Solar check

NSW solar incentives

Every NSW solar rebate, explained in plain English.

Three programs do most of the work in NSW today: the federal STC scheme, the NSW Home Energy Saver interest-free loan, and the PDRS battery incentive. Below is what each one is, who qualifies, what you get, and how Solar Scout applies it to your address.

STC explainedHome Energy SaverPDRSNetwork-side rebates
Federal

Small-scale Technology Certificates

Upfront discount on all eligible NSW solar systems.

Read more →NSW Govt

Home Energy Saver

Interest-free loans up to $15,000 for eligible households.

Read more →NSW Govt

Peak Demand Reduction Scheme

Payments for batteries that ease peak grid demand.

Read more →
Federal

Applied upfront - you see a smaller bill

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

STCs are tradeable certificates the federal government issues for every megawatt-hour of clean energy your system will generate over 5 years (2026; the deeming period falls one year each January until the scheme ends in 2030). In practice: your installer claims them, sells them on the open market, and discounts your invoice by the value upfront. You never touch the paperwork.

How it works

  1. 1Your installer calculates the certificates based on your system size and NSW zone (Zone 3).
  2. 2They claim and trade the certificates on your behalf.
  3. 3Your invoice is based on the trade value (currently ~$38 per certificate, fluctuates ~$37–40).

What you get

3.3 kW

~$830 off

6.6 kW

~$1,710 off

10 kW

~$2,620 off

13.2 kW

~$3,460 off

Indicative only. STC values fluctuate on the open market and the deeming period steps down each January. Waiting usually loses you money.
Federal

Battery discount, applied upfront

Cheaper Home Batteries Program

The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched 1 July 2025 and takes roughly 30% off an eligible battery, indicatively around ~$252 per usable kWh, delivered through STCs and applied upfront at the point of sale. The battery must be installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer. Figures are indicative and step down over time.

NSW Government

Interest-free, up to $15,000

Home Energy Saver interest-free loan

The NSW Home Energy Saver interest-free loan (which supersedes the older Empowering Homes program) helps eligible households fund solar, batteries, and other energy upgrades. Loan amount up to $15,000, interest-free. Check current eligibility and terms with the NSW Government.

  1. 1Check eligibility by address and against current NSW Government criteria.
  2. 2Approved installer quotes the solar and/or battery upgrade.
  3. 3The loan is disbursed to the installer; you repay it interest-free over the loan term.
Eligibility and terms change. Check current eligibility and terms with the NSW Government; we check them live during your check.
NSW Government

Battery owners get paid for easing the grid

Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)

PDRS pays households and businesses for batteries (and other devices) that reduce peak grid demand. Payments are made by accredited certificate providers; your installer or VPP operator usually claims them on your behalf.

Up to ~$1,100 for a VPP-connected battery (NSW PDRS BESS activities, from 1 July 2026), or higher annual VPP payments. Indicative only.

Some installers don't claim PDRS by default, ask. Our matched partners always do.

Other rebates we watch for you.

Network operators (Ausgrid, Endeavour, Essential) occasionally run targeted programs, solar-friendly tariff trials, off-peak hot-water swaps, and EV-charger rebates. We check current programs against your network area during every free roof check.

See exactly which rebates apply to your address.

60-second check · Free · NSW only.

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