Solar Guide

The Straight-Up Solar Guide

No jargon. No sales pitch. Everything you need to understand solar energy and decide if it’s right for you, written by people who install it every day.

Rebates & Incentives Available in Australia

Australia has some of the world’s most generous solar incentives. Understanding them properly can reduce your upfront cost by thousands. Here’s what exists, how it works, and what to watch out for.

Federal — Available Nationwide

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

The main federal solar rebate. When you install a system, you’re entitled to a number of certificates based on your system’s projected clean energy output over the years remaining until 2030. Your installer creates and trades these certificates on your behalf, passing the value back to you as a point-of-sale discount.

$1,500–$6,000+

Typical STC value for residential systems

$0

Cost to claim — your installer handles it automatically at purchase

2030

Scheme end date — value reduces each year. Installing earlier = more value.

Ongoing Revenue

Feed-in Tariffs (FiT)

A payment you receive for every kilowatt-hour your system exports to the grid. Rates vary by state and retailer, and change regularly — always confirm current rates with your energy provider. The current gap between export rates (5–10c) and import rates (28–35c) is the primary reason batteries make economic sense.

State Programs

Additional incentives by state

On top of the federal STC scheme, each state runs its own energy efficiency programs. Zoom is accredited under all three major state schemes.

NSW

Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)

ESCs

Energy Savings Certificates apply to commercial solar, LED upgrades, and large residential projects. Zoom is an accredited ESS provider and can create certificates on eligible projects, reducing overall project cost.

Zoom Accredited

VIC

Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)

VEECs

Applies primarily to hot water, LED, and appliance upgrades in Victoria. Battery rebates of up to $2,950 available for eligible Victorian households via Solar Homes — apply separately through Solar Victoria.

Zoom Accredited

SA

Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)

REPUs

South Australia’s equivalent of NSW’s ESS. Covers commercial energy efficiency and solar projects. Zoom creates and trades REPUs on eligible SA projects, passing the financial benefit to customers.

Zoom Accredited

Concession Holders & Low Income

Additional support schemes

Several states run targeted programs for eligible households. These change regularly — confirm current availability before applying.

Rebate Questions

How long is the real payback period?

For residential systems: typically 3–6 years after the STC rebate. Commercial sites with high daytime usage often see payback in 2–4 years. The main variables are your electricity tariff, how much you self-consume versus export, and whether you add battery storage. Rising electricity prices (which have averaged 6–8% annually in Australia) accelerate payback every year you wait.

Should I wait for prices to drop further?

Panel and inverter prices have largely plateaued after years of rapid decline. The STC rebate reduces by one year's worth every January — so waiting costs you rebate value. Every month you delay is a month of bill savings you don't collect. The "wait for it to get cheaper" logic made sense in 2015. It doesn't in 2025.

Is finance available?

Yes — several green loan products are available through major lenders at competitive rates, specifically for solar and battery systems. Some offer interest-free periods. In many cases, the monthly repayment is less than the monthly bill reduction, meaning the system is cash-positive from day one. Ask Zoom about current options at time of quoting.

What's the difference between cheap quotes and quality ones?

Cheap quotes typically use Tier 2 or Tier 3 panels (lower efficiency, shorter warranties), budget inverters without quality local support, and cut corners on racking, cabling, and switchboard protection. These systems often underperform within 3–5 years and are harder to get warranty support for. Insist on: full specification sheet, CEC installer accreditation number, and a written workmanship warranty of at least 5 years.

Rebate programs and availability change regularly. All figures are approximate and based on conditions as of early 2025. Always verify current rates and eligibility with your installer or relevant state energy authority before making a purchasing decision. Zoom Energy does not guarantee rebate availability.