Ultimate Guide to Solar Rebates in South Australia

Why Government Offers Solar Rebates?

As awareness grows that the world needs to transition to sustainable energy, many countries, including Australia, have implemented many incentives and rebates to encourage people to adopt solar energy.

Reduce Upfront Installation Costs

Installing a solar panel system suits your household budget and the environment. You can save up to $400 to $450 per kilowatt of electricity used annually through the Australian government's solar rebates. However, the initial cost of a solar system is high.

But thanks to the Australian government's solar rebates, you only have to pay some of the cost. While the price is still high for most homes, keep in mind that the payback period for a solar power system is typically four years.

So, suppose you're planning to install a small or large renewable energy system on your residential or commercial property. In that case, you should check to see if solar incentives, rebates or grants are available to lower your initial installation costs.

Meeting Green Energy Goals

Australian governments are at the forefront of this trend, offering a variety of government incentives and discounts to their residents. The Australian government is offering incentives for homeowners and businesses to install solar systems as the government wants to achieve green energy by 2050. So, what exactly are the Australian government's solar rebates?

The Australian government's solar rebate policy encourages small businesses and households to invest in small energy systems based on renewable energy, including hydro, wind and solar systems, including some hot water systems and heat pumps.

Solar Rebates & Incentives in South Australia

In South Australia, many households are considering investing in solar energy systems. Thanks to the help of the South Australian Government's solar rebates and the sunny weather, you can expect to generate a lot of electricity this way.

The initial cost of a solar system is higher, but to make installation more affordable, the South Australian government offers several solar rebates for households and small businesses.

The following is about solar rebates in South Australia; you can understand and take advantage of these financial offers to ease the economic costs of solar energy systems. 

A. Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), or the federal government's solar rebate, are a national incentive program designed to encourage individuals, families and small businesses to install small renewable energy systems, such as home solar.

Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are environmental credits awarded for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy produced or replaced by an eligible solar system, designed to reduce the initial cost of the solar energy system.

How does STC work in South Australia?

When you install a new solar energy system, you will receive a certain number of Small Technology Certificates (STCs) depending on factors such as the size and location of the system. STCs are a form of currency representing the expected electricity production of a solar system in 2030.

The more renewable energy your system is expected to produce, the more STCs you will earn. The total value of these STCs will be converted into a rebate for the purchase of solar panels, thereby reducing installation costs.

Who has the eligibility criteria to get STC in South Australia?

• You must be a resident of South Australia (including Adelaide).
• A solar installer approved by CEC must install the solar system.
• CEC-approved solar panels and inverters must be purchased and used.
• The solar system capacity must be less than 100kW.
• The solar system must be installed in a building.

How much money can STC save you in South Australia?

South Australia's federal solar subsidy can reduce the cost of your solar panels by approximately 30% to 50%, depending on the size of your system, your location in South Australia and when you install your system.

To get an idea of how much rebate you can get, calculate them based on the value of each certificate at $37. For example, a standard-sized 6.6 kW system will qualify for 82 STCs. Therefore, the system saves you 82 X $37 = $3034. Considering the typical cost of a 6.6 kW system is around $5,000 to $9,000, you will save about 50% to 34%.

This price is for reference only, and the cost of STC certificates may fluctuate depending on the demand in the market. The cost of solar energy systems also fluctuates based on various market factors.

B. Solar Feed-in Tariff in South Australia

A solar feed-in tariff is another incentive method that can increase solar cost savings. But what is the feed-in tariff (FiT)? The FiT is the amount you get per kilowatt-hour of electricity your system exports to the grid.

There are two types of FiT in South Australia: the standard and the transitional. The standard FiT is a minimum amount set by the government and is currently 8.4 cents per kilowatt-hour. Individual electricity suppliers offer the transitional FiT, which may vary depending on the supplier's plans.

The standard and transitional FiT apply to systems up to 100kW in capacity, and participants must register with their electricity supplier to receive the FiT. 

The current solar settings for electricity providers in South Australia are shown in the table below (see your electricity provider's website for specific terms and conditions for details).

(Data Source: Solar Market)

How does FiT work in South Australia?

Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) are essential in promoting solar penetration across Australia. In effect, they buy the electricity from you and resell it to other consumers who need it. You get a price called a feed-in fee for every kWh of electricity you output.

Who has the eligibility criteria to get FiT in South Australia?

The primary goal of the FiT is to improve economic efficiency by accelerating the adoption of solar energy in homes and businesses.

To qualify for the South Australian FiT:

• You must install a solar energy system at home and connect it to the electricity grid.
• Only one solar energy system per household is eligible for FiT.
• Some electricity suppliers have specific conditions for the FiT, such as limiting it to customers who purchase solar panels through them.

C. South Australia's Home Battery Scheme

In addition to solar panels, solar battery storage also maximises the use of solar energy. Solar batteries store excess energy produced when the sun is low, thereby improving energy self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on grid electricity and improving responsiveness to power outages and fluctuations of the electricity tariff.

Many South Australians are willing to install solar panels with battery systems. Storing energy is more profitable than selling excess power to energy suppliers.

Who has the eligibility criteria to get South Australia's Home Battery Scheme?

Not all batteries are eligible for the subsidy, so the battery system must meet minimum technical specifications to qualify. These include:

• A CEC-approved installer must design and install the battery system.
• The installed battery system must have a minimum five-year warranty, including artistry. The battery components must have a minimum seven-year warranty (for everyday cycle use).
• The battery system must have VPP functionality.

How much money could South Australia's Home Battery Scheme save you?

The Home Battery Program will reduce some of your costs up to a maximum of $2,000.

Generally speaking, you can get a subsidy of $150 per kilowatt-hour for the battery storage capacity of the system.

For example, if your system has a battery capacity of 10 kilowatt-hours, you can get a subsidy of $1,500. If you have a system that allows you to operate as an energy franchisee, the subsidy is usually around $250 per kilowatt-hour.

D. Solar Rebates in Adelaide

The City of Adelaide offers solar rebates to residents and businesses in several ways to reduce the city's carbon emissions. As a result, City of Adelaide homeowners can benefit from a variety of solar and sustainability programs.

The following table contains the solar rebates currently being offered in Adelaide.

The Future of Solar Rebates in South Australia 

The future of solar energy in South Australia is bright as demand for renewable energy increases. Therefore, in the future, the gradual decline in the cost of solar systems will have a particular impact on solar rebates in South Australia. South Australia's solar rebates will likely decline in the next few years, mainly based on the changes in the federal government solar subsidy and feed-in tariff.

Future of Federal Government Solar Rebates

The federal government solar rebates in South Australia and other Australian regions will be reduced yearly until the program ends in 2030. The solar subsidy program is part of the federal government's Renewable Energy Target (RET) program, which aims to encourage using renewable energy in Australia.

The phase-out of the STC program officially began on January 1, 2017. Before 2017, you could get 15 years of STC in advance. So, in simpler terms, the value of STCs is decreasing at a compound growth rate of about 7% each year until the solar subsidy program ends in 2030 (STCs will drop to zero). Therefore, it is recommended that you install a solar system as early as possible to maximise the benefit of the subsidy.

Future of The Feed-in Tariff

The future of the South Australian feed-in tariff is still being determined as the government has shifted its focus to other renewable energy incentives and rebates, such as battery storage and energy efficiency programs. It is unlikely that the feed-in tariff will rise again and likely fall.

Feed-in tariffs that vary over time may become more common.

Jackery Solar Generators Explained

When maximising solar savings, it's essential to consider the rebate and other factors that can increase efficiency and affordability. Beyond the refund, optimising your solar panel system's size and placement can enhance energy production and savings over time.

Jackery is a renowned manufacturer in the solar industry, focusing on producing top-notch solar equipment like solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. Jackery Solar Generators offer a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for your household appliances.  

Moreover, integrating energy storage solutions such as the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus or 1000 Plus can complement your solar panel system by storing excess energy generated during the day during peak demand or at night. This ensures an uninterrupted power supply and enables greater self-sufficiency, ultimately enhancing your solar savings and reducing reliance on the grid.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery has unveiled the Solar Generator 2000 Plus, a cutting-edge portable power solution with exceptional performance. Thanks to its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can sustain the operation of standard domestic appliances for several weeks and fulfil all the power needs associated with outdoor adventure or professional activity.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus allows adding extra battery packs, which boosts the capacity from 2 kWh to a remarkable 12 kWh, thus enhancing the solar charging capabilities significantly. With the ability to be expanded to 3000W, this solar product offers a 30% higher rated power than other 2 kWh solar goods available in the market.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is an industry's pioneering add-on battery pack that can be recharged using solar panels. This feature enhances versatility, improves charging efficiency, and reduces charging time. The LiFePO4 battery, with its sophisticated technology, guarantees a lifespan of 10 years, even with daily usage limited to once per day. Jackery Solar Panels generate more energy over their lifespan due to their exceptional solar conversion efficiency, reaching up to 25%.

• Fast Charging: Leveraging Jackery's advanced IBC technology, the generator can fully recharge as quickly as 7 hours by wall charging.  
• Long Cycle Life: Experience peace of mind with 4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity, ensuring durability and reliability for years.
• Versatile Ports: Whether you need to power up your AC appliances or charge your gadgets via USB, the power station covers you with multiple AC outputs, USB-A and USB-C outputs, and a dedicated carport.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the best portable power supply for home and outdoor life due to its exceptional output (1264Wh). It can aid in home emergencies and other circumstances. It is the all-in-one solar generator for your life due to its versatility and size.

Supports up to three additional battery packs, bringing the total capacity to 5kWh and providing 1-3 days of home backup power. A solar generator can power your communication devices, medical equipment, and outdoor appliances, bringing comfort and convenience. 

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station, with a 10-year lifespan and a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, provides a consistent voltage and pure sine wave to ensure the safety of all your electrical gadgets.

Additionally, the innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage.

• ChargeShield Technology: The innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage.
• Ultra-Fast Solar Charging: Advanced IBC Technology, Fast Solar Charge in 4.5 Hours with Solar Panel 100W*4.
• Intelligent Control: With the advanced APP feature, via WiFi or Bluetooth.

Are Solar Rebates in South Australia Worth It?

Are solar rebates worth it in South Australia? In short, the answer is yes. South Australia is known for the high cost of electricity, so many people choose to install and use solar power. More than 379,000 South Australian homes and businesses have gone solar.

In addition, solar rebates have greatly stimulated the development of the solar industry and made solar energy more affordable. Cancelling the relevant solar rebates now will increase the upfront cost by 25-30%, thus scaring off potential buyers.

In South Australia, solar tariffs offer many benefits.

Reduce Costs: Solar rebates help reduce the initial costs of purchasing and installing a solar system. Although solar system equipment costs have decreased, installing a solar system is still a significant investment. Solar rebates can make solar power more affordable and speed up the payback period for home or business owners.

Stimulate The Market: Solar rebates are essential to drive the development of the solar energy market. By subsidising the installation of solar panels, more people and businesses will consider going solar. More people interested in solar energy will help the renewable energy market to remain sustainable.

Renewable Energy Target: The Australian Federal Government incentivises homeowners and businesses to install solar systems. These solar rebates are a policy tool to promote the transition to solar energy and reduce carbon emissions. The solar rebates will help the government achieve green energy by 2050 by promoting the adoption of solar energy.

Job Creation: The solar power industry has created many jobs. Solar rebates can encourage people to invest in solar energy and promote industrial development. This means more jobs will be needed in designing, installing, and maintaining these solar systems and related fields.

Solar Rebates in SA FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the solar rebates in SA:

1. How much can you save through solar rebates in Adelaide?

The Small Technology Certificate (STC) program offers a significant financial incentive.

On average, homeowners in Adelaide can save thousands of dollars on the upfront costs of solar installation. For example, a typical 6.6 kW solar system might save around $3,000 to $4,000 through the rebate.

2. Apart from individuals, can businesses in South Australia also benefit from solar rebates?

Yes, residential and commercial properties in South Australia are eligible for solar rebates.

As businesses typically require a more extensive system size, the rebate from financial incentives can be more substantial. Under the government's instant asset write-off scheme, companies can benefit from other financial incentives, such as tax and accelerated depreciation.

3. What are the environmental impacts of installing a solar system in South Australia?

There are many environmental benefits to installing and using a solar system.

• Reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
• Solar systems contribute to South Australia's leadership in sustainable development.
• Solar systems can also reduce pressure on the grid during peak usage times.

Final Thoughts

Installing solar is more affordable for most homeowners thanks to the solar rebates in SA! In summary, South Australian residents can use various solar rebates and incentives. By understanding the range of incentives mentioned in this article, you can decide to invest in solar and reduce their electricity costs while contributing to a more sustainable energy future.