage range includes systems with backup support for connected loads. The amount of power available during an outage depends on the selected equipment, battery capacity, electrical configuration, and the loads connected to the backup system. For this reason, backup requirements should be discussed during the design stage. You may want to keep essential lighting, refrigeration, communications, or other important equipment operating during an outage. Deye Inverter and Battery Storage for Existing Solar Systems You do not necessarily need to install a completely new solar system to consider battery storage. In some situations, battery storage can be added to an existing solar installation. However, compatibility must be checked first. Your existing inverter, solar array, electrical system, and proposed battery need to work together correctly. A professional assessment can identify the most suitable approach. GES Energy provides solar battery solutions for Victorian homes and businesses and can assess your existing energy setup before recommending a storage solution. Choosing the Right Battery Size Battery capacity is normally measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. The capacity you need depends on how much electricity your property uses and how you want to use the battery. A household that mainly wants to store excess solar energy may have different requirements from a household that wants significant backup capacity. Businesses can also have different requirements because their electricity demand may be higher or concentrated at particular times. Deye offers scalable storage solutions. For example, its current All-In-One Home ESS range can be configured with different inverter power levels and expandable battery capacity. The right size should be determined from your actual energy usage rather than simply choosing the largest available battery. Deye Battery Storage for Homes Every home has a different electricity profile. Some homes use most of their electricity during the day, while others have higher demand in the evening. A battery can help shift stored solar energy to the times when it is needed. This can make your solar system more useful throughout the day. For homeowners in Greater Victoria, a professional energy assessment can help determine whether battery storage is suitable and what system configuration may work best. Deye Battery Storage for Businesses Businesses can also benefit from energy storage. Commercial properties often have larger electricity loads and may use significant amounts of energy during operating hours. Battery storage can provide another way to manage energy generated by a commercial solar system. Depending on the system design, stored energy can be used when required, while smart energy management can help coordinate solar generation, battery charging, and electricity consumption. Deye also provides energy storage solutions for commercial and industrial applications, with different system configurations available for different energy requirements. Smart Energy Management Modern battery systems do more than simply store electricity. Energy management is an important part of understanding how your solar and battery system operates. Deye's current residential energy storage systems include energy management and monitoring features. Depending on the selected system, users can monitor energy production, consumption, battery status, and other system information. Monitoring can help you understand how much energy your solar panels are producing and how your battery is being used. This information can also help you make better decisions about your household energy consumption. Why Professional Installation Matters Battery storage is a significant electrical installation. It needs to be designed and installed correctly for safe and reliable operation. 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The company states that its Victorian battery installers are accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia and that it provides a five-year workmanship guarantee on its solar power projects. GES Energy can help you understand your available options and determine whether a Deye inverter and battery system is appropriate for your property. A Complete Approach to Solar and Battery Storage A good energy storage system should be designed around your property. Your electricity consumption, solar generation, backup requirements, available space, and future energy needs should all be considered. Deye offers different inverter and battery configurations, including single-phase and three-phase options. This allows the system to be selected according to the property's requirements rather than using one standard solution for every customer. GES Energy can assess these factors before recommending a system. This helps ensure that the inverter and battery are appropriate for your existing or planned solar installation. Is Deye Inverter & Battery Storage Right for You? Deye inverter and battery storage may be worth considering if you already have solar panels or are planning a new solar system. It can also be an option if you want to store excess solar energy, increase your use of stored energy, or explore backup power. However, the best system depends on your property. Your electricity consumption and solar generation should be reviewed before selecting equipment. A professional assessment can help you understand the available options and avoid choosing a system that does not match your actual requirements. Get Deye Inverter & Battery Storage in Greater Victoria If you are considering Deye Inverter & Battery Storage in Greater Victoria , GES Energy can help you explore your options. From system design and equipment selection to installation, professional guidance can make the process easier and more straightforward. Battery storage can help you use solar energy beyond the hours when your panels are producing electricity. With the right inverter, battery, and system design, your property can have a more flexible approach to energy management. GES Energy provides solar and battery storage solutions across Victoria. Contact the team to discuss your energy requirements and find out whether a Deye inverter and battery storage system is suitable for your home or business. Frequently Asked Questions
In 2026, a NSW home can cut roughly 30% off a new battery through the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, then earn an extra NSW payment by joining a virtual power plant. Businesses now get even more: since 1 September 2026, a new NSW business battery discount can be combined with the federal one. NSW battery rebates at a glance There are two main sources of help: the Australian Government's battery discount and the NSW Government's Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. Which ones you can get depends on whether you are a home, an apartment building or a business.
In 2026, a NSW business can combine up to three government incentives on one solar and battery project: the federal solar discount, the federal battery discount and the new NSW business battery discount that started on 1 September 2026. Together they can cover a large share of the project cost, but only when the job is done by the right kind of installer. Commercial solar and battery incentives at a glance A NSW business can stack federal and NSW incentives on the same project. Each is claimed through your installer as a discount on the quote.
