Free Solar Panels Northern Territory 2026
How to get solar for $0 upfront in the Top End
The Northern Territory's Zone 1-2 STC ratings deliver Australia's highest federal rebates. Combined with the 1:1 feed-in tariff, battery incentives, and interest-free financing, many NT households can install solar with zero upfront cost.
Is Solar Really Free in the Northern Territory?
The Myth
There is no government program that gives you solar panels for free with no strings attached. Any company claiming "100% free solar" is likely using misleading marketing.
The Reality
The NT gets Australia's highest STC rebates (Zone 1-2), covering 35-45% of system cost upfront. With interest-free financing on the remainder, your monthly repayments are typically far less than your electricity savings — making solar effectively free from day one.
How Rebates Reduce Your Cost to $0
Example: 6.6kW Solar System in Darwin
*You're $67/month better off from day one. NT's high cooling costs mean bigger bills to offset, plus the 1:1 feed-in tariff maximises your export credits.
Check My Exact Rebatearrow_forwardPrograms That Make Solar Free in NT
Federal Solar Rebate (STCs)
ActiveThe Northern Territory's Zone 1-2 ratings deliver the highest STC rebates in Australia. Applied automatically as a point-of-sale discount — no application needed.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
ActiveFederal program providing approximately 30% off eligible battery systems. Stacks with solar rebates for maximum savings.
NT Home Battery Scheme
EndedThe NT Home Battery Scheme has ended and is no longer accepting applications. However, NT residents can still access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries program above for battery savings.
1:1 Feed-in Tariff
ActiveThe NT offers one of Australia's most generous feed-in arrangements. Solar exports are credited at the same rate as electricity imports, maximising the value of every kilowatt-hour your panels produce.
Calculate Your Free Solar Savings
See exactly how much you could save with the NT's highest-in-Australia STC zone rebates. Find out if $0 upfront solar is possible for your home.
Check My Rebatesarrow_forwardFrequently Asked Questions
Can I really get free solar panels in the Northern Territory?
There is no government program that gives you solar panels for free with no strings attached. However, by combining federal STC rebates ($2,800-$3,200 for 6.6kW in Zone 1-2), battery rebates (~$3,300), and interest-free financing from some providers, many NT households can get solar installed for $0 upfront with repayments lower than their current electricity bill.
What is the government solar scheme in NT?
The "government solar scheme" refers to the federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) program. In the NT, Zone 1-2 ratings deliver the highest STC rebates in Australia — $2,800 to $3,200 for a 6.6kW system. This is applied automatically as a point-of-sale discount by your installer. The NT also offers a 1:1 feed-in tariff where exports are credited at the same rate as imports.
How do I get $0 upfront solar in the Northern Territory?
Step 1: Get quotes from SAA-accredited installers showing the STC rebate applied (saves $2,800-$3,200). Step 2: Choose an installer offering interest-free finance on the remaining balance. Step 3: Your monthly repayments should be less than your current electricity bill savings — NT households often save $150+/month due to high cooling costs, making the system cash-flow positive from day one.
What is the NT 1:1 feed-in tariff?
The Northern Territory offers a 1:1 feed-in tariff, meaning solar energy you export to the grid is credited at the same rate you pay for electricity imports. This is one of the most generous feed-in arrangements in Australia and significantly boosts your solar savings, especially during the dry season when production is high.
Has the NT Home Battery Scheme ended?
Yes, the NT Home Battery Scheme has ended and is no longer accepting applications. However, NT residents can still access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries program, which provides approximately 30% off eligible battery systems (~$3,300 for a 10kWh battery). This federal program stacks with STC rebates for maximum savings.
Is free solar a scam?
Legitimate $0 upfront solar is not a scam — it works by combining real government rebates with financing. However, be cautious of companies that overstate savings or lock you into unfavourable contracts. Always compare at least 3 quotes, check the installer is SAA-accredited, and read the finance terms carefully.
How much does a 6.6kW solar system cost in NT after rebates?
A quality 6.6kW system in the Northern Territory typically costs $7,000-$9,000 before rebates. After the federal STC rebate of $2,800-$3,200 (Zone 1-2 — the highest in Australia), the out-of-pocket cost drops to $3,800-$6,200. With interest-free finance, this can be spread over 5 years at around $83/month — well below typical NT electricity savings of $150+/month.
Why is solar especially good value in the Northern Territory?
The NT benefits from three major advantages: (1) Zone 1-2 STC ratings deliver the highest rebates in Australia, (2) the 1:1 feed-in tariff credits exports at the full retail rate, and (3) high air-conditioning usage in the tropical climate means bigger electricity bills to offset — NT households typically save more than any other state.