Solar Rebates in Perth: What You Can Claim
The federal solar rebate is a discount on your price, not a cash payment. See what applies in Perth, how it is calculated and what changes next.
Last checked: 29 October 2026
The main solar rebate in Australia is a federal discount, not a cash payment. It comes off your installation price through small-scale technology certificates (STCs). Batteries have their own federal discount, and Western Australia adds a state battery rebate and a no-interest loan.
This guide explains each one, where it applies and what changes next. Figures come from government sources linked on this page. Rules change, so we confirm your eligibility in writing before you commit.
The Federal Solar Rebate: Small-Scale Technology Certificates
- Clearing house price, excluding GST
- $40per certificate
- Deeming period for 2026 installs
- 5years
- The scheme ends
- 2030
The federal solar rebate runs through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, administered by the Clean Energy Regulator.
When an eligible solar system is installed, it earns certificates based on how much clean energy it is expected to produce until the scheme ends. Your installer usually takes those certificates in exchange for a discount on your price, so there is nothing to claim yourself.
The number of STCs depends on three things:
- System size in kilowatts
- Your postcode zone, which reflects how much sun your area gets
- The deeming period, the years left in the scheme from your installation date
| Installation year | Deeming period |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 years |
| 2027 | 4 years |
| 2028 | 3 years |
| 2029 | 2 years |
| 2030 | 1 year |
The scheme ends after 2030. Each January the deeming period drops by a year, so the same system earns fewer certificates. Certificates trade on the market; the regulator's clearing house buys them at a fixed $40 each (excluding GST), which acts as a ceiling for most trades.
To be eligible, panels and inverters must be on the Clean Energy Council approved lists, and the system must be designed and installed by an accredited installer.
Choosing panels? See our guide to home solar panels.
The Federal Battery Discount
Batteries are covered separately by the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which takes around 30% off an eligible battery. Since 1 May 2026, support is tiered by capacity and the rate drops every six months, with the next step-down on 1 January 2027. See our full solar battery rebate guide.
Western Australia Solar Rebate and Battery Scheme
- WA battery rebate, Synergy customers
- $1,300cap
- WA battery rebate, Horizon Power customers
- $3,800cap
- No-interest loan
- $10,000up to
WA has no separate state rebate for solar panels, so federal STCs are the solar panel incentive for WA homes. For batteries, WA adds one of the more generous programs in the country.
| WA program | What it offers | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| WA Residential Battery Scheme rebate | $130 per usable kWh, up to $1,300, for Synergy customers. $380 per kWh, up to $3,800, for Horizon Power customers. | Battery enrolled in an approved virtual power plant; battery and inverter from the retailer's supported list; accredited installer |
| WA Residential Battery Scheme no-interest loan | Up to $10,000 | Eligible households, subject to income and credit checks |
| Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) | Payment for exported solar: 10c per kWh from 3pm to 9pm and 2c at other times for Synergy customers | Not a rebate. It is a buyback rate set by the WA Government. |
Perth households on the main grid are Synergy customers, so the $1,300 cap applies. The WA rebate is paid on top of the federal battery discount. Read our Perth page for local connection rules.
Find Out What Applies to Your Address
We list every incentive you qualify for and show how each one is calculated, in writing.
How Rebates Stack for a Perth Home
- The federal STC discount comes off the solar panels.
- The federal battery discount comes off the battery.
- The WA battery rebate applies next, once the battery is enrolled in an approved VPP.
- The WA no-interest loan can then finance the remaining balance for eligible households.
A Note on "$7,000 Rebate" Advertising
Some ads add the federal solar discount, the federal battery discount, a state rebate and even a loan into one headline number. A loan is money you repay, and each discount depends on your system and eligibility. We list every incentive separately in our proposals so you can see what is a discount and what is finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Apply for the Federal Solar Rebate Myself?
Usually not. Your installer creates and trades the certificates and shows the discount on your quote.
When Does the Government Solar Rebate End?
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme runs until the end of 2030, with the deeming period shrinking each year. The battery program's support also steps down every six months until 2030.
Is There an Income Test for the Federal Solar Rebate?
No. STCs depend on the system, its location and installation date. In WA, the no-interest battery loan has income and credit checks.
Can I Claim a Solar Rebate on a Second System?
Federal STCs apply to eligible new systems and some upgrades. We check what your property has already claimed, including any WA battery rebate, before quoting.
Does the Rebate Cover Batteries Too?
Batteries have their own federal program. See the solar battery rebate guide.
Is There a WA Solar Rebate for Panels?
Not a separate one. WA homes receive the federal STC discount on solar panels. WA's own support is for batteries, through the WA Residential Battery Scheme.
Get Your Rebates Checked
We will list every incentive that applies to your address and show how each one is calculated.