Two layers of support
Victorian households can get help from two places: the federal government, which discounts solar panels and batteries through tradeable certificates, and the Victorian government through Solar Victoria. They work differently, and you can sometimes use both on the same system.
The federal solar rebate (STCs)
Under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, an eligible solar system creates small-scale technology certificates (STCs). How many depends on the system’s size, where you live and how many years are left until the scheme ends in 2030. Your installer takes the certificates and deducts their value from your price, so there is nothing for you to lodge.
The number of certificates falls every January as 2030 gets closer, so the same system earns a slightly smaller discount each year.
To qualify, the panels and inverter must be on the Clean Energy Council’s approved products list, and the system must be designed and installed by an accredited installer.
The federal battery rebate (Cheaper Home Batteries Program)
Since 1 July 2025 the Cheaper Home Batteries Program has applied the same certificate approach to home batteries. The discount is based on the battery’s usable capacity and reduces each year until 2030. It applies whether you add a battery to existing solar or install both together.
- The battery must be on the approved products list.
- It must be installed by an accredited installer.
- It must be able to join a virtual power plant (you do not have to join one).
The rules have been adjusted since launch, so your quote should show exactly how many certificates your battery creates and what they are worth.
Solar Victoria
Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes program has offered rebates and interest-free loans for solar panels, and at times for batteries and solar hot water. Amounts, eligibility and what is covered have changed several times and some offers have closed, so check solar.vic.gov.au for what is open today.
Conditions have typically included:
- You own and live in the home.
- Combined household taxable income is under the program’s cap.
- The property value is under the program’s cap.
- You have not already claimed a Solar Homes rebate for the same product.
- The installer is an authorised Solar Victoria retailer.
You apply online using your installer’s quote. Once you are approved, the rebate comes off the price.
Feed-in tariffs are not a rebate
Feed-in tariffs pay you for the power you export, and in Victoria they have fallen to a few cents per kWh. Size your system around what your household will use, not what it will export. If you export a lot, read whether a home battery is worth it.
Things to watch out for
- “Free solar” or “government-funded” door-knocking offers. Rebates are discounts, not free systems.
- Quotes that do not show each rebate as its own line.
- Cheap batteries pushed hard because of the rebate. Check the brand has local warranty support.
How we handle it
Every Solvane quote shows the full price, each rebate as a separate line, and what you pay. We create the certificates, lodge the paperwork and help with the Solar Victoria application if you are eligible. Ask for a quote and we will tell you exactly what you qualify for.
Rebate rules change often. This page is a general guide only; check the Clean Energy Regulator and Solar Victoria for current figures and conditions.