NSW Solar Rebate 2026
Up to $7,000 in Solar & Battery Savings
NSW residents can access federal solar rebates ($1,600-$1,800 for 6.6kW in Sydney), federal battery rebates (~$3,000 for 10kWh), and NSW's PDRS VPP incentive (up to $1,500). Combined battery savings: $4,000-$5,500.
Available Programs in NSW
Federal Solar Rebate (STCs)
ActiveThe main rebate available to NSW residents. Sydney is in STC Zone 3, which provides approximately $2,100-$2,600 off a standard 6.6kW-8kW system.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
ActiveFederal program providing ~30% off eligible battery systems. Launched July 2025 and available to all NSW households.
NSW VPP Incentive
NSW OnlyEarn up to $1,500 by connecting your solar battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Only batteries installed after July 1, 2025 via an accredited certificate provider are eligible.
Solar for Apartment Residents Grant
NSW OnlyNSW is funding shared solar installations on apartment buildings. Owners corporations can apply for up to $150,000 per project, covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Buildings must have 3 to 55 residential lots and be registered under the Strata Schemes Management Act.
Hot Water System Upgrade Incentive
NSW OnlyThrough the NSW Energy Savings Scheme, households can get an upfront discount when switching to a heat pump hot water system. Heat pumps pair well with solar, as they can run during the day using your solar generation and slash hot water costs to near zero.
Air Conditioner Upgrade Incentive
NSW OnlyThe Energy Savings Scheme also provides upfront discounts on energy-efficient air conditioners. A more efficient unit means less power drawn from the grid, which maximises the value of your solar system.
Solar Pricing by NSW Area
See local solar pricing, installer counts, and solar penetration data for popular NSW areas.
NSW Energy Bill Relief & Concessions
On top of solar and battery incentives, NSW residents may be eligible for direct bill relief and concession rebates that further reduce electricity costs.
National Energy Bill Relief
All HouseholdsEvery NSW household receives up to $150 off their electricity bill in 2025-26, applied automatically in two $75 instalments. No application needed for most customers. Apartment residents on embedded networks may need to apply separately.
Concession Card Holder Rebates
NSW offers several ongoing electricity rebates for eligible concession card holders. These stack with solar savings, meaning your reduced bill gets even cheaper.
Low Income Household Rebate
For eligible concession card holders to help pay electricity bills.
Seniors Energy Rebate
For Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders.
Family Energy Rebate
For households receiving Family Tax Benefit.
Medical & Life Support Rebates
For those with medical energy needs or approved life support equipment at home.
Check your eligibility and apply through Service NSW or contact your electricity retailer.
Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA)
If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, EAPA provides emergency vouchers to help maintain your electricity connection. Available through community organisations like the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, and Anglicare.
What Is the $7,000 Solar Rebate in NSW?
If you've searched for the "$7,000 solar rebate" in NSW, here's what you need to know — the original program has closed, but the savings are still achievable through current programs.
The Old Program (Closed)
The NSW 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 targeted low-income households.
The Rebate Swap for Solar initiative also provided solar for eligible low-income families by swapping their Low Income Household Rebate for solar panels.
How to Get $7,000+ in 2026
You can still reach $7,000+ in total savings by stacking current programs:
Beware of scams: If a company claims they can get you the "NSW $7,000 solar rebate" as a single government payment, this is misleading. The old program is closed. Legitimate savings come from stacking the programs listed above. Always verify your installer is SAA-accredited.
How to Apply for NSW Rebates
Get Multiple Quotes
Compare quotes from SAA-accredited (formerly CEC) installers. Use our rebate quiz to get matched with approved providers in your area.
Confirm STC Discount
Ensure your quote shows the STC rebate already applied as a point-of-sale discount — you don't need to claim it separately.
Choose Battery Provider
Select an installer registered with the Cheaper Home Batteries program for the federal battery discount.
Complete Installation
Have your solar and battery system installed by your chosen SAA-accredited installer.
Join a VPP
Sign up with an accredited VPP provider to access the NSW VPP incentive worth up to $1,500.
Monitor & Save
Track your energy generation and savings through your system's app while earning VPP credits.
Stack Your Rebates for Maximum Savings
Example: 6.6kW Solar + 10kWh Battery in Sydney
*Actual savings vary based on system size, installer, and current STC prices. Regional NSW may qualify for higher Zone 2 rates.
Previously Available (Now Closed)
NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme
Closed June 2025This state battery rebate officially ended on 30 June 2025. NSW residents now rely on the federal battery program and VPP incentives instead.
NSW Feed-in Tariffs 2025-26
IPART sets benchmark feed-in tariff rates for NSW. For 2025-26 (July 2025 - June 2026), the all-day benchmark rate is:
What this means:
- infoRetailers set their own rates within or around this range
- infoTime-of-use tariffs may offer higher rates at peak times
- infoCompare retailers to find the best feed-in rate
Why Install Solar in NSW in 2026?
Rebates Decrease Annually
The federal STC rebate drops every January 1st. Installing now locks in higher savings.
Rising Electricity Costs
NSW electricity prices continue climbing. Start generating your own power today.
VPP Earnings
NSW's VPP incentive adds extra value — earn up to $1,500 while supporting the grid.
Calculate Your NSW Savings
Enter your postcode and electricity bill to see exactly how much you could save with solar and battery in NSW.
Check My Rebatesarrow_forwardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the $7,000 solar rebate in NSW?
The "$7,000 solar rebate" originally referred to the NSW Empowering Homes program, which offered interest-free loans up to $14,000 for solar and battery systems. That program closed in 2024. In 2026, you can still reach $7,000+ in total savings by combining federal STCs on a 10kW system ($3,200-$3,600), a federal battery rebate (~$3,300 for 10kWh), and the NSW PDRS VPP incentive (up to $1,500). The "$7,000" figure is achievable — just through different programs now.
Are there any solar rebates in NSW in 2026?
Yes! While NSW doesn't have a state-specific solar panel rebate for general households, residents can access the federal STC rebate worth $1,600-$1,800 off a standard 6.6kW system in Sydney (Zone 3), plus the federal Cheaper Home Batteries program providing approximately $300/kWh (~30% off) on battery systems.
What is the NSW VPP incentive?
The NSW VPP incentive through PDRS (Peak Demand Reduction Scheme) provides up to $1,500 for batteries connected to approved Virtual Power Plants. Batteries must be installed through an Accredited Certificate Provider after July 1, 2025. This stacks with the federal battery rebate for combined savings of $4,000-$5,500 on a 10kWh battery.
What feed-in tariff can I get in NSW?
IPART sets benchmark feed-in tariff rates for NSW at 4.8-7.3c per kWh for 2025-26. Retailers can set their own rates within or around this range, with some offering time-of-use tariffs with higher peak rates.
Can I combine federal and NSW incentives?
Yes! NSW residents can stack the federal solar rebate (STCs), federal battery rebate (~$3,000 for 10kWh), and NSW VPP incentive through PDRS (up to $1,500). Total battery savings can reach $4,000-$5,500 for a 10kWh system.
How much can I save on solar in Sydney?
Sydney residents (STC Zone 3) typically save $1,600-$1,800 on a 6.6kW system through federal STCs in 2026 (5-year deeming period). Adding a battery with federal and PDRS VPP incentives can bring total savings to $5,500-$7,000.
What happened to the NSW Battery Installation Rebate?
The NSW Battery Installation Rebate (BESS1) ended June 30, 2025. NSW residents now access battery incentives through the federal Cheaper Home Batteries program (~$3,000 for 10kWh) plus the PDRS VPP incentive (up to $1,500) for even better combined savings.
Can apartment residents get solar in NSW?
Yes. The Solar for Apartment Residents grant provides up to $150,000 per project (covering up to 50% of costs) for shared solar installations on strata buildings with 3 to 55 lots. Applications must come from the owners corporation or strata manager. Applications close 30 March 2026 or when funding runs out.
Are there NSW rebates for heat pump hot water systems?
Yes. Through the NSW Energy Savings Scheme, you can get up to $640 off a heat pump hot water system replacing an electric unit, or up to $330 replacing gas. The discount is applied upfront by participating installers. Heat pumps pair well with solar since they can run during daytime solar generation.
Does every NSW household get the $150 energy bill relief?
Yes. All NSW households receive up to $150 off their electricity bill in 2025-26 through the National Energy Bill Relief program. It is applied automatically in two $75 instalments for most customers. Apartment residents on embedded networks may need to apply separately through Service NSW.