Government Solar Rebate Queensland
With one in three homes utilising solar power as a renewable energy source, Queensland is certainly known as the Sunshine State for a reason.
Installing solar lessens our reliance on the electricity grid, which offers several benefits, including lowering greenhouse gas emissions and minimising climate change. This can also be more cost-effective in the long term by reducing your energy bills.
However, the high initial investment of purchasing and installing a solar system is a key concern for many householders, often preventing them from taking the plunge. That’s where solar rebates come in, which are available to offset the upfront cost and encourage even greater uptake of solar power across Queensland.
There have been several schemes over the years, such as the Solar Bonus Scheme that ended in 2012, along with solar-feed in tariffs. In this guide, we’ll therefore explain everything that you need to know about the current renewable energy incentives in the state.
What is the Queensland Government Solar Rebate Program?
As a nationwide rebate scheme regulated by the Clean Energy Council, the solar rebate program isn’t actually exclusive to Queensland.
The solar rebate comes as part of the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which encourages householders and businesses to install small renewable energy systems like rooftop solar. The overall aim of the scheme is to work towards the target of having 82% renewable energy in our electricity grids by 2030, which is when the program ends.
For every megawatt-hour of solar energy generated by these systems under 100kW, owners can create Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). STCs can then be sold to reliable entities such as electricity retailers, which allows them to demonstrate their usage of renewable energy sources.
This process can be conducted through either the open market or the STC Clearing House, with prices for each certificate sold in the Clearing House capped at $40 excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST).
As the trading process can be complex, most householders assign the right to create STCs to a registered agent, such as a solar system retailer, in exchange for a discount on the upfront cost of the system.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for the QLD Solar Rebate Scheme?
To be eligible for the rebate, you must purchase and install one of five small-scale solar systems. These systems should meet specific system capacity (1) and annual electricity output (2) requirements as follows:
- Solar Panels: (1) No more than 100 kW (2) Less than 250 MWh
- Wind Turbines: (1) No more than 10 kW (2) Less than 25 MWh
- Hydro Systems: (1) No more than 6.4 kW (2) Less than 25 MWh
- Solar Water Heaters: (1) Up to 700 L
- Air Source Heat Pumps: (1) No more than 425 L
Solar systems that have been upgraded or replaced with energy-efficient components, such as using an existing inverter to add more solar panels, may also be eligible for Small-Scale Technology Certificates.
The larger your system, the more likely it is to be instead classified as a power station and eligible for Large-Scale Generation Certificates.
Solar Feed-in Tariffs
Another way to improve the return on your initial investment for any renewable energy generated within your home is through solar feed-in tariffs.
A solar feed-in tariff awards payments to households that produce excess electricity, which is exported back into the grid. Those located in regional Queensland can check their eligibility by contacting their electricity retailer, while South East Queensland residents should shop around for the best market solar feed-in tariff rates.
Save Energy and Money with High-Quality Solar Panels
Are you hoping to make the most of solar rebates here in Queensland? Contact Volteam today and we can guide you through the process of buying and installing an eligible solar system, allowing you to begin powering your home with renewable energy.
From solar panels to a solar battery system, our team is fully licensed and CEC-accredited to deliver reliable and sustainable energy solutions, with unbeatable quality-price ratios.
Call us now at 1300 865 832 or request a free quote online to see how our experts can help you claim your solar rebate.
FAQs
What is the Government Rebate for Solar Panels in Queensland?
In Queensland, the average solar rebate you’ll receive for each Small-Scale Technology Certificate sold is $35 to $40. The number of STCs you generate depends on how much energy your solar system produces based on where you live, as well as when the system is installed and its size. A 6.6kW system, for example, is likely to receive around $3,420.
Are Solar Systems Worth the Investment in Queensland?
Queensland has over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year on average, making it the perfect location for generating solar power. Each solar system should return its initial investment between 3 to 4 years after installation, with a worthwhile return of 25 to 33%. A well-designed solar panel system can also reduce overall energy costs by as much as 70%.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Solar System in Queensland?
A solar system purchase can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 in Queensland, depending on your specific requirements, location, and the cost of the solar installer chosen. The price can also vary based on the panel brand, type of inverter, and mounting hardware selected. You may be able to recover these costs through feed-in tariffs and a solar rebate.
What is the No Cost Solar Program in Queensland?
Also known as the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme, the No Cost Solar Program allows householders to generate and sell STCs for rebates of up to $40 per certificate. A similar scheme provided solar rebates to help you install a home battery system, although the Battery Booster program closed as of May 2024.
