How to Claim Your Solar Rebates Before They Drop
The Clock is Ticking on Federal Solar Rebates
Many Australian homeowners assume the "solar rebate" is a permanent fixture. In reality, the Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme is designed to phase out completely by 2030. We are currently in a critical window where the value of these rebates is beginning to drop more steeply.
The "Deeming Period" Drop in 2026
The STC rebate is calculated based on a "deeming period"—essentially the number of years your system is expected to generate renewable energy until the scheme ends in 2030.
- 2025 Installations: You get a 6-year deeming period.
- 2026 Installations: This drops to a 5-year deeming period.
This single year drop represents a roughly 15% reduction in the total rebate value available to you. For a standard 6.6kW system, this could mean losing hundreds of dollars in upfront discounts simply by waiting until January 1st, 2026.
Understanding Solar Zones
Not everyone gets the same rebate. Australia is divided into 4 zones based on how much sunshine they receive. Your rebate depends on your postcode.
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| Zone | Rating | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 1.622 | Alice Springs, Tennant Creek (Highest Rebate) |
| Zone 2 | 1.536 | Darwin, Dubbo |
| Zone 3 | 1.382 | Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra |
| Zone 4 | 1.185 | Melbourne, Hobart (Lowest Rebate) |
How the STC Process Works
Unlike traditional mail-in rebates, the STC system is usually handled by your installer as a point-of-sale discount.
- Quote Generation: Your installer calculates the number of STCs your system is eligible for based on its size and your location (Zone 1-4).
- Discount Applied: They offer you a quote with the STC value already deducted from the total price.
- Assignment: On the day of installation, you sign a form assigning the rights to these certificates to the installer, who then trades them to recover the discount they gave you.
Eligibility Checklist
To claim the STC rebate, you must meet these criteria:
- System size must be under 100kW (residential systems are typically 6.6kW - 13kW).
- Panels and inverters must be on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved list.
- Installation must be carried out by a CEC-accredited installer.
- The system must be a new installation or a complete upgrade of an existing system.
Pro Tip:
Always check your quote to ensure the "STC Discount" is clearly listed as a line item. This ensures you are getting the full benefit of the federal subsidy.
Ready to explore your options?
Use our savings calculator to estimate your rebates, or request free quotes from CEC-accredited installers in your area.
