The Solar Rebate Explained
What Is the Solar Rebate in NSW?
The “solar rebate” is the common name for the federal government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). When you install a solar panel system, your installation creates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and the value of those certificates is applied as an upfront discount on your system price.
In practical terms, you don’t need to apply for anything, wait for a payment, or deal with any paperwork. As your CEC-accredited installer, Central Coast Energy calculates your STC entitlement, applies it as a dollar discount on your quote, and handles the certificate process on your behalf. You simply see a lower price.
There is no separate NSW state government solar panel rebate in 2026. The upfront discount comes entirely through the federal STC scheme. However, NSW does offer additional incentives for battery storage, which we cover further down this page.
Rebate Amounts
How Much Is the Solar Rebate in NSW in 2026?
The value of your solar rebate depends on your system size and the current market price of STCs. In 2026, STC values generally range between $33–$38 per certificate. Here’s an approximate guide to what you can expect as an upfront discount for common system sizes on the Central Coast.
| System Size | Approx. STCs | Estimated Rebate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | ~58–60 | $1,900–$2,300 | Small household |
| 5kW | ~98–100 | $3,200–$3,800 | 1–2 person home |
| 6.6kW | ~129–132 | $4,200–$5,000 | Standard home |
| 10kW | ~198–200 | $6,500–$7,600 | Family home |
| 13kW | ~258–264 | $8,500–$10,000 | Large home |
*Estimates based on Zone 3 (Central Coast/Sydney region) with STC values of $33–$38. Actual rebate varies based on exact installation date, location and current STC market price. We calculate the exact amount for your quote.
These are significant discounts, a 6.6kW system receives approximately $4,200 – $5,000 off the total price, and a 10kW system receives approximately $6,500–$7,600 off. This rebate is already factored into every quote we provide, so the price you see from Central Coast Energy is the after-rebate price.
The Solar Rebate Is Reducing Every Year
The STC scheme is on a scheduled phase-down and ends completely on 31 December 2030. Each year on 1 January, the number of STCs a new system can generate decreases — meaning the rebate gets smaller by approximately 4–5% per year. A system installed in 2026 receives more certificates (and a bigger discount) than the same system installed in 2027, 2028 or beyond. The longer you wait, the less you save.
How It Works
How Do Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) Work?
STCs are the mechanism behind the solar rebate. Here’s how the process works — and why you don’t need to worry about any of it.
System Installed
When your solar system is installed and connected to the grid, it becomes eligible to create STCs based on its expected energy output.
STCs Calculated
The number of STCs is calculated using a formula: your system size × your postcode zone rating × the remaining deeming period (years until 2030).
Discount Applied
Central Coast Energy assigns the STCs on your behalf and applies their value as an upfront dollar discount on your system quote. No waiting, no paperwork.
You Pay Less
You simply pay the reduced price. The rebate is built into every quote we provide — the price you see is the after-rebate price.
The STC formula uses a “deeming period” — the number of years remaining until the scheme ends in 2030. Because the deeming period shortens each year, systems installed earlier generate more certificates and receive a larger rebate. This is why the rebate reduces annually and why installing sooner is financially advantageous.
Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for the Solar Rebate in NSW?
Most Central Coast homeowners and businesses are eligible for the STC solar rebate. Here are the key requirements.
You are eligible if:
You are NOT eligible if:
As a CEC-accredited installer, Central Coast Energy uses only CEC-approved products. Every system we install is automatically eligible for the full STC rebate, there’s nothing extra you need to do.
Battery Incentives
Solar Battery Rebates in NSW 2026
In addition to the solar panel rebate, NSW homeowners can now access rebates and incentives for solar battery storage through two programs.
Federal Battery STC Rebate (Cheaper Home Batteries Program)
From July 2025, the federal STC scheme was extended to cover eligible battery installations. This means batteries now generate their own STCs, providing an upfront discount similar to solar panels. A 13.5kWh battery like the Tesla Powerwall typically attracts a rebate of approximately $4,500–$5,000. The battery must be CEC-approved and installed by a CEC-accredited installer.
NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)
NSW offers additional incentives for battery installations through the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. This program provides financial incentives for batteries that are capable of participating in Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs — helping reduce peak electricity demand on the grid. This incentive can be claimed alongside the federal battery STC rebate.