Thinking about getting solar panels in NSW but worried about the cost? You might be in luck.
There’s a solar rebate that could knock up to $7,000 off the price of your system, and it’s helping heaps of Aussie households make the switch to clean energy without breaking the bank.
The best part? You don’t have to jump through crazy hoops to get it. The NSW government wants more people using solar to cut power bills and lower emissions, so they’re offering cash rebates and even interest-free loans if you’re eligible.
The trick is knowing who qualifies, how much you could actually save, and how to lock in the biggest rebate before it starts to phase out.
If your household earns under $180,000 a year, your home’s worth less than $3 million, and you go through the right installer — you could be looking at some serious savings. Let’s break it all down so you don’t miss out.
What Is the $7,000 Solar Rebate NSW?
The $7,000 solar rebate in NSW is designed to help make solar more affordable for homeowners. It’s a mix of state and federal support, and depending on your setup, you could save thousands right off the bat.
The rebate mostly comes from something called the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)—they’re like tradable credits you earn when you install solar. The more solar your system can produce, the more STCs you get. These credits can then be exchanged for money that’s taken off the cost of your system.
So, where does the $7,000 figure come from? That’s typically the upper end of what someone can save on a 10kW system, which is a decent size for a family home. That includes the STC value and extra incentives if you’re in a qualifying income bracket.
The NSW Government started offering these solar rebates back in 2018 as part of a bigger push to get more homes using clean energy. Then in 2023, they launched the Solar Homes Program, which added interest-free loans into the mix and aimed to install more solar systems across the state.
Depending on your income, the size of your home, and the system you’re getting installed, you might also qualify for extra help like:
- Interest-free loans to cover upfront costs
- Rebate Swap for Solar, where low-income households can swap their energy rebate for a solar install
- Battery rebates, if you’re installing storage too
The key is acting early. The rebates go down a bit every year, so waiting could mean missing out on a better deal.
How the NSW Solar Rebate Works in 2025
The way the NSW solar rebate works in 2025 mostly comes down to something called STCs, or Small-scale Technology Certificates. These are a federal incentive, and they’re a big part of how your rebate is calculated.
When you install a solar system, you earn a set number of these certificates based on how much energy your system is expected to generate over the next few years.
Each STC has a value—usually between $35 and $40—and the total number you get depends on the size of your system and your location. A bigger system in a sunnier part of NSW earns more certificates, which means a larger rebate.
Here’s how it roughly breaks down:
- A 6.6kW system can earn about 129 to 132 STCs, which works out to a rebate of around $4,620
- A 10kW system can earn 198 to 200 STCs, with a rebate of up to $7,000
- Smaller systems like 3kW will earn fewer certificates, bringing in around $2,000
These rebates are applied as an upfront discount through your solar installer, so you pay less from the start.
There’s one thing to keep in mind—the rebate reduces every year, usually by about 4–5% on January 1st. That’s part of a planned phase-out that ends in 2031.
If you wait too long, you’ll still get help, but not as much as you would’ve this year. Acting sooner means better value and quicker savings on your power bill.
Who Is Eligible for the $7,000 Solar Rebate NSW?
Your income must be under $180,000
To be eligible, your household income needs to be under $180,000 a year before tax. That includes everyone living at the property — so if you’re a couple, or have adult children working and living with you, all incomes are counted together.
This limit is there to make sure the rebate goes to households that actually need the help. If you’re unsure, check your latest tax return or ATO records. If your combined income sits below the threshold, you’re good to go.
Your home’s value can’t exceed $3 million
Another box you’ll need to tick is your property value. The home where the solar is being installed must be worth less than $3 million.
This is usually based on your most recent council rates notice or an up-to-date property valuation. The rebate doesn’t apply to high-end homes, so this rule helps keep the focus on regular households trying to cut energy costs.
Your system must use CEC-approved components
The rebate only applies if your solar system uses Clean Energy Council (CEC)-approved parts and is installed by a CEC-accredited installer.
This step makes sure everything meets safety standards and performs the way it should. Most reliable solar companies already meet this requirement, but it’s still worth confirming when you get a quote.
You must live in or lease the property
You’ll need to actually live in the property where the solar system is going to be installed. That includes homeowners and renters.
If you’re renting, you’ll need permission from the landlord, but once that’s sorted, you can still apply as long as the property meets the other criteria. The rebate is tied to the address, so it won’t apply to holiday homes or investment properties.
NSW Solar Interest-Free Loans for Solar Panel Installation
The NSW solar interest-free loan is an extra option for households that want to install solar panels but don’t want to pay everything upfront. It’s mainly aimed at low-income households, but others may qualify too depending on the program available at the time.
To be eligible, you generally need to meet the same requirements as the rebate — including the $180,000 income cap and the $3 million property value limit.
The loan works with the rebate, not instead of it. You’ll still get the rebate amount taken off the system price, and then use the loan to cover the remaining cost.
These loans are interest-free and often repaid over up to 10 years, which makes them manageable even if you’re on a tight budget.
It’s all handled through approved retailers, so once your quote is ready and the loan is approved, you can go ahead without paying anything upfront.
How to Apply for the $7,000 Solar Rebate NSW (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Check your eligibility
Start by checking if you meet the key criteria — your income must be under $180,000, your property value below $3 million, and the installation must be at your primary residence.
2. Choose a CEC-accredited solar retailer
Pick a solar retailer that’s Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited. This ensures the system and installation meet all the safety and performance standards required for the rebate.
3. Get a compliant quote
Ask for a quote that includes CEC-approved components and matches the system size you want. Make sure the quote clearly breaks down what’s covered and includes the expected STC value.
4. Sign the contract
Once you’re happy with the quote and system details, go ahead and sign the contract with your chosen solar retailer.
5. Retailer applies for the rebate
The retailer handles the rebate application through the NSW government’s portal. You don’t have to fill out government forms yourself — they’ll do it for you.
6. Rebate is deducted from final cost
If the application is approved, the rebate amount gets taken off the total price of the system, so you don’t have to claim anything back later.
7. Pay the balance & install system
You’ll pay the remaining cost, either upfront or through an interest-free loan if you’ve qualified. Then the system gets installed.
8. Get documentation & warranties
Once installed, the retailer should give you all your warranty documents, manuals, and proof of compliance for your records.
Changes in NSW Solar Rebates Over Time
The NSW solar rebate drops slightly every year, and this reduction happens on January 1st like clockwork. It’s part of a planned phase-out designed to gradually reduce government support as solar becomes more affordable on its own.
These reductions are tied to the value of STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates). Each year, the number of certificates you can earn for a solar system goes down, which means the rebate amount shrinks by about 4–5% annually.
This decline will continue until 2031, when the scheme is expected to end completely. So if you’re thinking about installing solar, the earlier you do it, the better your rebate.
In 2024, rebates for systems like a 6.6kW setup were higher. By 2025, the same system earns fewer STCs, which means you’d save several hundred dollars less just because of the date.
Waiting could cost more than you think.
How Much Will You Actually Save with the NSW Solar Rebate in 2025?
The actual savings you get from the NSW solar rebate in 2025 depend on the size of your system and how many Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) it qualifies for.
These certificates are handed out based on how much energy your system is expected to generate over several years. Each certificate is worth around $35, and they’re usually applied as a discount at the time of installation.
The more solar you install, the more STCs you earn — and the bigger your rebate. That’s why households with larger systems see higher savings.
Here’s a look at typical savings across different system sizes:
| System Size | STCs | Rebate Estimate ($35/STC) |
| 1.5kW | 28–30 | $990–$1050 |
| 2kW | 38–40 | $1320–$1400 |
| 3kW | 58–60 | $2030–$2100 |
| 4kW | 78–80 | $2640–$2800 |
| 5kW | 98–100 | $3300–$3500 |
| 6.6kW | 129–132 | $4356–$4620 |
| 10kW | 198–200 | $6600–$7000 |
| 10.56kW | 209–212 | $6969–$7392 |
| 13.2kW | 261–264 | $8712–$9240 |
For most homes, a 6.6kW system is a common choice, which lands you roughly $4,600–$4,800 off the total price.
If you’re going for something like a 10kW setup, you’re looking at around $7,000 in rebates — which can seriously slash your upfront costs.
These numbers are estimates and can change with the STC market rate, which usually sits between $35 and $40.
Keep in mind, this rebate drops every year as part of a planned phase-out ending in 2031. So waiting could mean less money off your system.
Solar Battery Rebate NSW 2025
The NSW Solar Battery Rebate became available on 1 November 2024, giving households another way to boost their energy savings.
If you install a battery with your solar system — or add one to an existing setup — you could get a rebate between $1,600 and $2,400, depending on the battery size and type.
There’s also an extra incentive of $250 to $400 if you connect your battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). This setup lets your battery feed excess energy back into the grid, which can bring down your power bills even more.
What’s unique about this scheme is that you can claim the battery rebate twice, with at least three years between each claim. This is helpful if you expand your system later or move to a new home.
It’s a smart option for people looking to store solar energy and use it after dark — or during blackouts.
Benefits of Installing Solar Panels with the NSW Rebate
Lower power bills
One of the biggest reasons people switch to solar is to cut down their electricity costs. With the NSW rebate helping cover the upfront cost, the payback period is much shorter. Most households can save around $900 per year, depending on system size and usage.
Protects against future energy price hikes
Power prices in Australia can jump without much warning. When you generate your own electricity, you’re less reliant on the grid, which means you’re less affected by rising costs.
Increases property value
Homes with solar are more attractive to buyers. Many property reports show that solar can boost a home’s value by 4–6%, especially when systems are still under warranty.
Reduces carbon emissions
Installing solar panels helps cut down your household’s environmental footprint. A standard system can reduce emissions by 3–4 tonnes of CO₂ per year, which adds up quickly over time.
Summary: Benefit vs Financial Impact
| Benefit | Financial Impact |
| Lower electricity bills | ~$900/year savings |
| Higher home value | Up to 4–6% more resale |
| Emissions reduction | 3–4 tonnes CO₂/year saved |
Key Takeaway
Solar’s one of those things that makes a big difference once you get started. The rebate in NSW can give you a decent head start — with savings up to $7,000 depending on your system size and where you live.
But the thing to remember is, the rebate drops by about 4–5% every year, and once January hits, that discount gets a bit smaller.
The value of STCs (the certificates that drive the rebate) can shift too, so locking in a system while rates are steady can really pay off. Getting in early means more money off the top, faster payback, and better long-term value.
If you’ve been thinking about going solar or just want to know what it could cost, we’d be happy to help. At Off Grid WA, we’ve helped heaps of households across the state make the switch and save big.
Reach out today and let’s get your system sorted.
👉 Check us out here
FAQs about the $7,000 Solar Rebate NSW
What is the maximum rebate I can get in NSW for solar?
Up to $7,000 based on system size and STC value.
Can renters apply for the solar rebate in NSW?
Yes, but they must get the landlord’s approval and meet other eligibility criteria.
Are solar batteries included in the NSW rebate?
Yes, since Nov 2024, battery incentives are available between $1,600 and $2,400.
How long does it take to get the rebate approved?
Usually within a few weeks, but depends on retailer and government processing time.
Do solar rebates apply to businesses too?
Yes, with separate criteria under the NSW Business Solar Rebate Program.
