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info@rbse.com.auSolar rebates and STCs in Victoria, explained
The two main schemes that lower the cost of home solar in Victoria, and how each one works.
Last updated: 2026-06-20
Two schemes can reduce the cost of a home solar system in Victoria: the federal STC discount, usually applied upfront by your installer, and the Solar Victoria rebate of up to $1,400 for eligible households. To claim either, the system must use approved products and an accredited installer. Always check the official sites for current eligibility, as the amounts and rules change.
The federal STC discount
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are created under the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, administered by the Clean Energy Regulator. Most installers apply their value as an upfront discount on your quote, so you do not pay the full price and then claim it back.
The number of certificates a system earns steps down a little each year, because the scheme is legislated to wind down and finish on 31 December 2030. In practical terms, the STC discount on a given system size gets slightly smaller each year until then.
The Solar Victoria rebate
Solar Victoria offers a solar panel (PV) rebate of up to $1,400 for eligible Victorians, with the option of an interest-free loan for the same amount. It is available for owner-occupied homes, rental properties and homes under construction.
Eligibility has conditions, including household income and property-value limits, that the property has not already had this rebate, and that it has not had a solar system installed in the last 10 years. You also need to use an authorised solar retailer and eligible products. The rules change over time, so confirm current eligibility on the Solar Victoria website before you commit.
How they work together
In many cases you can use the STC discount and the Solar Victoria rebate on the same system, which is what makes a quality install much more affordable. We do not set or pay these incentives. What we do is design and install a compliant system using approved products, so you are in a position to claim what you are eligible for.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get the rebate as cash in my account?
Usually not directly. The STC discount is typically applied upfront by your installer, and the Solar Victoria rebate is applied for through Solar Victoria. Check the official sites for the current process.
Will these rebates still be around next year?
The federal STC scheme is legislated to wind down to the end of 2030, with the discount reducing each year. Solar Victoria reviews its program regularly, so check solar.vic.gov.au for the latest.
What do I need to qualify?
Approved products, an accredited installer, and meeting Solar Victoria's eligibility criteria for that rebate. We can talk you through what your install needs.