NT Solar Rebate 2026
Solar & Battery Rebates, Subsidies & Incentives
The Northern Territory sits in STC Zones 1-2, giving NT residents the largest federal solar rebates in Australia. On top of the federal incentives, the NT government runs its own battery grant scheme and a solar program for apartments and multi-dwelling properties.
NT Solar Rebate Values 2026
The Northern Territory is in STC Zone 1-2, the highest in Australia. NT residents receive the largest federal solar rebates in the country. These values represent the federal STC discount applied at point of sale.
| System Size | Solar Rebate (STCs) | Federal Battery (~30%) | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW solar | $2,100-$2,400 | N/A | $2,100-$2,400 |
| 6.6kW solar | $2,800-$3,200 | N/A | $2,800-$3,200 |
| 6.6kW + 10kWh battery | $2,800-$3,200 | ~$3,300 | $6,100-$6,500 |
| 10kW solar | $4,200-$4,800 | N/A | $4,200-$4,800 |
| 10kW + 15kWh battery | $4,200-$4,800 | ~$4,950 | $9,150-$9,750 |
| 13kW solar | $5,500-$6,200 | N/A | $5,500-$6,200 |
STC rebate values based on Zone 1-2 deeming period of 8.4 years (2026). Battery rebate based on the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (~30% discount). Actual values may vary.
NT Solar & Battery Programs 2026
Federal Solar Rebate (STCs)
ActiveThe NT is in STC Zones 1-2 (the highest in Australia), meaning NT residents receive significantly larger rebates than any other state. Darwin and the Top End get the best rates in the country. The rebate is applied as a point-of-sale discount by your installer.
NT Home & Business Battery Scheme
At CapacityThe NT Government's battery grant scheme launched in December 2024 with $6 million in funding, offering $400 per kWh of useable battery capacity up to a maximum of $12,000 per property. This covers the purchase and installation of eligible battery systems, including adding batteries to existing solar. The scheme has reached its funding allocation and is currently closed to new applications. Pending applications may still be assessed if additional funding becomes available.
Eligible for registered residential property owners, NT businesses, and not-for-profit organisations. One application per property. Contact: 1800 193 111 or sustainableenergy.dme@nt.gov.au
Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program
ActiveFederal program providing approximately 30% off eligible battery systems. Available to all NT households regardless of whether the NT battery scheme is open. Choose an installer registered with the program to receive the discount at point of sale.
Solar for Multi Dwellings Grant
ActiveA joint Australian and NT Government program providing grants for shared solar systems in apartment complexes and unit blocks. Funding covers solar panels, inverters, solar sharing technology, smart meters, and battery storage. Applications are submitted through GrantsNT by the management corporation.
NT Energy Bill Relief & Concessions
Energy Bill Relief Fund
The Australian Government provided up to $150 in energy bill rebates for NT households during 2025, applied automatically as two $75 quarterly instalments. This was part of the national $1.8 billion Energy Bill Relief Fund. Check the NT Government website for any 2026 extensions.
NT Concession Scheme
Members of the NT Concession Scheme can receive up to $1,200 per year in electricity concessions (covering up to 8,000 kWh). This is separate from solar rebates and can be combined with solar savings. Check your eligibility if you hold a concession card or receive government payments.
Stack Your Rebates for Maximum Savings
Example: 6.6kW Solar + 10kWh Battery in Darwin
If the NT Home & Business Battery Scheme reopens, the 10kWh battery could also qualify for a $4,000 NT grant ($400/kWh), bringing potential total savings to $10,300. The 1:1 feed-in rate adds ongoing value on top of the upfront rebates.
How to Claim NT Solar Rebates
Get Multiple Quotes
Compare quotes from SAA-accredited (formerly CEC) installers in the NT. Zone 1-2 rates mean you'll get Australia's best STC rebates.
Confirm Zone Rating
Verify your postcode qualifies for Zone 1-2 rates. Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine, and most NT postcodes qualify for the highest rates.
Check STC Discount on Quote
The STC rebate appears as a point-of-sale discount. No separate application needed. Just make sure your quote clearly shows it.
Choose a Battery Rebate Installer
For battery savings, select an installer registered with the federal Cheaper Home Batteries program. The ~30% discount is applied at the point of sale.
Check NT Battery Scheme
Monitor the NT Home & Business Battery Scheme for reopening. If available, apply through the NT Government for up to $12,000 in additional battery grants.
Install and Start Saving
Once installed, you start earning 1:1 feed-in credits for any solar you export. The NT's exceptional sunshine means strong generation year-round.
Why the NT is Great for Solar
Highest Solar Irradiation
The NT receives more sunshine than anywhere else in Australia, maximising solar panel output. Darwin averages over 8 hours of peak sun per day in the dry season.
Biggest Federal Rebates
Zone 1-2 STC ratings mean NT households get the largest solar rebates in Australia, typically $400-$1,200 more than southern states for the same system size.
1:1 Feed-in Rate
Get credited the same rate for exports as you pay for imports. Most states pay 3-7c for exports while charging 30-40c for imports. The NT pays you the full rate.
Why Install Solar in the NT in 2026?
Rebates Decreasing
Federal STCs reduce each January 1st and phase out entirely by 2031. Lock in Australia's highest rebates while they last.
High Electricity Costs
NT electricity is expensive. Solar provides substantial savings, and the 1:1 feed-in rate makes every exported kWh worth the full retail price.
Fast Payback
Highest rebates, best sunshine, and 1:1 feed-in rates combine to deliver some of the fastest solar payback periods in the country.
Calculate Your NT Savings
Take advantage of Australia's highest STC zone ratings. See exactly how much you could save on solar and batteries in the Northern Territory.
Check My Rebatesarrow_forwardFrequently Asked Questions
Why does the Northern Territory get the biggest solar rebates?
The NT is in STC Zones 1-2, the highest in Australia, due to exceptional solar irradiance. More STCs are generated per kW of solar installed, resulting in the largest federal rebates in the country. A 6.6kW system in Darwin typically receives $2,800-$3,200 in STC rebates, compared to $1,600-$2,000 in Melbourne.
What solar rebates are available in the NT in 2026?
NT residents can access the federal STC rebate (the largest in Australia at $2,800-$3,200 for 6.6kW), the federal Cheaper Home Batteries program (~30% off batteries), and the NT Home and Business Battery Scheme ($400/kWh up to $12,000, currently at capacity but may reopen). The Solar for Multi Dwellings Grant also provides up to $7,500 per dwelling for apartments and units.
Is the NT Home and Business Battery Scheme still available?
The NT Home and Business Battery Scheme launched in December 2024 with $6 million in funding, offering $400 per kWh of useable battery capacity up to $12,000. The scheme has reached its funding allocation and is currently closed to new applications. Pending applications may still be assessed if funding becomes available. NT residents can still access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries program (~30% off).
How much can I save on solar in Darwin?
Darwin households (Zone 1-2) typically save $2,800-$3,200 on a 6.6kW solar system through the federal STC rebate alone. Adding a 10kWh battery with the federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate brings total savings to around $6,100-$6,500. If the NT battery scheme reopens, savings could exceed $7,000.
What feed-in rate can I get in the NT?
The NT offers a 1:1 feed-in rate scheme where you are credited the same rate for exports as you pay for imports. This is unique to the Northern Territory and makes solar particularly valuable, as every kWh you export earns the full retail rate rather than the 3-7c most other states offer.
What is the Solar for Multi Dwellings Grant?
The NT Solar for Multi Dwellings Grant Scheme provides up to $7,500 per dwelling (excluding GST) to cover up to 50% of installation costs for shared solar systems in apartment complexes and unit blocks. It covers solar panels, inverters, solar sharing technology, smart meters, and battery storage. Applications are made through GrantsNT by the management corporation.
Can I get an electricity concession in the NT?
Members of the NT Concession Scheme can receive up to $1,200 per year in electricity concessions (for up to 8,000 kWh). This is separate from solar rebates and can be combined with solar savings to reduce your overall energy costs further.
How do I apply for the NT solar rebate?
The federal STC rebate is automatically applied as a point-of-sale discount by your SAA-accredited installer. No separate application is needed. For the federal battery rebate, choose an installer registered with the Cheaper Home Batteries program. The NT battery scheme and multi-dwelling grants require separate applications through the NT Government.
Why is solar especially valuable in the NT?
The NT combines Australia's highest solar rebates (Zone 1-2 STCs), exceptional sunshine for maximum generation, 1:1 feed-in rates where you earn the full retail rate for exports, and high electricity costs. This creates some of the fastest payback periods in the country.