Solar rebates in NSW — what you can claim in 2026
In New South Wales, the main solar rebate is the federal STC discount, which cuts thousands off the upfront cost of a rooftop system. On top of that, the federal battery rebate covers around 30% of a home battery, and the NSW Home Energy Saver Loan offers up to $15,000 interest-free for solar and batteries.
Here's how the federal and NSW-specific support fits together in 2026, and how to claim it.
The federal solar rebate (STCs)
Every NSW home installing solar gets the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STC) discount — applied upfront by your installer and worth several thousand dollars on a typical 6.6 kW system. It steps down each year to 2030, so installing sooner captures more. Full detail in our Australian solar rebate guide.
NSW Home Energy Saver Loan
NSW runs the Home Energy Saver Loan — an interest-free loan of up to $15,000 for energy-saving upgrades including solar panels and batteries, available to NSW households with a combined income under $210,000.
Paired with the federal STC discount, this can bring the effective upfront cost of a solar-and-battery system down substantially, spreading the balance over an interest-free term.
Battery rebates in NSW
Two things reduce battery cost in NSW:
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program — around 30% off an eligible home battery, applied upfront (tiered by size, stepping down every six months from 1 May 2026).
- NSW VPP incentives — additional incentives for joining a Virtual Power Plant under the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme, where your battery supports the grid at peak times.
NSW feed-in tariffs
Separate from rebates, your retailer pays a feed-in tariff for surplus solar you export to the grid. NSW feed-in rates are deregulated and vary by retailer and plan, so it's worth comparing retailers once your system is running.
How to claim your NSW rebates
Your accredited installer handles the federal STC and battery-rebate paperwork and applies the discount to your quote. The NSW Home Energy Saver Loan is a separate application through the NSW Government. See Australian solar costs, or get a free assessment for a quote with the rebates applied.
Rebates in other states: Victoria · Queensland · Western Australia.
Common questions
Is there a solar rebate in NSW in 2026?
Yes. NSW homes get the federal STC discount (thousands off upfront), the federal battery rebate (~30%), and can access the NSW Home Energy Saver Loan — up to $15,000 interest-free for solar and batteries for households earning under $210,000.
What is the NSW Home Energy Saver Loan?
An interest-free NSW Government loan of up to $15,000 for energy-saving upgrades including solar panels and batteries, for NSW households with a combined income under $210,000. It is separate from the federal STC discount and can be combined with it.
Is there a battery rebate in NSW?
Yes — the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program gives around 30% off an eligible battery, and NSW offers additional incentives for joining a Virtual Power Plant under the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme.
What is the solar feed-in tariff in NSW?
NSW feed-in tariffs are deregulated and set by each retailer, so rates vary by plan. It is worth comparing retailers once your system is installed to get the best rate for your exported power.
How do I claim the NSW solar rebate?
Your accredited installer applies the federal STC and battery rebates directly to your quote. The NSW Home Energy Saver Loan is a separate application through the NSW Government.