If you've been researching solar energy, you've likely seen offers for "$0 upfront solar" or "no-cost solar programs." It sounds too good to be true, but it's a genuine pathway available to most Australian homeowners. Through a combination of government rebates, interest-free loans, and buy-now-pay-later financing, you can have solar installed without paying anything on the day — and start saving on electricity immediately.
How $0 Upfront Solar Works
There are several pathways to getting solar installed with no upfront cost. Each model works differently — here's how they compare.
Government Rebates
Most commonFederal STCs and state rebates can reduce the cost of a standard 6.6kW system by $2,000-$4,200. In some states, the rebate alone covers most of the system cost.
Interest-Free Loans
VIC onlyVictoria offers a $1,400 interest-free loan on top of the $1,400 rebate. Combined, they cover the majority of a basic system with zero interest charges.
Solar Lease / PPA
No ownershipA third party owns the system on your roof. You pay nothing upfront and buy the solar power at a fixed rate below grid prices. No maintenance costs either.
Buy Now Pay Later Solar
Own the systemProviders like Brighte and Humm offer interest-free or low-interest payment plans. Pay off your system over 2-7 years while saving on electricity from day one.
No Net Cost vs No Upfront Cost
No upfront cost means you pay $0 on installation day. No net cost means your electricity savings exceed your repayments, so you're cash-flow positive from day one. Most well-designed solar systems in Australia achieve both — $0 upfront and positive cash flow immediately.
State-by-State $0 Solar Pathways
Every state has a different combination of rebates and incentives. Here's how to achieve $0 upfront solar where you live.
Queensland
QLDHigh STC value + BNPL financing = $0 upfront possible
- checkFederal STCs worth $2,400-$2,800 for a 6.6kW system (highest in Australia due to more sunshine)
- checkNo state-specific rebate, but high STCs offset most of the cost
- checkPair with Brighte or Humm interest-free plan to cover the remaining $1,500-$2,500
- checkSupercharged Solar program offers interest-free loans for eligible households
New South Wales
NSWFederal STCs + BNPL options cover upfront cost
- checkFederal STCs reduce a 6.6kW system by $2,200-$2,600
- checkNo state rebate, but competitive installer pricing keeps costs low
- checkInterest-free BNPL options (Brighte, Humm) can cover the $2,000-$3,000 gap
- checkSome installers offer $0 upfront packages bundling STCs with payment plans
Victoria
VICRebate + interest-free loan covers most of a basic 6.6kW system
- checkSolar Victoria rebate of $1,400 upfront discount
- check$1,400 interest-free loan repaid over 4 years (~$8.75/week)
- checkFederal STCs worth $2,000-$2,400 on top of state rebate
- checkCombined value of $4,800-$5,200 covers most standard systems
South Australia
SASTCs + REPS VPP incentive + BNPL financing
- checkFederal STCs reduce cost by $2,200-$2,600
- checkRetailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) offers additional incentives
- checkVirtual Power Plant (VPP) programs can provide battery subsidies
- checkCombine with BNPL financing to achieve $0 upfront
Looking for another state?
Eligibility for No-Cost Solar Programs
Most Australian homeowners qualify for at least one $0 upfront pathway. Here are the general requirements.
Homeowner
You must own the property where the system will be installed. Renters can explore landlord programs or portable solar options.
Suitable Roof
Your roof needs adequate space (approx. 30m2 for 6.6kW), reasonable condition, and minimal shading. North-facing is ideal but east/west works too.
Grid Connection
Your property must have an active grid connection. Off-grid systems have different economics and may not qualify for all programs.
SAA-Accredited Installer
All government rebates require installation by a SAA-accredited (formerly CEC) installer using approved components.
Credit Approval (BNPL)
Buy-now-pay-later and interest-free loan options require a credit check. Generally easier to qualify for than traditional loans.
State Residency
State-specific programs (like VIC Solar Homes) require you to live in that state. Federal STCs are available Australia-wide.
Comparing $0 Upfront Financing Options
Not all $0 upfront options are created equal. Compare the key differences to find the best fit for your situation.
| Feature | Interest-Free Loan | Solar Lease | Buy Now Pay Later | Power Purchase Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| System Ownership | You own the system | Leasing company owns it | You own the system | PPA provider owns it |
| Typical Term | 4 years (VIC) | 10-20 years | 2-7 years | 10-25 years |
| Monthly Cost | ~$35/month | $50-$100/month | $30-$80/month | Per kWh rate |
| Total Cost | System price | More than purchase price | System price (if 0% interest) | Depends on usage |
| Maintenance | Your responsibility | Provider covers it | Your responsibility | Provider covers it |
| Best For | VIC residents who qualify for Solar Victoria | Those who want zero responsibility | Homeowners in any state | Commercial properties, large systems |
*Costs and terms are indicative. Actual figures depend on system size, location, installer, and your credit profile. Always compare multiple quotes.
No-Cost Solar FAQs
helpIs no cost solar real?
Yes, no-cost solar is real in the sense that you can get solar panels installed with $0 upfront out-of-pocket cost. This is achieved through a combination of government rebates (which reduce the sticker price) and financing options (which spread any remaining cost over time). You still pay for the system eventually through repayments, but you typically save more on electricity than the repayments cost from day one.
helpHow does $0 upfront solar work?
$0 upfront solar works by combining government incentives with financing. First, federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) reduce the price by $2,000-$2,800. Some states add further rebates (like Victoria's $1,400). The remaining balance is covered by interest-free loans, buy-now-pay-later plans, or solar leases. You pay nothing on installation day, and your repayments are typically less than the electricity savings you start making immediately.
helpWhat is no net cost solar?
No net cost solar means the ongoing repayments for your solar system are equal to or less than your electricity bill savings. For example, if your solar saves you $150 per month on electricity and your repayment is $80 per month, the net cost to you is effectively negative (you're $70 better off each month). Most well-designed solar systems achieve no net cost status in Australian conditions.
helpCan I really get solar for free?
Technically, solar is never completely free. Someone pays for the equipment and installation. With government rebates and $0 upfront financing, you pay nothing on installation day. With a solar lease or PPA, you never own the system but pay for the power it produces (at rates below grid price). The closest to truly free solar is when your repayments are fully offset by electricity savings, making the net cost $0 or less.
Our team of solar energy specialists helps Australian homeowners make informed decisions about solar power, batteries, and clean energy.