Federal government solar rebates Australia 2025

The main incentive available to most Australians, including Queenslanders, is the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, or SRES. It’s been the backbone of making solar affordable for over a decade.

It’s not a direct cash rebate you receive after installation. Instead, it provides an upfront discount on the cost of your system. Here’s how it works:

• Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs): When you install an eligible solar system (under 100kW), it generates a number of these certificates. The number of STCs depends on your system’s size and your location in Australia.
• Point-of-sale discount: Your solar installer will claim the STCs on your behalf and apply their value as a discount directly on your quote. This saves you the hassle of trading them yourself. For a typical 6.6kW system in Queensland, this discount can be around $2,160, though the exact amount fluctuates with market demand for the certificates.
• Scheme phase-out: It’s important to know that the value of this rebate decreases on the 1st of January each year, as the scheme is being phased out and will end entirely on 31 December 2030. This means the sooner you install, the greater the discount you’ll receive.

To be eligible, your system must be installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited professional and use panels and inverters approved by the Clean Energy Council.

Queensland solar rebates for homeowners 2025

While the primary rebate for solar panels is the federal one, Queensland has targeted incentives that make going solar even more attractive, especially when it comes to batteries and renting.

The big news for 2025 is the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which starts on 1 July 2025. This scheme is designed to make battery storage more affordable for homeowners.

• Significant savings: The program is expected to provide a rebate of up to $372 per kWh, which could translate to a saving of around $3,720 on a 10kWh battery.
• Eligibility: To qualify, you must install an eligible battery (between 5kWh and 100kWh) from an approved list after 1 July 2025, using an SAA-accredited installer. The battery also needs to be capable of connecting to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), though joining one is optional.

It’s worth noting that Queensland’s own “Battery Booster” rebate program has now closed, with this new federal scheme taking its place.

Supercharged Solar for Renters Program QLD details

One of the biggest hurdles for solar uptake has been the “split incentive” for rental properties: landlords pay for the system, but tenants reap the rewards of lower bills. The Queensland Government’s Supercharged Solar for Renters Program aims to solve this.

• Rebate for landlords: This program will offer eligible landlords a rebate of up to $3,500 to install solar panels on their rental properties.
• Benefits for tenants: With a solar system installed, tenants are expected to save an average of $700 per year on their electricity bills.
• Program launch: The program is set to launch before the end of 2025. Landlords will need to apply for conditional approval before installation can proceed.

Full eligibility details are expected to be released closer to the launch date, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the official Queensland Government website. This scheme is designed to benefit around 6,500 renting households.

QLD solar incentives for businesses 2025

Businesses in Queensland can also leverage government incentives to reduce the cost of going solar. The support available generally depends on the size of the system being installed.

For systems under 100kW, businesses are eligible for the same Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) as homeowners. This provides a valuable upfront discount on the installation cost.

For larger systems (over 100kW), businesses can benefit from the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET). Instead of an upfront discount, this scheme creates Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) for the electricity the system generates. These certificates can then be sold to generate an ongoing revenue stream.

Additionally, businesses may be able to take advantage of the instant asset write-off. As of late 2025, the government has extended the $20,000 instant asset write-off until 30 June 2025, allowing eligible businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of assets like a solar power system. This measure is still before Parliament, so it’s wise to consult with a tax professional.

QLD solar rebates for small business 2025

Small businesses in Queensland have access to the federal solar incentives mentioned above. On top of that, the Queensland Government offers specific grants for energy efficiency.

• Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) Rebates: This scheme offers to refund up to 50% of the purchase price on eligible energy-efficient equipment, with rebates ranging from $4,000 to $12,500. To qualify, your business must spend at least $8,000 on the upgrades. The scheme is open until 30 June 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
• Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant Program: This program provides grants of up to $50,000 for manufacturing SMEs to improve energy efficiency. The grant can cover up to 75% of project costs, or 100% for lighting upgrades. This is also open until 30 June 2025, or until funding is allocated.

Queensland solar battery rebate scheme 2025

As of 1 July 2025, the primary solar battery rebate available in Queensland will be the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program. This nationwide scheme is open to homeowners, small businesses, and community facilities.

• Rebate value: The rebate is calculated based on the usable capacity of the battery, offering a significant discount. For example, a 16kWh battery system could receive a rebate of approximately $5,600.
• Key requirements: The battery must be new, have a capacity between 5kWh and 100kWh, be on the Clean Energy Council’s approved product list, and be installed by an SAA-accredited professional.

This federal program effectively replaces previous state-based battery schemes, providing a consistent incentive across the country.

QLD solar feed-in tariffs 2025

A feed-in tariff (FiT) is a credit you receive on your electricity bill for any surplus solar power your system sends back to the grid. While not a rebate, it’s a crucial part of the financial return on your solar investment.

• South East Queensland: In areas like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, feed-in tariffs are market-driven. This means electricity retailers set their own rates, so it pays to shop around for the best deal. Rates typically range from 6 to 10 cents per kWh.
• Regional Queensland: For regional areas, the Queensland Competition Authority sets a flat-rate tariff each year. For the 2024-25 financial year, this was set at 12.377 cents per kWh.

Community solar programs Queensland 2025

For those who can’t install solar on their own roof, such as renters or apartment dwellers, community solar programs offer a way to access the benefits of solar energy.

• Community Solar Banks: The Australian and Queensland governments are jointly funding the Local Renewable Energy Zones (LREZ) project in Townsville and Caloundra. This ‘shared solar’ initiative allows residents who are unable to install their own panels to benefit from locally generated solar energy, potentially saving households up to $800 per year on their electricity bills.

How to apply for solar rebates QLD 2025

The good news is that for the main federal rebates, the application process is largely handled for you.

• SRES (Solar Panels): Your SAA-accredited installer will manage all the paperwork for the STCs and apply the discount directly to your quote. You simply see the final, reduced price.
• Cheaper Home Batteries Program: Similarly, the rebate for your battery system will be applied as an upfront discount by your accredited installer. They handle the claim process, making it seamless for the customer.
• State-specific programs: For grants like the Supercharged Solar for Renters or business efficiency grants, you will need to apply directly through the relevant Queensland Government portal. This typically involves getting quotes and receiving conditional approval before you can proceed with the installation.

Gigi’s pro tip: Always get at least three quotes from different SAA-accredited installers. This not only ensures you get a competitive price but also allows you to compare the quality of the proposed components and the installer’s expertise.

I hope this guide has made the world of solar rebates a little less confusing. Taking advantage of these programs can significantly reduce the upfront cost and shorten the payback period of your investment in clean energy.

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. For a quick, personalised estimate of solar costs and savings for your home, you can also try the free solar assistant on this page.