001 The two federal rebates
Solar and battery are now separate.
For years there was effectively one rebate that paid for solar panels. From 1 July 2025 a second rebate was added specifically for batteries. They run in parallel — installing both on the same job claims both.
Rebate one — The STC Solar Rebate (since 2011)
Officially the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Your installer generates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and assigns them to you as a point-of-sale discount.
- Applies to systems up to 100 kW
- Value depends on system size, install location and STC spot price
- Typical 6.6 kW system in 2026 → ~$1,600 discount
- Typical 10 kW system in 2026 → ~$2,400 discount
- Scheme steps down every January until it ends in 2031
Rebate two — The Cheaper Home Batteries Program (since 1 July 2025)
A federal program rebating eligible home batteries. Also delivered through certificates assigned at point of sale — you don't apply for anything, the installer handles it.
- Applies to batteries between 5 kWh and 100 kWh usable
- Current value: ~$330 per usable kWh
- 10 kWh battery → ~$3,300–$3,400 discount
- 13.5 kWh battery (Powerwall) → ~$4,500 discount
- Must be installed by a CEC-accredited installer to qualify
002 The May 2026 step-down
Why timing matters this year.
The legislation locks in six-month step-downs for the battery rebate from May 2026. The dollar drop is roughly $60–$80 per kWh every six months. For a 10 kWh battery, that's a ~$700 difference every half-year.
| Install window | Per usable kWh | 10 kWh battery | 13.5 kWh battery | 20 kWh battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Now → 30 April 2026 | ~$330 | ~$3,300 | ~$4,455 | ~$6,600 |
| May → Oct 2026 | ~$265 | ~$2,650 | ~$3,575 | ~$5,300 |
| Nov 2026 → Apr 2027 | ~$215 | ~$2,150 | ~$2,900 | ~$4,300 |
| Mid 2028 | ~$180 | ~$1,800 | ~$2,430 | ~$3,600 |
| Mid 2030 | ~$80 | ~$800 | ~$1,080 | ~$1,600 |
Indicative figures only. Actual discount depends on STC spot price at install — your installer will confirm the exact number on the quote.
003 Queensland-specific
State schemes,
two of them.
Queensland doesn't have a state-level battery rebate at the time of writing. Two QLD-specific programs do still apply.
QLD Battery Booster Loan
Interest-free loan up to $4,000 for eligible low-income households purchasing a battery. Stackable with the federal rebate.
PeakSmart aircon rebate
$100–$400 rebate for installing a PeakSmart-enabled aircon. Worth knowing about if you're already upgrading.
Feed-in tariffs
Vary by retailer. Origin, AGL, Alinta and Energy Locals all publish current rates — typically 5–8 c/kWh as of mid-2026.
004 Eligibility
Three rules. Read them.
All three rebates above have the same three underlying eligibility rules. Make sure your installer ticks all of them.
- RULE 01
CEC-approved retailer
The retailer (the business selling you the system) must be a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer. Cube is. Check the CEC website if you're unsure about anyone.
- RULE 02
SAA-accredited installer
The actual installer holds Solar Accreditation Australia accreditation. This is the regulator-required credential for the rebates to be valid.
- RULE 03
Listed equipment only
Panels, inverters and batteries must all be on the relevant CEC-approved equipment lists. A "cheap deal" using non-listed gear means no rebate — work it backwards before paying anything.
005 The short version
If you only read one paragraph.
If you install a solar + battery system in Queensland before 1 May 2026, you'll get the highest combined federal rebate available this decade. Around $4,800–$6,500 off a 10 kW + 13.5 kWh package. Wait six months, and the same package costs roughly $700 more. Wait a year, and it costs ~$1,200 more. Wait four years, and it costs ~$3,000 more.