New South Wales
Solar Rebates & Incentives 2026
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.
How to Apply for NSW Rebates
Get Multiple Quotes
Compare quotes from CEC-accredited 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 CEC-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
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.