Your 2025 guide to Queensland government solar incentives

Navigating the world of solar incentives can feel a bit like trying to solve a puzzle, but I’m here to help you piece it all together. Here in Queensland, we’re fortunate to have a combination of federal and state government programs designed to make switching to solar and battery storage easier and more affordable. These incentives are key to lowering your upfront costs and helping you save on power bills sooner.

The main support comes from the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which provides a significant upfront discount on the cost of your solar panels. On top of that, the Queensland government is rolling out programs specifically for renters and offering rebates for home batteries to help you store that precious sunshine for later use. It’s about making clean energy accessible for more Queenslanders, whether you own your home or rent.

The federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme in Queensland

First things first, let’s talk about the biggest financial helper for anyone going solar in Australia: the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, or SRES. While we often call it a “rebate,” it’s technically a federal government incentive that provides a hefty discount off the sticker price of a new solar system.

Here’s the simple version:

• It’s all about STCs: When you install an eligible solar system, it creates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The number of certificates you get depends on your system’s size and where you live in Queensland.
• An upfront discount: Most people never have to handle these certificates themselves. Your accredited installer will calculate the value of your STCs and claim them on your behalf, giving you an immediate discount on your invoice. You just pay the final, lower price.
• It’s winding down: This scheme is designed to phase out by 2030, with the value of the STCs decreasing a little each year. This means the sooner you install, the larger the discount you’re likely to receive.

How do I apply for the STC rebate in Queensland?

This is the best part—you almost certainly don’t have to. The application process for STCs is handled by your solar installer.

When you get a quote for a new solar system, the price you see will already have the STC discount included. Your only job is to ensure you choose a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer. They are the professionals qualified to design and install your system to meet Australian standards and manage all the essential paperwork for the incentive, ensuring you get the benefit without the headache.

What solar incentives are available for renters in Queensland?

For years, one of the biggest hurdles for solar has been making it accessible for renters. After all, the landlord pays for the system, but the tenant reaps the rewards of lower bills.

To tackle this, the state government is introducing the Supercharged Solar for Renters program. This is a fantastic initiative aimed at helping landlords install solar, with the direct benefit of cutting power bills for their tenants.

The Supercharged Solar for Renters program explained

The Supercharged Solar for Renters program is designed to be a win-win for both landlords and tenants. While full details are being finalised for its launch before the end of 2025, here is what we know so far.

• The offer: The program will provide eligible landlords with a rebate of up to $3,500 to install solar panels on their rental properties.
• Who is eligible: The program is for landlords of Queensland rental properties where a tenancy agreement is already in place. This ensures the savings go directly to current tenants.
• The benefit for tenants: Households are expected to save around $700 a year on their electricity bills, providing real cost-of-living relief.
• How to apply: Landlords will need to apply for the rebate, likely using a quote from an approved installer. Once the program is officially launched, the government will release detailed guidelines on the application process. It’s a good idea for tenants to start a conversation with their landlord or property manager now if they are interested.

Making batteries more affordable with the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program

Storing your solar power to use at night or during an outage is the next big step in home energy, and the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program is here to help. Launched on 1 July 2025, this program is delivered through an expansion of the same SRES that supports solar panels.

• What it offers: It provides a discount of around 30% off the upfront cost of installing a new home battery. For a typical battery, this could mean a saving of around $4,000.
• Who is eligible: The program is open to all households and small businesses installing an eligible battery system (from 5 kWh to 100 kWh) with a new or existing rooftop solar system. It is not means-tested.
• State and federal rebates can be combined: The federal program is designed to work alongside state-based incentives, meaning Queenslanders can potentially benefit from multiple schemes.

How to claim the Cheaper Home Batteries Program rebate

Similar to the solar panel incentive, claiming the federal battery rebate is a straightforward process managed by your installer.

• It’s an upfront discount: The discount is applied at the point of sale. Your SAA-accredited installer will factor the rebate into your quote and handle the necessary paperwork.
• Choose the right gear: To be eligible, the battery must be on an approved product list and installed by an accredited professional.
• Timing is key: The battery must be certified as installed and operational on or after 1 July 2025, to qualify for the rebate.

Understanding Queensland solar feed-in tariffs in 2025

A feed-in tariff (FiT) is the rate your electricity retailer pays you for any excess solar energy you export back to the grid. In Queensland, the situation is a little different depending on where you live.

• Regional Queensland (Ergon Energy network): A set feed-in tariff is determined each year. For the 2025-2026 financial year, this has been set at 8.66 cents per kWh.
• South East Queensland (Energex network): In Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, there is no mandatory minimum FiT. Retailers offer competitive market rates, which means it pays to shop around. Rates can vary, with some retailers offering higher tariffs for the first block of energy you export each day.

Gigi’s pro tip: Don’t just look for the highest feed-in tariff. A retailer might offer a great FiT but charge higher daily supply or usage rates. Always compare the entire electricity plan to find the best overall deal for your household.

Are there other energy efficiency grants for households?

While the main focus for Queensland households is on solar and battery incentives, there are other programs that can help you save energy and money.

The PeakSmart program, run by Energex and Ergon Energy, offers cash back of up to $400 if you install a ‘PeakSmart’ enabled air conditioner. This technology helps reduce strain on the energy grid during peak demand times, and it’s a simple way to get a reward for choosing an efficient appliance.

It’s always a good idea to check for the latest programs, as sometimes new, targeted grants for things like energy-efficient appliance upgrades or other home improvements can become available.

Ready to take the next step?

It might seem like there are a lot of details, but these government incentives are all designed with one goal: to make it easier for you to start saving with solar. A combination of the federal STC discount, the new battery program, and Queensland-specific initiatives like the renters’ scheme means there has never been a better time to explore your options.

For a quick, personalised estimate of solar costs and savings for your home, try the free solar assistant on this page—it gives you a ballpark in minutes. If you’re ready for a proper quote, I can introduce you to a trusted, SAA-accredited local expert—just fill out the form below.