Solar rebates and support in NSW
A clear guide to the financial support available when you install solar in New South Wales: the federal scheme that lowers the upfront cost, the NSW battery incentive, and the feed-in tariff that credits your exported power.
- Independent and NSW-focused
- Checked May 2026
- Primary sources
The short answer
Solar support in NSW comes mainly from the Australian Government. A federal scheme reduces the upfront cost of solar panels, and a separate federal scheme does the same for home batteries. NSW does not run its own rebate for solar panels, but it does have a battery incentive linked to Virtual Power Plants. On top of that, a feed-in tariff credits you for surplus power exported to the grid. Figures are reviewed regularly, so a quote is the best way to know what applies to your system.
The federal scheme for solar panels
The main support that lowers the upfront cost of a solar panel system in NSW is a national scheme run by the Australian Government. It applies in NSW exactly as it does in every other state.
The scheme works through small-scale technology certificates. When an eligible system is installed, it creates a number of certificates based on the system's size and its expected generation. Those certificates have a market value, and in practice your installer claims them and applies that value as a discount on the price you pay. You do not apply separately, the saving comes off the upfront price at the point of sale.
The value of the certificates moves with the market, and the scheme reduces over time on a set schedule, so the exact discount on a given system changes. Your installer's quote reflects the rate that applies when you buy.
Support for home batteries in NSW
Home batteries in NSW are supported in two ways, a national scheme and a NSW-specific incentive, and the two can be used together.
The federal battery scheme
The Australian Government runs a national scheme that reduces the upfront cost of an eligible home battery. It uses the same certificate mechanism as the solar panel scheme, your installer claims the certificates and applies the value as a discount. It applies in NSW as it does nationally, and the value per unit of storage steps down over time.
The NSW battery incentive
NSW has an incentive linked to connecting a home battery to a Virtual Power Plant, a network that can draw on your battery at times of high demand. As at May 2026 this NSW Virtual Power Plant incentive can be worth up to around $1,500, and it can be claimed alongside the federal battery support. The value depends on the Virtual Power Plant provider.
The NSW feed-in tariff
A feed-in tariff is the credit you receive for surplus solar power your home exports to the grid. When your panels generate more than your home is using, the excess flows to the grid and you are credited for it on your power bill.
NSW is different from some other states here. It does not have a government-mandated minimum feed-in tariff. Instead, rates are set by electricity retailers, and they vary between retailers and plans. The state's pricing regulator publishes a recommended benchmark range to help households compare offers, but retailers are free to set their own rates.
Because the feed-in tariff credits exported power rather than power you use yourself, the bigger saving from solar usually comes from using your own generation directly. The feed-in tariff is a useful addition on top of that, not the main benefit, and it is worth comparing the whole energy plan rather than the export rate alone.
NSW solar support at a glance
The summary below reflects the position as at the date shown. Solar support is reviewed regularly, and feed-in tariffs can change at any time. Always confirm the current detail with your installer when you request a quote.
Last checked: May 2026. Figures and schemes are reviewed regularly. If you are reading this later, confirm the current support before relying on it.
See the support applied to your system
A quote shows how the federal schemes and NSW support apply to your actual property and system.
Get an NSW solar quote→Making the most of the support available
A few practical points help you get genuine value from the schemes rather than just assuming a headline figure.
Use a quote, not a headline
The federal schemes are applied by your installer at the current rate. A quote shows the real discount, a general figure online may be out of date.
Check the timing
The federal schemes step down over time, so when you buy can affect the support you receive.
Ask about the battery incentive
If you are considering a battery, ask your installer about the NSW Virtual Power Plant incentive and what it would involve.
Compare the whole energy plan
Since NSW feed-in rates are set by retailers, compare the full plan, not just the export rate, to get the best overall deal.
NSW solar rebates FAQ
Is there a solar rebate in NSW?
NSW does not run its own standalone state rebate for solar panels. The main support for solar panels is federal: a national scheme that reduces the upfront cost. NSW does have a battery incentive linked to Virtual Power Plants, and there is also a feed-in tariff for exported power.
How does the federal solar scheme work?
When an eligible system is installed it creates small-scale technology certificates based on its size and expected generation. Those certificates have a market value, and your installer claims them and applies the value as an upfront discount on your system price. You do not apply separately.
What battery support is available in NSW?
There is a federal scheme that reduces the upfront cost of an eligible battery, plus a NSW incentive of up to around $1,500 for connecting a battery to a Virtual Power Plant. The two can be claimed together. The NSW incentive's value depends on the Virtual Power Plant provider, so confirm the detail when you get a quote.
What feed-in tariff will I get in NSW?
NSW has no government-mandated minimum feed-in tariff. Rates are set by electricity retailers and vary between plans. The state's pricing regulator publishes a recommended benchmark range to help you compare offers. It is worth comparing the whole energy plan, not just the export rate.
Do solar rebates change over time?
Yes. The federal schemes for both solar panels and batteries step down over time on a set schedule. Feed-in tariffs are set by retailers and can change at any time. Because of this, a current quote is the most reliable guide to the support that applies when you buy.
Related guides
Get a quote with the support applied
You know how the schemes work. A quote shows what they are worth for your NSW home, at the current rate.
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