Queensland Solar Rebate
What Is the Solar Rebate in Queensland?
The Queensland Solar Rebate is a government-backed financial incentive aimed at promoting the use of solar energy among private and commercial properties in Queensland. This rebate is designed to lower the upfront costs associated with purchasing and installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
By making solar energy more affordable, the program supports Queensland’s environmental goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices.
How Does the Queensland Solar Rebate Work?
To access the Queensland Solar Rebate, applicants must first ensure that their solar system installation is performed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer. The process typically begins with obtaining a quote from a certified provider, followed by submitting an application to the relevant state energy department. The amount of the rebate varies depending on several factors, such as the size of the solar system and the total cost of installation.
After approval, the rebate is generally applied directly to the upfront cost of the solar system, reducing the amount that the homeowner or business needs to pay. It’s important to note that the rebate may also be subject to periodic changes based on state budget allocations and policy updates.
Am I Eligible for the Queensland Solar Rebate?
Eligibility for the Queensland Solar Rebate is broad, encompassing most residential homeowners, landlords, tenants (with landlord’s consent), and small to medium-sized businesses. The key requirements include:
- The property must be located in Queensland.
- The applicant must use a CEC accredited installer.
- The solar system must meet specific technical specifications, including minimum and maximum capacity limits.
Special considerations might apply for community housing projects or non-profit organizations, which are often eligible for additional subsidies or support.
Is There a Rebate on Solar Batteries in QLD?
In addition to rebates for solar panels, Queensland also offers incentives for the installation of solar battery systems. These rebates are designed to encourage energy storage solutions that can enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar power systems. Eligibility for battery rebates often requires compliance with additional criteria, such as the capacity of the battery and the integration with an existing or new solar PV system.
The solar battery rebate can significantly offset the cost of a battery system, making it a financially viable option for many households and businesses looking to maximize their energy independence and reduce electricity costs during peak times.
QLD Federal Battery Rebate
The $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program will support Australian households and small businesses with a discount on the cost of installing small-scale battery systems. The program aims to:
- help households to make the most of cheap and clean solar power by storing it for when it is needed
- reduce costs for everyone – not just those who install a battery – because it means less expensive gas power generation, poles and wires.
From 1 July 2025, the program will provide around a 30% discount on the upfront cost of installing eligible small-scale battery systems. The discount will be based on the battery’s usable capacity and will gradually decrease until 2030.
The discount will generally be provided via solar and battery retailers and installers. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program will be delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), administered by the Clean Energy Regulator.
Eligible battery systems
Minimum and maximum battery size
- An eligible battery storage system must be in the range of 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 100 kWh in nominal capacity. The nominal capacity is the maximum amount of energy a battery can store at full charge.
- The discount will be provided for up to 50 kWh of a battery system’s usable capacity.
- The program is intended to support residential and small-scale battery systems. Electric vehicles are not eligible battery systems for this program.
Battery system composition
- An eligible battery system (as captured in the relevant Australian standard AS/NZS 5139:2019) could include:
- a single battery unit
- a system of modular battery cells connected to serve as one battery unit.
- Additional capacity added to an existing battery system is eligible if:
- the battery system has not previously received a discount under the program; and
- the additional capacity is at least 5 kWh and the total upgraded capacity of the battery does not exceed 100 kWh in nominal capacity.
- Additional capacity that is later added to an existing battery that received a discount under the program would not be eligible.
Accreditation of battery systems
A battery system and the inverter must be listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list.
VPP capability
- A battery in an on-grid system needs to be capable of being coordinated through a virtual power plant (VPP), but does not need to be connected to a VPP.
- To be VPP capable, a battery system must be able to connect to the electricity grid and respond to signals from third party VPP operators (such as a retailer). This will require an ongoing internet connection.
- Consumers are not required to participate in a VPP.
- Off-grid battery systems would not be required to be capable of connecting to a VPP.
Discount for Eligible Battery Systems
STC calculation
- The number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) that a battery system is eligible for will be in reference to the kilowatt-hours of usable capacity of the battery system. The usable capacity of the battery is the amount of energy that can be discharged from a battery and represents the power that a home or small business can draw from the battery.
- STCs will only be provided for the first 50 kWh of the usable capacity of a battery system.
- The discount rate in 2025 would be represented as 9.3 STCs per kWh of usable capacity, equivalent to around $372 per kWh.
- The number of STCs will decline for battery systems installed in 2026 and later years until the scheme ends in 2030.
- The calculation of STCs will be based on the number of STCs per kWh of installed usable capacity of the battery and the year of installation, as outlined in Table 1.
Table 1 | ||||||
Year | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
Estimated value per kWh | $372 | $336 | $296 | $260 | $224 | $188 |
STC factor | 9.3 | 8.4 | 7.4 | 6.5 | 5.6 | 4.7 |
- The estimated value per kWh is approximate and based on $40 per STC for a battery installed in the year. This could vary over time in line with reviews of whether the discount remains appropriate.
Number of battery systems
- A single battery system installation at a premises is eligible for support once under the program.
- Additional rebates or incentives from states and territories may be available for batteries. Eligibility or other support will depend on criteria that applies in those schemes.
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Queensland Solar Rebate FAQs
Do I Need to Rush to Claim the Solar Rebate in Brisbane?
It's advisable to apply for solar rebates as soon as you are ready to install your system. While there isn't typically a 'rush', rebate programs can have limited funding and may change depending on government policies and budgets. Check current availability and any deadlines associated with the rebate.
Can I Claim Both the Queensland Solar Rebate and the Federal Rebate?
Yes, in many cases, residents of Queensland can claim both state and federal solar rebates provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each program. However, it is important to check the specific terms and conditions of each rebate as they may vary.
Can I Claim the Rebate More Than Once?
Generally, solar rebates are limited to one per household for each type of system (e.g., solar PV, solar hot water) and are often tied to the property rather than the individual. If you move to a new property and install another system, you may be eligible again.
Can I Claim the Queensland Solar Homes Rebate on an Existing Solar System?
The Queensland Solar Homes rebate is typically for new installations only. If you have an existing system, you may not be eligible for this particular rebate but could be eligible for other incentives for upgrades or additions like battery storage.
Can I Apply for the Solar Panel (Pv) Rebate if My Home is Off-grid?
Yes, homes that are off-grid may still be eligible for solar panel (PV) rebates. The eligibility often depends on the specific requirements of the rebate program, such as system size and installation standards.
Does My Solar Panel (Pv) System Need to Be a Certain Size to Be Eligible?
Most rebate programs have specific criteria regarding the size and capacity of the solar PV system to qualify. It's best to check the specific requirements of the rebate program you're interested in, as these can vary.
Get a Quote For Solar In QLD
Switching to green energy in Queensland can sometimes feel like a tall order, but it doesn’t have to be with the right help at hand. The journey might seem complex, but with experienced pros like Aus Energy Solar ready to lend a hand, you’ll find it’s smooth sailing. Make the leap to clean, sustainable energy today — just give our friendly local team a shout!