Solar Rebates Australia 2026: $2,000-$7,400 STCs + State Incentives & FiT Guide

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are the main federal solar rebate in Australia, reducing upfront costs by $2,000-$6,000+: **How STCs work:** Created when you install solar system under 100kW, based on system size and location (sunnier areas create more STCs), Each STC worth $30-$40 in 2026 (market price varies), Installers claim STCs upfront and give you immediate discount. **STC values by system size (2026):** **3kW system:** 40-50 STCs = **$1,200-$2,000 rebate**, **5kW system:** 65-75 STCs = **$2,000-$3,000 rebate**, **6.6kW system:** 85-100 STCs = **$2,500-$4,000 rebate**, **10kW system:** 130-150 STCs = **$4,000-$6,000 rebate**, **13kW system:** 170-195 STCs = **$5,000-$7,800 rebate**. **STCs vary by location:** Sydney (zone 3): 6.6kW = 92 STCs × $35 = **$3,220**, Brisbane (zone 2): 6.6kW = 98 STCs × $35 = **$3,430** (sunnier = more STCs), Melbourne (zone 4): 6.6kW = 87 STCs × $35 = **$3,045**, Perth (zone 2): 6.6kW = 98 STCs × $35 = **$3,430**, Adelaide (zone 3): 6.6kW = 92 STCs × $35 = **$3,220**. **Important: STCs reducing each year:** 2026: Full STC value (shown above), 2026: ~10% less STCs created, 2027: ~20% less STCs created, 2030: STCs phase out completely, **Install sooner = higher rebate** (waiting costs money). **How to claim STCs:** You don't claim them directly - installer handles it, Rebate applied as upfront discount on invoice, You see "after STCs" price in quotes, Installer then sells STCs to recoup cost. **Example quote:** System cost before STCs: $9,000, Less STCs discount: -$3,200, **You pay: $5,800** (installer claims $3,200 STCs). STCs are available to all Australians regardless of income - it's a federal entitlement for installing solar.

**Victoria - Solar Homes Program (Best State Rebate):** Solar rebate: Up to $1,400 for solar panel installation, Battery rebate: Up to $2,800 for battery storage (5kWh+), Solar hot water: Up to $1,000 rebate, Eligibility: Combined household income under $210,000, property value under $3 million, existing home (owner-occupier), How to apply: Online via Solar Victoria before installation, 1-2 week approval, **Total potential:** $1,400 solar + $2,800 battery = **$4,200 combined** (if installing both). **South Australia - Home Battery Scheme:** Battery subsidy: $3,000 for battery 5kWh+ (can bundle with solar), Interest-free loan: Up to $10,000 available over 5 years, Eligibility: SA residents, approved installers, battery on approved list, Solar-only: No direct solar rebate (STCs only), but battery subsidy can be used when bundling. **Queensland - Interest-Free Loans:** Interest-free loans: Up to $10,000 for solar + battery systems, Battery Booster rebate: $3,000 battery rebate (ENDED but may return 2026), Eligibility: QLD residents, approved systems, Solar-only: No current rebate beyond STCs, loans still available. **Australian Capital Territory (ACT) - Sustainable Household Scheme:** Solar rebate: Covered through interest-free loans, Battery rebate: Up to $3,500 for battery storage, Interest-free loan: Up to $15,000 available, Eligibility: ACT residents, approved products. **New South Wales (NSW) - Currently No Rebate:** Previous rebate: Peak Solar Homes program ended (was $1,400-$2,000), Battery rebate: Ended November 2024 (was $2,400-$2,800), Current status: Only federal STCs available, may return in future budgets. **Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory:** No state solar or battery rebates currently, Only federal STCs available, Monitor state government websites for announcements. **Low-income specific programs:** Victoria: Interest-free solar loans for concession holders, South Australia: Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) - check with energy retailers, Queensland: Some council-specific programs for low-income households. **Comparison by state (6.6kW solar example):** Victoria: $3,200 STCs + $1,400 state = **$4,600 total rebates**, South Australia: $3,200 STCs only = **$3,200** (battery subsidy available), Queensland: $3,200 STCs + $10k loan = **$3,200 + financing**, NSW/WA/TAS/NT: $3,200 STCs only = **$3,200**. Victoria offers the most generous solar rebates in 2026 - up to $4,200 for solar + battery combined.

Feed-in tariff (FiT) is the rate your electricity retailer pays you for excess solar exported to the grid: **How feed-in tariffs work:** During the day, solar powers your home first (self-consumption), Any excess solar generation exported to grid, Retailer credits your bill at feed-in tariff rate, You see credits on quarterly electricity bill. **Current feed-in tariff rates (2026):** **Premium FiT rates (regional/competitive markets):** QLD regional: 10-12c/kWh (best in Australia), SA: 8-10c/kWh, NSW regional: 8-10c/kWh, TAS: 8-9c/kWh. **Standard FiT rates (metro/major retailers):** Sydney/Melbourne metro: 5-8c/kWh, Brisbane metro: 6-8c/kWh, Perth: 3-10c/kWh (varies widely), Adelaide: 6-8c/kWh. **Budget retailer FiT rates:** Some retailers offer as low as 3-5c/kWh, Avoid these - shop around for better rates. **Annual earnings example (6.6kW system):** System generates: 9,500kWh/year, Self-consume 50% (4,750kWh): Powers your home (saves $0.28/kWh = $1,330), Export 50% (4,750kWh): Earn feed-in tariff, **At 8c/kWh FiT:** 4,750kWh × $0.08 = **$380/year**, **At 10c/kWh FiT:** 4,750kWh × $0.10 = **$475/year**, **At 5c/kWh FiT:** 4,750kWh × $0.05 = **$238/year**. **Why feed-in tariff matters (but less than self-consumption):** Self-consumption value: $0.28/kWh (what you avoid paying), Export value: $0.05-$0.12/kWh (what you earn), **Self-consuming solar is 3-5× more valuable than exporting**. **Historical context:** 2009-2012 premium FiT: NSW/QLD/VIC offered 40-60c/kWh (generous), Those contracts now expired or ending, 2026 rates: 5-12c/kWh much lower (wholesale electricity prices dropped). **Time-of-use vs flat FiT:** Some retailers offer time-varying FiT, Peak export (4-9pm): 15-20c/kWh (but solar rarely generates then), Off-peak export (10am-3pm): 3-8c/kWh (when solar generates most), Usually not beneficial for solar-only (batteries benefit more). **Maximizing feed-in earnings:** 1. Shop around: Compare retailers for best FiT (10c+ vs 5c = $238/year difference on 4,750kWh), 2. Increase self-consumption: Using solar yourself ($0.28/kWh) beats exporting ($0.08/kWh), 3. Add battery: Store excess for evening use instead of exporting, 4. Check contract terms: Some retailers reduce FiT after 12 months - stay vigilant. **Best feed-in tariffs by retailer (2026):** QLD: GloBird Energy 10c/kWh, Origin 10c/kWh, NSW: OVO Energy 12c/kWh (limited availability), Powershop 8-10c/kWh, VIC: GloBird 8-10c/kWh, Momentum Energy 8c/kWh, SA: Origin 8-10c/kWh, AGL 8c/kWh. Feed-in tariffs provide extra value ($200-$500/year typical) but the real savings come from self-consumption ($1,000-$2,000/year).

**1. Claim all available rebates:** Federal STCs: Automatic through installer (everyone gets this), State rebates: Apply before installation (VIC $1,400, SA/ACT $3,000-$3,500), Battery rebates: If adding storage (VIC $2,800, SA $3,000, ACT $3,500), **Total potential:** $3,200 STCs + $1,400 state solar + $2,800 battery = **$7,400 rebates**. **2. Install before STCs reduce further:** 2026 STCs: Full value, 2026 STCs: 10% less, 2027 STCs: 20% less, **Install in 2026 = save $300-$600 vs waiting until 2027**. **3. Choose the right system size:** Don't undersize: 6.6kW minimum for most homes (maximizes ROI), Don't oversize: Match your usage (excess exports earn low FiT), **Sweet spot:** 6.6kW for 3-4 bed homes, 10kW for 4-5 bed with pool/AC. **4. Increase self-consumption (most important):** Self-consume value: $0.28/kWh (what you avoid paying grid), Export value: $0.08/kWh (what you earn from FiT), **Using solar yourself is 3.5× more valuable than exporting**, **Strategies to increase self-consumption:** Run dishwasher/washing machine during day (10am-2pm), Time pool pump for midday (11am-2pm), Charge devices during sunlight hours, Use slow cooker/breadmaker on timers for daytime, Hot water diverter: Heat water with excess solar ($300 device, saves $200-$400/year), EV charging: If work from home, charge 10am-3pm. **5. Optimize feed-in tariff:** Compare retailers: Find best FiT (10c vs 5c = $238/year extra on 4,750kWh exports), Check annually: Retailers change FiT rates, switch if better deal, Avoid "too good to be true": High FiT often has high usage rates (check total bill). **6. Add battery for maximum independence:** Battery stores excess solar for evening use, Increases self-consumption from 40-50% to 80-90%, **Savings increase:** From $1,600/year (solar only) to $2,000+/year (solar + battery), Payback: 10-13 years but includes backup power value. **7. Get competitive quotes:** Get 3-5 quotes from SAA Accredited installers, Price difference can be $1,500-$3,000 on same system, Check reviews on Solar Quotes, Google, ProductReview, Verify warranties: 25-year panel, 10-year inverter minimum. **8. Claim tax deductions (if applicable):** Investment property: Solar installation tax deductible, Home business: Portion deductible based on usage, Small business: Instant asset write-off may apply. **9. Join Virtual Power Plant (VPP) - if you have battery:** Tesla Energy Plan: $120-$200/year credits, Reposit Power: $150-$300/year GridCredits, AGL VPP: $100-$150/year, **Extra $100-$300/year improves battery ROI**. **10. Monitor and maintain system:** Check inverter display monthly for errors, Clean panels 1-2 times/year (or after dusty periods), Professional inspection every 5 years, Well-maintained system generates 10-15% more over lifetime. **Maximum savings scenario (6.6kW system in VIC):** Upfront: $9,000 system - $3,200 STCs - $1,400 VIC rebate = **$4,400 cost**, Annual savings: Self-consume 70% (6,650kWh @ $0.28/kWh) = $1,862 saved, Export 30% (2,850kWh @ $0.08/kWh) = $228 earned, **Total: $2,090/year savings**, **Payback: 2.1 years** (exceptional case with high self-consumption). **Typical savings scenario:** Cost: $6,000 (after STCs, no state rebate), Annual savings: $1,400-$1,800, **Payback: 3.3-4.3 years** (still excellent ROI). The key is maximizing self-consumption (use solar during day) and claiming all available rebates upfront.

**The "golden era" of solar feed-in tariffs (2009-2012):** Between 2009-2012, several states introduced premium feed-in tariffs to encourage solar adoption: **NSW - Solar Bonus Scheme:** 60c/kWh (gross FiT - paid on all generation, not just exports), 20-year contract guarantee, Closed to new applicants: October 2011, Existing customers: Contracts honored until expiry (some until 2026-2029). **Queensland - 44c Solar Bonus:** 44c/kWh (net FiT - paid on exports only), 20-year contract guarantee, Closed to new applicants: July 2012, Existing customers: Contracts honored until July 2028 (ending soon!). **Victoria - Premium Feed-in Tariff:** 60c/kWh (net FiT), 15-year contract guarantee, Closed to new applicants: December 2011, Existing customers: Most contracts expired 2024-2026. **South Australia - 44c Premium FiT:** 44c/kWh, 20-year contract, Closed to new applicants: September 2011, Existing customers: Contracts expiring 2029-2031. **ACT - Feed-in Tariff:** 45.7c/kWh initially, reducing over time, 20-year contract. **Why were premium FiTs introduced?** Solar very expensive in 2009-2012: $20,000-$30,000 for 3kW system (vs $4,000-$6,000 today), Government wanted to kickstart solar industry, High FiT made payback periods attractive (5-7 years), Successfully grew Australian solar market from 10,000 to 1 million+ homes. **Why did premium FiTs end?** Too successful - uptake exceeded government projections, Cost to government/retailers ballooned (billions in subsidies), Wholesale electricity prices dropped (made high FiT unsustainable), Solar panel costs dropped 80% (FiT no longer needed for attractive ROI), Scheme replaced with STCs (upfront rebate instead of ongoing payments). **What happens when premium FiT contracts expire?** **NSW Solar Bonus (60c/kWh) expiring now:** Customers automatically moved to current retail FiT (5-8c/kWh), **Loss of income:** 5kW system exported 50% (3,500kWh/year), Previous earnings: 3,500 × $0.60 = **$2,100/year**, New earnings: 3,500 × $0.08 = **$280/year**, **Loss: $1,820/year** (ouch!). **Options when premium FiT expires:** 1. **Add battery storage:** Store excess solar for evening use instead of exporting, Reduces reliance on low FiT, Increases self-consumption from 50% to 80-90%, Battery cost: $10,000-$15,000, payback 8-12 years (but includes backup power), **Better than exporting at 8c/kWh**. 2. **Increase self-consumption:** Time appliances for daytime use, Hot water diverter ($300 device), EV charging during day if working from home, Self-consuming at $0.28/kWh beats exporting at $0.08/kWh. 3. **Shop around for best current FiT:** Some retailers offer 10-12c/kWh (vs 5c/kWh), **Extra 5c/kWh = $175/year on 3,500kWh exports**. 4. **System upgrade:** Old solar systems (15+ years) may need upgrade, New system eligible for STCs again ($2,000-$4,000 rebate), Modern panels more efficient (20-22% vs 14-16% old panels). **Current solar economics (without premium FiT):** Even without 60c FiT, solar still excellent investment: **6.6kW system costs:** $6,000 (after STCs), much cheaper than 2009, Self-consumption savings: $1,200-$1,800/year (avoided grid purchases), Export earnings: $250-$400/year (at 8c/kWh FiT), **Total annual savings: $1,450-$2,200**, **Payback: 2.7-4.1 years** (faster than 60c FiT era!). **Why is payback faster despite lower FiT?** Solar panels 80% cheaper than 2009 ($6,000 vs $30,000), Electricity prices 70% higher than 2009 ($0.28 vs $0.16/kWh), Self-consumption more valuable than exports, **Result: Better ROI now than during premium FiT era** (despite lower export rates). **The lesson:** Premium FiTs were temporary kickstart incentive, Modern solar economics driven by: Cheap panels ($6,000 vs $30,000), High grid electricity ($0.28/kWh vs $0.16/kWh), Self-consumption value (3× more than exports), **Solar pays for itself faster today (3-5 years) than during "golden era" (5-7 years)**. Premium FiTs were a gift to early adopters who helped grow the industry. Today's solar buyers have better economics through cheaper hardware and higher self-consumption value.

**Yes, but rules vary by situation - here's what you can claim:** **1. Upgrading existing solar system (adding more panels/capacity):** **Federal STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates):** You CAN claim STCs on the ADDITIONAL capacity only, Example: Have 3kW system, upgrade to 6.6kW → claim STCs on extra 3.6kW, Formula: (New capacity - Old capacity) × STC rate, **6.6kW upgrade from 3kW:** Extra 3.6kW = ~50 STCs × $35 = **$1,750 rebate available**, **10kW upgrade from 5kW:** Extra 5kW = ~65 STCs × $35 = **$2,275 rebate available**. **Important STC rules for upgrades:** Must keep existing system (just adding to it), OR completely replace system if old system over 10 years (can claim full STCs on new capacity), Cannot claim twice on same panels (no double-dipping). **State rebates (VIC/SA/QLD):** Victoria Solar Homes: Generally NO - one rebate per property (already used), Exception: If original solar installed before 2018 and never claimed state rebate, check eligibility, South Australia: Battery subsidy still available even if you have existing solar, Queensland: Interest-free loans may be available for upgrade + battery. **2. Completely replacing old solar system (10+ years old):** **You CAN claim full STCs on entire new system if:** Original system over 10 years old, Replacing entire system (not reusing old panels), New system uses new panels, new inverter, new everything. **Example:** 2012 system (3kW, now 13 years old) → Replace with new 6.6kW system, Claim full STCs on 6.6kW: ~92 STCs × $35 = **$3,220 rebate**, State rebates: Generally NO (already used), but check Victoria Solar Homes if never claimed. **3. Adding battery storage to existing solar:** **Federal STCs:** Batteries do NOT generate STCs (only solar panels do), No federal rebate for battery-only installation. **State battery rebates (GOOD NEWS - you CAN claim these!):** **Victoria - Battery Rebate:** $2,800 battery rebate available EVEN if you already have solar, Can claim battery rebate even if you claimed solar rebate years ago, Eligibility: Income under $210,000, battery 5kWh+, **South Australia - Battery Subsidy:** $3,000 subsidy for battery, Available regardless of whether you have existing solar, Interest-free loan up to $10,000 also available, **ACT - Battery Rebate:** Up to $3,500 battery rebate, Available to existing solar owners. **Example battery upgrade with rebates:** 13kWh Tesla Powerwall: $16,000 installed, Less VIC battery rebate: -$2,800, **Your cost: $13,200** (even with existing solar). **4. Replacing only the inverter:** **Federal STCs:** NO STCs for inverter-only replacement (STCs only for panels), Must be part of new system install. **State rebates:** NO state rebates for inverter replacement only. **Cost:** String inverter replacement: $1,500-$2,500 (no rebates, just regular pricing). **5. Adding panels to partially working system:** If some panels failed but inverter works: Can add panels to existing system, Claim STCs on new panels only, Must ensure inverter capacity sufficient. **When does upgrading make financial sense?** **Upgrade if:** System over 10 years old (nearing end of life), System under 3kW (too small for modern usage), Inverter failed (replace whole system, claim STCs), Feed-in tariff expiring (NSW 60c/kWh ending → add battery instead), Want to add battery (claim battery rebates). **Don't upgrade if:** System under 5 years old and working well, No new rebates available for your situation, Usage hasn't increased significantly, Better to wait until system fails naturally. **Best upgrade strategy:** **Scenario 1: Old small system (2-3kW, 10+ years old)** Replace entirely with 6.6-10kW system, Claim STCs on full new system ($3,000-$5,000), Add battery if in VIC/SA/ACT (claim $2,800-$3,500 battery rebate), **Total rebates: $5,800-$8,500**. **Scenario 2: Recent system (under 5kW, under 10 years)** Add battery only (claim battery rebate $2,800-$3,500), Increase self-consumption with smart usage, Wait until system older before full replacement. **Scenario 3: Premium FiT expiring (NSW/QLD 44-60c/kWh)** Add battery to store excess solar for evening use (claim battery rebates), Increases self-consumption, reduces low-FiT exports, Battery pays for itself in 8-12 years vs exporting at 8c/kWh. **How to check your eligibility:** Contact 3-5 SAA Accredited installers for assessment, They'll check: System age, capacity, STC eligibility, Provide quotes showing available rebates, Check state rebate websites: Solar Victoria (VIC), Home Battery Scheme (SA), Sustainable Household Scheme (ACT). **Bottom line:** You CAN get rebates for upgrades, but they're more limited than new installs. Battery rebates are the best opportunity for existing solar owners ($2,800-$3,500 available).

**Best feed-in tariff rates by state (2026):** **Queensland - Highest FiT rates in Australia:** **GloBird Energy:** 10c/kWh FiT (metro), 12c/kWh (regional Ergon), Low usage rates ($0.25-$0.27/kWh), No exit fees, **Origin Energy:** 10c/kWh FiT (Energex), 12c/kWh (Ergon regional), Usage $0.26-$0.28/kWh, Large retailer reliability, **Powershop:** 8-10c/kWh FiT depending on plan, App-based, community focused, Variable pricing can save money, **Red Energy:** 10c/kWh FiT, No exit fees, Owned by Snowy Hydro (govt-backed). **New South Wales:** **OVO Energy:** 10-12c/kWh FiT (best in NSW), Limited availability (check postcode), App-based retailer, Usage rates competitive $0.26-$0.28/kWh, **Powershop:** 8-10c/kWh FiT, Good app experience, Community power model, **Energy Locals:** 8-10c/kWh FiT, 100% carbon neutral, Community-focused, **Origin/AGL:** 6-8c/kWh FiT (big retailers), Lower FiT but nationwide coverage. **Victoria:** **GloBird Energy:** 8-10c/kWh FiT (best in VIC), Competitive usage rates, Good value overall, **Momentum Energy:** 8-9c/kWh FiT, No exit fees, Victorian-owned, **Powershop:** 8-10c/kWh FiT, App-based savings, Community model, **Origin:** 7-8c/kWh FiT, Large retailer stability, **AGL:** 6-8c/kWh FiT, Extensive coverage. **South Australia:** **Origin Energy:** 8-10c/kWh FiT (best in SA), Reliable large retailer, Good customer service, **AGL:** 8-9c/kWh FiT, Stable option, **GloBird Energy:** 8-10c/kWh FiT, Competitive rates, **Energy Locals:** 8c/kWh FiT, Community-focused, Carbon neutral. **Western Australia (Synergy network):** **Synergy (govt-owned):** 3-10c/kWh FiT (varies by plan), Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS), Higher rates for smaller systems, **Kleenheat:** 7-9c/kWh FiT, Competitive private retailer, **Alinta Energy:** 7-10c/kWh FiT. **Tasmania:** **Aurora Energy:** 8-9c/kWh FiT (govt retailer), Reliable, TAS hydro-powered, **1st Energy:** 8c/kWh FiT alternative. **ACT:** **ActewAGL:** 8-10c/kWh FiT, Main ACT retailer, **Origin:** 8c/kWh FiT. **Northern Territory:** **Jacana Energy:** 8.3c/kWh FiT (govt retailer). **Important factors beyond FiT rate:** **1. Total bill matters more than FiT alone:** High FiT (12c/kWh) + high usage rate ($0.35/kWh) = expensive bill, Medium FiT (8c/kWh) + low usage rate ($0.25/kWh) = cheaper overall, **Calculate total annual cost:** (Annual usage kWh × usage rate) - (Annual exports kWh × FiT rate). **Example comparison (25kWh/day usage, 3,500kWh/year exports):** **Retailer A:** Usage $0.28/kWh, FiT 10c/kWh, Annual cost: (9,125kWh × $0.28) - (3,500 × $0.10) = $2,555 - $350 = **$2,205**, **Retailer B:** Usage $0.25/kWh, FiT 7c/kWh, Annual cost: (9,125kWh × $0.25) - (3,500 × $0.07) = $2,281 - $245 = **$2,036**, **Winner: Retailer B** (lower usage rate beats higher FiT). **2. Contract terms to check:** Exit fees: Avoid retailers with exit fees (lock you in), FiT guarantee: Does FiT reduce after 12 months? (some do), Usage rate changes: Variable vs fixed rates, Daily supply charge: $0.80-$1.30/day varies significantly. **3. Time-of-use vs flat rate FiT:** Some retailers offer time-varying FiT: Peak export FiT (4-9pm): 15-20c/kWh, Off-peak FiT (10am-3pm): 5-8c/kWh, **Problem:** Solar generates during off-peak (when FiT is low), rarely generates during peak, **Usually not beneficial for solar-only customers** (battery owners may benefit). **4. Solar-specific plans:** Some retailers offer solar-optimized plans: Higher FiT but higher usage rates (check total cost), Bonus credits for solar customers ($50-$100/year), VPP participation (battery owners earn $100-$300/year). **How to choose best retailer:** **Step 1: Calculate your solar exports** Check smart meter data or solar monitoring app, Typical exports: 40-60% of generation if no battery, Example: 6.6kW system generates 9,500kWh/year → exports ~4,500kWh/year. **Step 2: Use comparison sites** VIC: Victorian Energy Compare (government site), NSW: Energy Made Easy (government), QLD/SA/WA: Compare retailers manually or use Energy Made Easy. **Step 3: Get quotes from top 3-5 retailers** Focus on: Total annual bill (usage + supply - FiT credits), Contract terms (no exit fees preferred), Customer reviews (avoid poor service retailers). **Step 4: Check solar-specific offers** Ask: "What's your best plan for solar customers?", Check for bonus credits or higher FiT, Verify FiT guaranteed for 12+ months. **Step 5: Switch if better deal exists** Switching takes 2-3 weeks, No hardware changes needed, Old retailer auto-cancels, New retailer handles transfer. **Red flags - retailers to avoid:** Very high FiT (15c+) paired with very high usage rates ($0.40+/kWh), Confusing pricing (hidden fees, conditional rates), Poor reviews (check ProductReview, Google), Aggressive sales tactics. **Best strategy:** **QLD:** GloBird or Origin for best FiT (10-12c/kWh), **NSW:** OVO Energy if available (10-12c/kWh), otherwise Powershop (8-10c/kWh), **VIC:** GloBird or Momentum (8-10c/kWh), **SA:** Origin or AGL (8-10c/kWh), **Calculate total annual bill** - don't chase high FiT if usage rates are expensive. Review annually and switch if better deals available - loyalty doesn't pay in electricity retail. **Typical annual FiT earnings:** 4,500kWh exports at: 5c/kWh = $225/year, 8c/kWh = $360/year, 10c/kWh = $450/year, **Difference between best (10c) and worst (5c): $225/year** - worth switching for.

**STCs work seamlessly with solar financing - here's how:** **Option 1: Upfront STC discount (most common - 95% of installs):** Installer claims STCs upfront and gives you immediate discount, You never "see" the STCs - just lower purchase price, Finance the discounted "after STCs" price. **Example:** System cost before STCs: $9,000, Less STCs discount: -$3,200, **You finance: $6,000** (the after-STCs price), Loan: $6,000 at 6.9% over 5 years = $118/month, Your immediate solar savings ($150/month) cover loan payments. **Option 2: Assign STCs to financer (rare - some finance companies):** Finance company claims STCs, reduce your loan amount by STC value, Same end result as Option 1. **Option 3: Claim STCs yourself (very rare - not recommended):** You pay full price upfront ($9,000), You claim STCs yourself after install (complex process), Receive $3,200 credit weeks/months later, **Why rare:** Most people can't afford $9,000 upfront, STC claiming process complex (dealing with agents, market price risk), Installers handle it better (bulk STC sales get better prices). **How STCs reduce your loan amount:** **Example 1: Solar loan (6.6kW system)** Full system price: $9,000, STCs discount: -$3,200, **Financed amount: $5,800**, Loan terms: 5 years at 6.9% interest, Monthly payment: $114, Solar savings: $150/month, **Immediate positive cashflow: $36/month** (savings exceed loan payment). **Example 2: Solar + battery loan (6.6kW + 13kWh battery)** Full price: $9,000 solar + $16,000 battery = $25,000, Less rebates: -$3,200 STCs - $2,800 VIC battery rebate = -$6,000, **Financed amount: $19,000**, Loan terms: 7 years at 7.9%, Monthly payment: $288, Solar + battery savings: $200/month, Loan cost: $288/month, **Small negative cashflow: -$88/month** (but includes backup power value). **Finance options with STC-discounted prices:** **1. Solar-specific loans (best rates):** Providers: Plenti, Brighte, Westpac GreenLoan, Interest rates: 5.9-8.9% typical, Terms: 2-7 years, Approval: 24-48 hours, **STCs applied:** Yes, always (you finance after-STCs price). **2. Home improvement loans:** Banks: CBA, NAB, ANZ offer green loans, Interest rates: 6.9-9.9%, Terms: 2-10 years, **STCs applied:** Yes (finance after-STCs price). **3. Interest-free government loans (best value if eligible):** Victoria Solar Homes: Interest-free solar loans for low-income, South Australia: Up to $10,000 interest-free over 5 years, Queensland: Up to $10,000 interest-free, ACT: Up to $15,000 interest-free, **STCs applied:** Yes, plus state rebates on top. **Example: QLD interest-free loan with STCs** 6.6kW system: $9,000, Less STCs: -$3,200, After STCs: $5,800, QLD interest-free loan: $5,800 over 5 years, **Monthly payment: $97** (no interest!), Solar savings: $150/month, **Immediate positive cashflow: $53/month** (instant savings from day 1). **4. Redraw/offset mortgages:** Use mortgage for solar (often lowest rate 5-7%), STCs applied as normal (reduce amount you draw), Spread over 30 years = very low monthly cost. **Example: Add solar to mortgage** 6.6kW system after STCs: $5,800, Add to mortgage at 6.5%, Extended over 30 years: $37/month increase, Solar savings: $150/month, **Immediate positive cashflow: $113/month**. **What if installer offers "no STCs" pricing?** Some dodgy installers quote high "before STCs" prices to inflate value, Always ask for and compare: "Before STCs" price, STC discount amount, **"After STCs" price (what you actually pay)**, Red flag: If "before STCs" price seems very high ($15,000+ for 6.6kW), installer may be padding price. **Fair pricing (6.6kW system):** Before STCs: $7,500-$11,000 (realistic), STCs discount: -$2,500-$4,000, **After STCs: $4,500-$7,500** (what you pay/finance). **STC assignment form (legal requirement):** When financing, you sign "STC Assignment Form", This legally transfers STC ownership to installer, Allows installer to claim STCs on your behalf, Standard practice - not concerning. **Tax implications of STCs:** STCs are NOT taxable income (you don't pay tax on them), They're a government rebate/incentive, Whether you "receive" them as discount or assignment = no tax difference. **What happens if STCs change after you sign contract?** STC price locked at contract signing date, If STCs drop in value before install (weeks later), you're protected - pay agreed price, If STCs increase in value, installer benefits (but rare - STCs generally declining). **Can I claim STCs twice if I refinance?** NO - STCs claimed once per system install, Refinancing loan doesn't create new STC eligibility, Only upgrading/replacing system creates new STC claim. **Bottom line:** STCs make solar financing very affordable - you finance the after-rebate price ($5,800 vs $9,000), reducing loan payments by $60-$100/month. Combined with solar savings ($150/month), financed solar has immediate positive cashflow. Interest-free government loans (VIC/SA/QLD/ACT) combined with STCs = unbeatable deal ($0 upfront, $97/month payment, $150/month savings = $53/month profit from day 1).