Installing solar panels in 2025 is one of the smartest ways to cut energy bills while also reducing your carbon footprint. However, many homeowners still ask how much rebate they can actually claim.
Fortunately, it’s easy to find out. The amount you receive depends on your system size, location, and installation date. Even better, you can calculate it instantly using the official STC Calculator from the Clean Energy Regulator.Official STC Calculator: https://www.rec-registry.gov.au/rec-registry/app/calculators/sgu-stc-calculator
What Are STCs and Why Do They Matter?
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) is Australia’s national incentive for solar energy. Under this scheme, homeowners receive Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on how much renewable energy their system will generate before 2030.
These certificates are then sold — usually through your installer — to lower your system cost upfront. In other words, the more STCs you receive, the larger your rebate.
As a result, the scheme makes solar power far more affordable for households across the country.
How to Calculate Your Solar Rebate
The good news is that calculating your rebate is straightforward. The Clean Energy Regulator provides a free calculator to help you estimate your savings.
STC Calculator (Clean Energy Regulator):
https://www.rec-registry.gov.au/rec-registry/app/calculators/sgu-stc-calculator
Steps to Use It:
- First, visit the calculator link above.
- Next, enter your installation postcode.
- Then, select your system size (kW).
- After that, input your installation date.
- Finally, view your eligible STCs and rebate value.
Each STC has a current market value — typically between $35 and $40. Therefore, you can multiply your total STCs by the market rate to estimate your rebate amount.
Example Rebate Calculations
| System Size | Location | Approx. STCs | Rebate @ $37/STC | Final Cost (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | Sydney | 35 | ~$1,295 | $3,000–$3,500 |
| 6.6kW | Brisbane | 70 | ~$2,590 | $5,000–$6,000 |
| 10kW | Melbourne | 106 | ~$3,920 | $8,000–$9,000 |
Tip: Always double-check the calculator before you buy, since STC prices often fluctuate week to week.
To understand full solar costs by state, you can also visit:
How Much Does Solar Cost in Australia in 2025?
Why the Rebate Reduces Each Year
It’s worth noting that the federal rebate decreases gradually every year until it ends in 2030. As a result, the longer you wait, the fewer STCs your system will qualify for.
Therefore, installing sooner can help you secure a higher rebate and a faster return on investment. Additionally, prices for panels and inverters may rise due to demand, so acting early offers even more savings.
Extra State Incentives You Should Know
Beyond the federal rebate, several states also provide additional incentives:
- Victoria: Up to $1,400 Solar Victoria rebate plus an interest-free loan.
- South Australia: Home Battery Scheme offering generous subsidies.
- New South Wales: Energy-efficiency and regional solar programs.
- Western Australia: Renewable energy buyback tariffs for exports.
When you combine these programs with the national STC rebate, your total savings can increase significantly.
What About Battery Rebates?
Although solar batteries don’t qualify for STCs, several states do offer battery-specific programs. For example:
- South Australia: Provides rebates through the Home Battery Scheme.
- Victoria: Offers interest-free battery loans for eligible homeowners.
By adding a battery, you can store excess solar power and use it later. Consequently, you’ll depend less on the grid and keep more of your solar savings.
Tips to Maximise Your Rebate
To get the most from your solar rebate, follow these tips:
- Install early in the year – STC values drop annually.
- Hire a CEC-accredited installer – this ensures eligibility.
- Choose Tier-1 solar panels and approved inverters.
- Compare multiple quotes – rebate handling may vary by installer.
For a fair comparison, you can easily get verified installer quotes here:
Get Free Solar Quotes from Solar Proof
Final Thoughts
The Australian solar rebate remains one of the most effective incentives for homeowners in 2025. By using the official STC Calculator, you can estimate your savings instantly and make an informed solar investment.
Calculate your rebate here:
https://www.rec-registry.gov.au/rec-registry/app/calculators/sgu-stc-calculator
Learn about solar prices by state:
https://quotes.solarproof.com.au/solar-cost-australia-2025/
Compare quotes and start saving today:
https://quotes.solarproof.com.au/request-solar-quotes