Did you know that over two million Aussies households have solar panels?1
The good news is they’re eco-friendly and save you money in the long term. The not so good news is installation costs can go into the thousands.
Fortunately, financial help from the government is available. So, whether you need information about the solar rebate for Queensland, Victoria or any other part of the country, we’ve got you covered.
While the rebate amounts may vary, the government initiative typically comes in two forms:
N.B. You can also discuss rebates and what you’re eligible for with retailers and installers when you’re shopping around.
What about the feed-in tariff?
Once your solar panel system is installed, you can sell some of the excess electricity you generate back to the grid and receive a credit on your electricity bill. This process is known as a feed-in tariff (FiT) credit. The FiT is an ongoing rate which varies with providers – so it’s worth comparing energy plans to see if you can find a competitive rate.
First, you’ll need to check you meet the eligibility requirements. In Victoria, for example, you must be the owner of the property, it must be valued at less than $3 million and the combined taxable income of the household must be below $180,000 per annum.2
You can check your eligibility for STCs via the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Regulator website. Check your state’s eligibility requirements via their government website.
Learn more about energy rebates and concessions.
Second, you need to find a retailer or installer. They can also confirm eligibility, rebates, system sizes, connecting to the grid and overall cost.
Which retailer should you choose? The clean energy council recommends you choose an Approved Solar Retailer.3
Gather multiple quotes (many companies offer prices with rebates) and compare before you select. Most Approved Solar Retailers will offer an additional warranty on the whole system.
The eight steps to install a solar panel system with the government solar rebate
The price you pay will depend on several factors, including:
It’s recommended you gather multiple quotes from Approved Solar Retailers and select the right option for your circumstances.
Every state and territory has access to the STCs on a federal level. On a state level, however, Tasmania, Western Australia and Northern Territory don’t have any offers at this point. For an accurate and up-to-date list of rebates, grants and incentives, visit your state’s government website.
The answer to this question will depend on your circumstances. Although, if you can afford the up-front costs or repayments, it’s can be a money-saving option in the long term. What’s more, from a broader perspective, you’re reducing the strain on the grid and shrinking your carbon footprint.
Conveniently, solar panels don’t make any noise and require very little maintenance. You just need to make sure dirt, leaves and debris aren’t obstructing the sun’s rays. So, a light periodic cleaning might be in order.
A good solar panel that’s maintained should last you about 25 years.
The federal government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme ends in 2030. The initiative has made an impact in many states, for example, the Solar rebate in Queensland and Victoria has proved a winner for households.
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme doesn’t cover solar batteries, which are a separate addition to the solar panels. As of November 2020, only a select few Australian states offer a rebate, they include:
If you want to go 100% clean energy, then a battery is the solution for you. A solar battery can store energy and completely get you off the grid. However, your solar panel system can work fine without a solar battery.
Solar batteries are expensive and only a few select states offer a rebate for them, so it’s worth weighing up your options.
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme also offers STCs for solar hot water systems and heat pumps. Victoria is the only state government that offers additional incentives for this type of system, up to $1,000.
Learn more about hot water systems.
In our eight steps above, step three is compare energy providers (the company that sends you bills periodically). Through our free online comparison tool, you can compare plans from a range of energy retailers.
Simply enter a few details, compare options and if you decide to switch, we’ll handle the paperwork.
