As Australians grapple with persistent energy costs, understanding the current landscape of rebates and incentives is crucial. While the universal Federal Energy Bill Relief Fund concluded on 31 December 2025, a robust array of state and federal programs continues to offer substantial savings for households investing in energy efficiency and renewable technologies in 2026. These programs are designed to reduce upfront costs for solar, batteries, heat pumps, and other home upgrades, with potential savings reaching up to $15,000 when stacked correctly.
This guide outlines the key rebates and incentives available in your state and federally, ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.
Federal Energy Incentives Still Available in 2026
While direct bill relief has ended, federal schemes continue to drive down the cost of renewable energy installations nationwide.
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for Solar & Hot Water
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) as an upfront discount on eligible solar PV systems, solar hot water systems, and heat pump hot water systems.
The value of STCs varies based on your system’s size, efficiency, and geographical location (STC zone), and it reduces slightly each year on 1 January.
For a typical 6.6kW solar system installed in 2026, the federal STC discount is approximately $1,800 in NSW, QLD, SA, WA, and ACT, and around $1,560 in VIC and TAS.
Your accredited installer will apply this discount directly to your invoice, so you only pay the net cost. For heat pump hot water systems, STCs can provide an upfront discount of $500 to $1,000.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program (Federal Battery Rebate)
Launched on 1 July 2025, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program significantly reduces the upfront cost of eligible home battery storage systems.
From 1 May 2026, the rebate structure became tiered, with the highest value applied to smaller systems. It’s calculated at approximately $252 per usable kWh for the first 14 kWh of capacity.
| Battery Capacity (Usable kWh) | Approximate Federal Rebate (May 2026 Onwards) |
|---|---|
| Up to 14 kWh | ~$252 per kWh |
| 14-28 kWh | ~$151 per kWh (reduced rate) |
| 28-50 kWh | ~$38 per kWh (further reduced rate) |
For a standard 13.5 kWh home battery, this translates to an upfront discount of roughly $3,400. This rebate also steps down again on 1 January 2027, so acting sooner can lock in higher savings. The program applies nationwide and is stackable with many state incentives.
Household Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF)
This federal initiative provides low-interest loans through participating banks to help households finance energy efficiency upgrades. Eligibility and specific loan terms vary by financial institution.
State-by-State Energy Rebate Guide 2026
Beyond federal support, each Australian state and territory offers unique programs to further assist residents in reducing energy consumption and costs.
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW homeowners are seeing significant support in 2026, particularly with the new Home Energy Saver Program launched on 17 June 2026.
- Home Energy Saver Loans: Eligible households can access zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 for energy-saving upgrades such as solar panels, home batteries, heat pump hot water systems, reverse-cycle air conditioning, insulation, EV chargers, and induction cooktops. These loans are repayable over up to 10 years and are administered through approved finance providers like Brighte and Plenti.
- Home Energy Saver Discount: A separate discount of up to $4,000 is expected to open later in 2026 for lower-income households (combined income under $80,000 per year) or those holding an eligible concession card. A minimum customer contribution of $200 applies.
- VPP Incentives (Peak Demand Reduction Scheme - PDRS): For connecting a home battery to an approved Virtual Power Plant (VPP), NSW households can receive an additional payment, typically ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 (mid-2026 offers often around $1,000-$1,100). As of 1 July 2026, solar panels are no longer a requirement for this incentive. Learn more about how to Join a VPP in 2026: Earn Up To $1,500 Annually & Boost Grid Stability.
- Heat Pump Rebate: Upfront discounts for replacing old hot water systems: up to $640 for electric systems and up to $330 for gas systems.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria continues to be one of the most supported states for energy upgrades.
- Solar Homes Program:
- Solar Panel Rebate: Up to $1,400 off the cost of new solar panels, plus an optional interest-free loan of up to $1,400. From 1 July 2026, the household income cap is $150,000 per year (reduced from $210,000), and the property value must be under $3 million.
- Hot Water Rebate: Up to $1,000 for an eligible heat pump or solar hot water system, or up to $1,400 for an Australian-made system. Same income and property value eligibility applies.
- Home Battery Rebate: The interest-free loan scheme for batteries under Solar Homes closed in 2025.
- Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program: Provides upfront discounts on a wide range of energy-efficient products, including heat pumps, efficient heating and cooling, insulation, induction cooktops, and draught sealing. These discounts are delivered by accredited providers and are based on the energy savings of the new product. Renters are eligible. The VEU program is legislated to run until 2045.
- Annual Electricity Concession: Eligible concession card holders can receive an ongoing annual rebate, approximately $174 per year on electricity and $107 per year on gas, as of 2026.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland primarily offers ongoing bill relief and federal incentives for technology upgrades.
- Electricity Rebate: Eligible households can receive an annual Electricity Rebate of $386.34.
- Technology Rebates: As of 2026, Queensland does not operate major statewide residential heat pump rebate programs comparable to VIC or NSW. Households rely on federal STCs for solar and heat pumps, and the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program for battery installations.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia has significant federal incentives and a VPP scheme, with some targeted state support.
- Federal STC Discount (Solar): Around $2,000 off a typical 6.6 kW solar system in 2026.
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program: As detailed above, this provides significant upfront discounts on eligible home batteries, approximately $3,528 for a 14 kWh battery.
- REPS VPP Incentive: South Australia’s Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) offers an incentive of up to $2,050 for connecting a battery to an approved Virtual Power Plant. Important: General funding for this incentive was exhausted in May 2026 and is currently limited to priority group households (concession card holders and eligible hardship customers) until new funding is expected in early 2027. Find out how you could earn more with a VPP: Unlock $1,000+ Annually: Best Home Battery VPP Programs in Australia 2026 Ranked.
- Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS): This scheme mandates energy retailers to offer discounted or free energy-efficient upgrades, including efficient hot water systems, reverse-cycle air conditioning, and appliances. From 2026, REPS is more targeted towards Priority Group households.
- City of Adelaide Council Bonus: Residents in specific City of Adelaide CBD postcodes may be eligible for an additional $1,000 bonus for solar battery installations.
- SA Home Battery Scheme: This state scheme closed in 2022 and was not replaced.
- Cost of Living Concession: A variable concession that includes an energy supplement portion for eligible households.
Western Australia (WA)
WA offers a combination of federal, state, and loan-based support for energy upgrades.
- Federal STC Discount (Solar): For a 6.6kW system in WA (STC Zone 3), the federal STC rebate is approximately $3,000-$4,500.
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program: Provides an upfront discount of approximately $3,700 for a 10 kWh battery system.
- WA Residential Battery Scheme: Synergy customers can claim $130 per usable kWh, capped at $1,300 (for 5-10 kWh batteries). Horizon Power customers in regional areas receive $380 per kWh, capped at $3,800. This scheme requires participation in a Virtual Power Plant.
- Interest-Free Loan: Eligible homeowners can access an interest-free loan of up to $10,000 over 10 years through Plenti for battery installations.
- Energy Assistance Payment (EAP): An annual payment of $326.33 (2025-26 rate) for concession card holders.
- Cost of Living Rebate (CoLR): $104.90 in 2026 for WA Seniors Card holders.
- Dependent Child Rebate: $146.84 per child, per year (2025-26 rate) for eligible concession households with dependent children.
- Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS): Provides feed-in tariffs and potential rebate support for solar exports, up to $2,000.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania primarily relies on federal incentives, with some specific concessions.
- Federal STC Discount (Solar): As a Zone 4 qualifier, a 6.6kW solar system installed in Tasmania during 2026 is eligible for STCs valued at approximately $1,545. Total federal STC rebates for solar-only systems are typically $3,000-$4,500.
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program: Eligible households can receive an upfront discount of up to $3,700 on a home battery.
- Tasmanian Energy Saver Loan: This state scheme closed on 1 September 2025. There is currently no state-specific solar or battery rebate/loan in Tasmania.
- Annual Electricity Concession: Eligible concession card holders receive a daily-rate credit, amounting to approximately $513.70 per year (140.740 cents/day).
- Heating Allowance: Pensioner Concession Card holders receive $56 per year ($28 paid twice) during winter months.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
ACT households benefit from federal schemes and a significant utility rebate.
- Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate: Set at $800 per year for 2025-26 for eligible households.
- Federal STC Discount (Solar): Applies to eligible solar installations.
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program: Applies to eligible battery installations.
Northern Territory (NT)
NT residents primarily access federal incentives and targeted concession schemes.
- Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme: Offers variable support to eligible concession card holders.
- Federal STC Discount (Solar): Applies to eligible solar installations.
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program: Applies to eligible battery installations.
Maximising Your Rebate Claims
To ensure you claim every eligible rebate, consider these steps:
- Verify Eligibility: Each program has specific criteria regarding income, property type, and residency. Check official state government websites and the Clean Energy Regulator for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Work with Accredited Installers: Federal and many state rebates are processed by accredited installers who pass the discount directly to you. Ensure your chosen installer is Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited and uses approved products.
- Stack Where Possible: Many federal and state incentives are designed to be stacked, significantly increasing your total savings. For example, in NSW, you could combine federal STCs, the federal battery rebate, a VPP incentive, and potentially a Home Energy Saver loan or discount.
- Consider a Home Energy Assessment: Some programs, particularly for energy efficiency upgrades, may require a NatHERS energy rating certificate.
- Act Promptly: Many federal rebates, especially STCs and battery incentives, are designed to decline in value over time. The longer you wait, the less you may save.
Investing in energy-efficient upgrades and renewable energy systems not only reduces your carbon footprint but also offers substantial financial returns through these government incentives. Exploring options like joining a Virtual Power Plant can further enhance your savings. Read our guide on Maximise Your Home Battery Savings: Earn $1,000+ Annually with a VPP in 2026.
Bottom Line
While the national universal energy bill relief has concluded, Australian households in 2026 can still access significant financial assistance for energy upgrades. The key is to understand the specific federal and state-level programs applicable to your location and circumstances. By strategically combining federal STC discounts for solar and batteries with state-specific initiatives like NSW’s Home Energy Saver loans (up to $15,000 interest-free) or Victoria’s Solar Homes rebates (up to $1,400), homeowners can dramatically reduce the upfront cost of transitioning to a more energy-efficient and sustainable home. Don’t delay, as many rebate values are set to decrease over time. Engage with accredited installers to ensure you capture all eligible savings.