Queensland solar rebates 2024: Incentives, rebates, and tariffs

In this article, we’ll cover all the rebates, grants, and incentives available to Queenslanders. Keep reading, or use one of the links below to jump to the section you’re looking for.

What solar rebates are available in QLD?

Currently, three solar incentives are available in Queensland:

• The Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme
• Queensland Battery Booster program
• Solar feed-in tariffs

Additionally, Queenslanders can take advantage of electric vehicle incentives to further reduce their carbon footprint.

Let’s take a look at each offer in detail.

The small-scale renewable energy scheme in QLD: How does it work?

Also known as the “federal government solar rebate,” the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme is a nationwide program that incentivises individuals, families, and small businesses to install small-scale renewable energy systems like household solar.

The rebate is given as Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). When you buy a solar system, you’ll get a certain number of STCs based on the size and location of your system.

STCs work like a currency, representing the amount of power your solar system is expected to generate until 2030. The more renewable energy your system is projected to produce, the more STCs you’ll receive.

The total value of these certificates is the amount you’ll get back as a rebate for your solar panels. This value can be subtracted from the installation cost.

How much will the scheme save me in QLD?

The federal solar rebate in Queensland can reduce the cost of your solar panels by up to a third.

The exact amount you’ll receive depends on three factors:

• Where you live in Queensland: Different zones receive different solar ratings, but generally, Queensland enjoys high ratings thanks to its sunny weather.
• How soon you install your new system: The STC rebate is based on how much electricity your system will produce until 2030. This means you’ll receive fewer STCs the longer you wait.
• Your system size: A bigger solar system will produce more energy than a smaller one. So, the larger your system, the more STCs it will receive.

The table below shows the rebate value you can expect for different-sized solar systems in South East Queensland.

Queensland STC solar rebate value:

Solarcalculator.com.au’s STC Calculator can help you estimate the rebate amount for your system size and location.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

Anyone who installs new solar panels can claim the rebate. System upgrades, panel replacements, and even solar hot water pumps are all eligible. According to the Clean Energy Regulator, 76,656 Queensland homes and small businesses benefited from the scheme in 2022, bringing the total number of homes with rooftop solar in Queensland to 943,601.

To make sure your new solar panels will qualify, follow the steps below:

• Use Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved parts.
• Choose a CEC-accredited installer to perform the installation.
• Install your new solar panels within 12 months of creating the STCs.
• Keep your system under 100kW, with a maximum annual production of 250MWh.

How do I apply?

If you meet the criteria, your solar installer will calculate your STC rebate amount and deduct it from your installation cost. You don’t need to do anything extra to claim your incentive!

Queensland Battery Booster program

In 2024, the Queensland government launched the Battery Booster program to help households install a battery for their new or existing home solar systems.

There are two rebates available:

• Standard rebate: Households with a combined income of less than $180,000 can receive up to $3,000.
• Low-income rebate: If the highest income earner made $66,667 or less in the last financial year, households can receive up to $4,000.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

To receive the rebate you must meet the following criteria:

• Own the property where the battery system will be installed.
• Have a combined household income below $180,000.
• Have an existing solar system, or install a new solar system, with a minimum capacity of 5kW.
• Choose a battery from the Approved Battery System list.
• Use an installer on the Approved Installer list.
• Agree to a safety inspection for your project.

How do I apply?

Follow these steps to ensure your project qualifies for the rebate:

• Obtain a quote for your solar battery project from the Approved Installer list.
• Submit your quote to apply for conditional approval.
• Once you receive conditional approval, you can go ahead and install and pay for your battery system.
• After the installation, submit your invoice to receive your rebate.

For more information, visit the Battery Booster program website.

Solar feed-in tariffs in QLD

Another incentive you’ll receive as a Queensland resident is a solar feed-in tariff. But what is a feed-in tariff?

Suppose your solar system produces more energy than you need to power the appliances in your home. In that case, the unused electricity will be exported to the grid. You can claim a payment for every kWh of power you export to the grid. This payment is called a feed-in tariff.

Typically, the rates range from 8c to 12c.

Feed-in tariffs for South East Queensland

If you live in South East Queensland, your feed-in tariff rate is set by your electricity retailer. The state government sets no minimum rate, meaning retailers offer competitive rates. Also referred to as a market feed-in tariff, this system lets you shop for the best deal.

The best solar feed-in rates in South East Queensland

The table below shows the best feed-in tariff rates for popular retailers across South East Queensland (updated December 2023), with the minimum and maximum rates on offer.

The best feed-in tariffs in South East Queensland

Feed-in Tariffs for regional Queensland

The situation is different if you live in regional Queensland. Instead of retailer-led pricing, regional Queenslanders can access a fixed feed-in tariff rate. For the 2023-24 financial year, this is locked in at 13.441 cents per kilowatt hour.

How do I claim my feed-in tariffs?

To be eligible to receive feed-in tariffs across Queensland, you’ll need to have a grid-connect solar system installed at your home. If you have multiple solar energy systems installed, only one per household is eligible to receive the tariff.

You’ll also need to register with your electricity retailer and give them details of your system, including its size and capacity (max 30kW).

Not all electricity providers offer feed-in tariffs, and some have specific conditions, like limiting eligibility to customers who purchase their solar panels through them.

You’ll receive your feed-in tariffs paid as a credit on your electricity bills.

Local government solar programs in QLD

Often, local governments run their own programs to encourage solar adoption. Check with your local council to see if anything is available in your area.

Electric vehicle rebates in QLD

If you’re thinking of switching to an electric vehicle to maximise the benefits of your new solar system, you may want to consider the Queensland Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme.

The program offers a $6000 rebate when you buy a new electric vehicle (EV) with a maximum dutiable value of $68,000. The dutiable value includes the retail price with GST, the delivery and order fees, plus any optional extras or accessories.

Queenslanders who purchased a new EV between 16 March 2022 and 20 April 2023 can also claim the rebate, if the dutiable value of their vehicle was under $58,000.

For small businesses and households with a combined income of $180,000 or more, there’s a $3000 rebate on offer.

You can view all the details or lodge your application at the official program website.

Next steps

If you’re keen to take advantage of the solar incentives available to Queenslanders, here are some next steps you can take:

• Use our STC calculator to estimate your rebate amount.
• Learn more about solar system sizes, with our guides to 3kW systems, 5kW systems, 6.6kW systems, and 10kW systems.
• Learn more about choosing the right solar installer for you.
• Read our guide to solar power in Brisbane.