Solar Rebates in NSW: Costs, Incentives & Rebates

What Are The Solar Rebates & Incentives in NSW?

The New South Wales government is working to encourage using renewable energy, such as solar power, to fight climate change. The New South Wales Government aims to enable residents to switch to solar energy by offering financial incentives.

Therefore, the New South Wales government provides a solar subsidy to encourage the use of solar energy.

New South Wales mainly implements three solar incentives: the Small-scale Renewable Energy Program managed by the federal government, the Solar Rebate Exchange Program and the Feed-in Tariff. 

The Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme

The Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme is a national program, but it is an incentive. Regardless, it offers significant discounts for those installing solar in New South Wales.

Rebates are available to homes and businesses that install solar panel systems. These rebates are issued as "Small Scale Technology Certificates" (STCs) and are intended to cover the initial costs of installing a solar system.

When installing a renewable energy generator, such as a solar generator, the Australian government issues a series of STCs based on the expected energy output over the life of that engine. 

These certificates cost about $40 each and, as a form of rebate, can save thousands of dollars on installation costs. For New South Wales homeowners, the biggest bonus for buying a residential solar power system is the federal Government's STC incentive scheme.

Therefore, the number of STCs a solar customer receives depends on the size of the installed system and location. For example, the sunnier the area, the more STCs you get. The whole of Australia is divided into four STC zones. Zone 1 has the most STCs, and Zone 4 has the least. Most of New South Wales is in Zone 3, but the state's North West is in Zone 2.

To qualify for the Small Technology Certificate (STC) incentive, meet the following requirements:

- The PV system size is less than 100kW.

- The Clean Energy Council has accredited the chosen solar installer.

- The solar panels chosen for installation have been approved for use in Australia.

Rebate Swap for Solar

The NSW Government is trialling a solar energy scheme to lower electricity bills for low-income households. This plan is an alternative to small home loans.

The scheme is an alternative to the Low Income Household Grant, meaning eligible low-income households can choose to forgo the Low Income Household Grant (AUD285 per year) in exchange for a 3kW solar system (provided free by the NSW Government). Although the solar system is small, it will save you AUD 600 annually, more than double the grant.

Are you eligible for a solar rebate swap? You are receiving the Low Income Household Rebate and want to switch to a free 3kW solar system:

- You agree not to claim the rebate for ten years.

- Hold a valid Pensioner Card or Veterans Affairs Gold Card.

- Have your own house.

- The photovoltaic solar system still needs to be installed.

- Live in the Central, North, South, and Illawarra – Shoalhaven areas.

Even if you are not a registered homeowner (but your spouse is), you may collectively be considered eligible as a household.

Solar Feed-In Tariffs

In addition to the STC rebate, the NSW government offers a feed-in tariff (FIT) for households and businesses with solar panels. FiT is a bill credit you receive from electricity retailers to pay for excess solar power fed back into the grid.

FiT amounts vary depending on the energy retailer, which is another way for solar system owners to save on energy bills. Energy retailers deduct a small fee for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you use. Unlike other states in Australia, the NSW Government does not set a minimum rate, which means retailers can offer competitive rates.

The current NSW solar FiT is shown in the table below. (Please check each retailer's website for specific terms and conditions).

(Data Source: NSW Government)

Things to note when applying for the FiT:

• To qualify for the FiT in New South Wales, a grid-connected solar system must be installed at home. Only one system per household can qualify for the FiT.
• Not all electricity suppliers offer the FiT. Some have specific conditions for the FiT, such as restrictions on buying solar panels from them.
• The FiT will be paid as a credit on your electricity bill.

Additional Renewable Energy Incentives

Homeowners in NSW can also benefit from incentives designed to support greener energy choices.

1. Regional Community Energy Fund

The NSW Government has introduced the Regional Community Energy Fund (RCEF) to help communities increase renewable energy production and save on energy bills. The RCEF is part of the State Government's $30 million Regional Community Energy Program, which aims to improve energy reliability and affordability in local communities across NSW.

• The Regional Community Energy Fund funds community energy projects to build renewable energy capacity to benefit local communities.
• Regional Community Energy Hubs reduce energy costs for homes and small businesses by improving access to expert electrical advice.
• Grants are available for regional and remote communities to install emergency backup systems at major evacuation sites to improve service life and reduce peak energy costs.

1. NSW Solar Cell Program

The NSW Government is helping eligible postcode homeowners access interest-free mortgages. This loan is specific to installing solar systems to help homeowners access clean energy, reduce energy costs, and achieve self-sufficiency.

How Do I Apply for The NSW Solar Rebates? 

Applying for the NSW Solar Rebates and incentives is easy. The process is broken down into simple steps to ensure you meet all the requirements and get the most out of your solar rebates program.

Step 1: Check eligibility requirements.  

Review the NSW Government's eligibility criteria and see if you are eligible for the rebate. It would help if you met certain conditions to qualify for the refund.

What are the criteria for applying for the NSW Government Solar Rebate?

To qualify for NSW Government Holiday Allowance, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the State Government.

- You must live in NSW and have a home.

- You must install a qualified solar system with a capacity of 10 kW or less.

- Connect the solar system to the grid through a registered electricity retailer.

- No other government rebate or incentive has been received for the same solar system.

You can also visit the NSW solar rebate website to check if you qualify.

Step 2: Create an account.      

Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you can begin the online application process. (The application process is completed online for the convenience of all applicants) You must create an account on the NSW Government Solar Rebate website.  

Step 3: Submit your application

This step involves submitting your formal application. (Includes completing the application and providing basic information) The application will ask you to enter basic information about your home, including your address and electricity supplier. Please provide information about the solar system you want to install, including system type and size.

In addition to filling in the basic information, you must provide documentation, such as a copy of your electricity bill and a quote from an approved solar retailer.

Step 4: Review your submission.

Once you complete the application process, you can submit it for review. The government will assess your application and determine your eligibility for the rebate. Please be patient, as this process can take up to 4 weeks. Only submit one request.

If the application is successful, you will be notified by email. The refund will be sent to your designated bank account.

If the application is unsuccessful, but you believe you are up to all the eligibility criteria, you can still apply again. Before reapplying, the reason for the cancellation should be carefully investigated and corrected. The government may contact you to verify information during the review.

Application Tips for Solar Rebates NSW

The NSW Government grant will apply to new solar installations, not existing systems.

The rebate amount may vary depending on the size of the system and other factors. To make sure you get the best deals, it's a good idea to research and compare quotes from different retailers.

Suppose a CEC-certified installer who meets the Australian Clean Energy Regulator (CER) requirements has installed your solar panel system. In that case, you may be eligible for the NSW Commonwealth STC Solar Panel Subsidy.

Residents can apply for rebates for solar and energy upgrades through the NSW Government's dedicated rebate website.

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.

Additionally, investing in energy-efficient appliances and implementing energy-saving practices further maximises the benefits of solar energy.

Moreover, integrating energy storage solutions such as the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus or 1000 Pro 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. Practically all essential household equipment is energised.

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%.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro, which consists of the Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station and SolarSaga 80W solar panels, can power multiple devices simultaneously during a power outage or outdoor activity. You can charge your appliances using the Explorer 1000 Pro, which has a battery capacity of 1002Wh. The BMS stands out as the industry leader due to its 94V-0 fire certification, foldable handle, and utilisation of pure sine wave technology.

The Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station includes three ports: one DC car port, two USB A connectors, and two 1000W AC outlets. It can supply electricity for more than 93% of the camping electrical needs, such as portable stoves, freezers, phones, and other devices. It can supply electricity to a 20W light for 40.1 hours, plenty of time to illuminate an area. It can supply electricity to a television with a power consumption of 100 watts for 8 hours.

The collapsible design of the handle allows for easy transportation and storage. This lightweight power source is perfect for camping trips and can be charged up to one thousand times. A pure sine wave inverter, which offers a clean and uninterrupted electrical signal, can reliably provide your gadgets with stable power without any variations in voltage. This product, regulated by a Battery Management System (BMS) and operates at an ultra-quiet noise level of 46 decibels, maintains a long-lasting battery life.

Are Solar Rebates in NSW Worth It?

An essential benefit of the NSW solar rebates is their accessibility to homeowners and businesses. Consequently, individuals who possess property in NSW can benefit from this monetary incentive, irrespective of whether they are residential or commercial property owners. This presents a chance for more individuals to decrease their dependence on fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy.

The incentive applies to rooftop solar PV and hot water systems. Rooftop solar PV systems produce electricity, whilst solar hot water systems utilise the sun's energy to heat water for domestic purposes. This assortment enables homes and enterprises to select the alternative that most effectively meets their requirements and financial resources.

Furthermore, the NSW solar rebates are a reduction applied at the time of purchase, eliminating the need for businesses and individuals to wait for a refund after installing the system.  

The rebate is automatically deducted from the cost of the system, hence decreasing the initial investment needed. This enhances the affordability and accessibility of solar power for a broader spectrum of consumers. So, applying for solar rebates and incentives in NSW is worth it.

Future of Solar Rebates in NSW

Governments are working to promote sustainable energy sources. In Australia, the New South Wales (NSW) government has implemented several initiatives, including solar tariffs, to encourage households and businesses to install solar systems.

Solar power will play a crucial part in shaping NSW's energy landscape. Therefore, The NSW Government recognises its importance and supports residents and businesses in adopting solar energy through various discounts and incentives.

In 2023, the NSW Government announced a new Solar Homes program that will reduce electricity bills for thousands of households and cut carbon emissions through unrestricted grants and subsidies to households looking to install solar panels.

The NSW government is committed to making the future more sustainable and has set a target of installing solar panels on 25% of government buildings by 2024. This target will reduce the government's energy bill while leading the way in the transition to renewable energy.

The NSW Government continues to support solar energy through grants and incentives, a great way to ensure future sustainability. Solar subsidies and incentives benefit households and businesses and help the government achieve its goal of becoming net zero by 2050.

Solar Rebates in NSW FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the solar rebates in NSW.

1. How long will the current solar rebates in NSW last?

The NSW government has implemented several solar rebate schemes. In 2024, the NSW Government Solar Rebate will determine the rebate amount available to eligible parties.

So, how long will the current rebate program last?

The answer to this question is still being determined because solar rebates largely depend on government policy and fiscal budgets. While there is no way to determine the specific duration of the current solar rebate program, it is essential to take advantage of it while you have the chance.

2. How about installing solar power in NSW?

For NSW residents, solar power is an attractive option. Due to NSW's high electricity prices, long daylight hours and solar incentives.

The main reasons to choose solar energy are as follows:

• By installing solar energy, you can save on energy costs.
• You will no longer be affected by sudden increases in energy bills.
• Less dependence on the grid means less energy loss.
• Installing solar power in your home can significantly increase your property value.

3. How does a home solar system work?

A small solar photovoltaic system (solar panels) is installed on your property. Home solar systems collect sunlight, convert it into usable electricity, and store excess energy at night or on cloudy days. Installing a home solar system reduces the amount of electricity you need to buy from energy companies, which can reduce carbon emissions and increase self-sufficiency.

4. Why is solar energy so expensive?

Like the energy industry, solar energy is expensive. In addition to the cost of the equipment, you also have to pay for installation, permits, and operations. Solar panels are costly on their own, so when you add in labour costs and high costs, that's a lot of money to spend.

Final Thoughts

Due to the abundance of sunshine, NSW is a great place to go solar. Hundreds of thousands of NSW homes and businesses are using solar power, allowing them to save energy. Solar energy is a great choice to help you save a lot of money.

In addition, solar power could mean completely breaking away from your reliance on the grid and energy suppliers within a few decades. So, try solar energy and save money on energy while contributing to the sustainable development of New South Wales!