Find out what your home actually needs
Updated 19 February 2026
The Original $7,000 Rebate (Now Closed)
NSW Empowering Homes Program
Closed 2024The NSW Government's Empowering Homes program offered interest-free loans of up to $14,000 for solar and battery systems, with the effective subsidy value around $7,000. It specifically targeted owner-occupiers with household incomes under $180,000.
The related Rebate Swap for Solar initiative allowed eligible low-income families to swap their Low Income Household Rebate for solar panels. Both programs have now ended.
Scam alert: If a solar company tells you they can get you the "NSW $7,000 solar rebate" as a single government payment in 2026, this is misleading. The Empowering Homes program is closed. Legitimate savings come from stacking the federal and state programs below. Always check your installer is SAA-accredited.
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How to Save $7,000+ on Solar in 2026
The original program may be gone, but the savings aren't. Here's how Australians are reaching $7,000+ in total solar and battery discounts right now.
1. Federal Solar Rebate (STCs)
Active until 2030Every solar installation in Australia receives an automatic point-of-sale discount through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The amount depends on your system size and location.
2. Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Active, $7.2B fundedThe federal battery rebate provides approximately 30% off eligible battery systems. Since 1 May 2026 it has moved to a tiered structure, so smaller batteries still get the full per-kWh subsidy while larger systems attract a reduced rate on capacity above the first tier.
3. State-Specific Incentives
Varies by stateSeveral states add their own incentives on top of federal programs, making $7,000+ even easier to reach.
Example: Reaching $7,000+ by State
NSW
Victoria
South Australia
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Based on your postcode, energy use and roof.
Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
Frequently Asked Questions
helpWhat is the $7,000 solar rebate?
The "$7,000 solar rebate" most commonly refers to the NSW Empowering Homes program, which offered interest-free loans of up to $14,000 for solar and battery systems. The effective subsidy value was around $7,000. This program closed in 2024. The term is also used loosely to describe the total savings achievable by combining federal STCs on a larger system with battery rebates.
helpIs the $7,000 solar rebate still available in 2026?
The original NSW Empowering Homes program is no longer available. However, you can still save $7,000 or more in 2026 by combining the federal STC rebate ($3,458 for a 13.3kW system in Zone 3), the Cheaper Home Batteries Program ($3,610 for a 14kWh battery), and state-specific incentives. The total can exceed $7,000 depending on your system size and state.
helpHow do I get $7,000 off solar panels in 2026?
Install a larger solar system (up to 13.3kW on single-phase) to maximise your STC rebate ($2,622 for 10kW in Zone 3, $3,458 for 13.3kW), add a battery to access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program ($2,584 for 10kWh, $3,610 for 14kWh), and check if your state offers additional incentives like VPP programs. In Victoria the $1,400 state rebate stacks on top, so a 13.3kW system with a 14kWh battery reaches about $7,974.
helpWhich states can get $7,000+ in solar savings?
All Australian states can reach $7,000+ in combined solar and battery savings in 2026. Victoria is easiest thanks to the $1,400 state rebate. South Australia offers the $2,050 REPS VPP incentive. Queensland and NT have the highest STC values (Zones 1-3). NSW and other states rely on stacking federal STCs with battery rebates.
helpIs the $7,000 solar rebate a scam?
The rebate itself is not a scam. Real government programs existed and current programs can deliver $7,000+ in savings. However, be wary of companies advertising a "$7,000 government rebate" as if it is a single payment. The old NSW program is closed, and current savings come from stacking multiple programs. Always verify your installer is SAA-accredited and get multiple quotes.
helpWhat replaced the NSW Empowering Homes program?
For a few years, nothing did directly: NSW leaned on the expanded federal programs, the STC scheme (ongoing until 2030) and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program (launched July 2025), plus the state Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) VPP incentive worth up to $1,500 for battery owners. In June 2026 NSW brought back state lending with the Home Energy Saver program, a zero-interest loan of up to $15,000 for solar, batteries and home energy upgrades, which is effectively the successor to the Empowering Homes loans.
helpCan I get the $7,000 rebate on solar panels alone (no battery)?
For solar panels only, the federal STC rebate on a standard 6.6kW system is $1,482 to $2,014 depending on your zone, not $7,000. To reach $7,000 with panels alone you would need a system over 25kW, which means three-phase power. Most people reach the $7,000 figure by combining a solar system with a battery.
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The next step
If you have any questions about the information in this guide, feel free to get in touch:
Email: hello@whysolar.com.au
Tel: +61 2 5657 6527
If you're considering solar panels or batteries for your home, Bec and the team can help you get quotes from trusted, pre-vetted local installers:
Written by
Bec RamirezAussie Mum & Energy Expert
Helping families navigate the switch to solar with practical, real-world advice. Bec focuses on the financial side — rebates, bill savings, and financing options — so everyday Australians can see real value from going solar.
Learn more about Bec Ramirez