Solar Rebates QLD Guide: Costs, Incentives & Rebates [2024]

Solar Rebates & Incentives in Queensland 

Sunlight is abundant in Queensland. There is a lot of sun because the winters are warm, and there is never-ending sunshine. This means that solar power can be used all year.

So, if you want to go solar in Queensland, you'll be glad that the state government offers several benefits to make the deal more appealing and lower the initial costs for you, the customer.

The Feed-In Tariffs and Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme are the principal solar refunds people in Queensland can get as of 2024 if they choose to use solar energy. The Queensland Battery Booster Programme and Electric Vehicle Rebates will remain in QLD when these two are removed.

(Data Source: QLD Gov)

1. Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme

The Australian government started the Small-Scale Green Energy Scheme (SRES) to encourage more people to use solar and other green energy. The plan is easy to understand: it gives money and other benefits to people and small businesses that use Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to install renewable energy systems like heat pumps, solar water heaters, and PV systems.

Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are like money and essential to the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme. In a nutshell, STCs are electronic credits qualified homes and businesses get when installing a solar PV system or another qualified green energy system.

• How Does STC Work in QLD?

If you live in Queensland and install a solar PV system or any other eligible renewable energy system, you will immediately get an STC. You can exchange your STCs for cash, which is taken off of the total cost of your system.

On the open market, the price of STCs changes a lot based on market changes and other things, but it's usually around $36.50 to $38.50. You can buy and sell STCs on the open market or through the STC Clearing House for $40 per STC.

• Who Is Eligible for STCs?

You must meet several requirements to qualify for the Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme run by the Queensland Government.

• Arenewable energy system must be installed within 12 months of creating the STCs.
• The Clean Energy Council must approve your energy system and ensure it meets Australian Standards.
• Your system must comply with all federal and state requirements – including electrical safety.
• An accredited Clean Energy Council installer must install your system.
• Your system must have a maximum capacity of 100kW and a maximum annual production of 250MWh.

If you meet these requirements, the STCs will be applied at the point of sale. This means that the seller of the green energy system will include the discount in the price they charge, and you won't have to do anything to get it.

• How Much STCs Can Save?

With the government solar rebate in Queensland, you can get up to a third of the price of your solar panels.

The exact amount you'll get depends on three things:

• Where you live in Queensland: Solar ratings differ for each area, but Queensland usually gets good ratings because it is sunny there.

• How soon you install your new system: Your STC rebate will depend on how much power your system will make until 2030. More STCs will be given to people who wait longer.

• Your system size: A more extensive solar panel setup will make more electricity than a smaller one. In other words, your machine will get more STCs if bigger.

If you live in South East Queensland, the table below shows how much of a refund you can expect for solar systems of different sizes.

(Data Source: Solar Calculator)

2. QLD Feed-in Tariff

Feed-in rates in Australia are at an all-time low and going down yearly. However, they still give people in QLD a chance to make money with solar, even if it's not as much as it used to be.

Feed-in tariffs have been an essential part of Australian solar energy for years. They are used to encourage people to put solar systems in their homes. In the early days of solar energy, it made sense to charge more because of this.

Now that we're in 2024 and the use of solar power is at an all-time high, it's not a surprise that the rates are still going down, even though it's terrible news for people who buy solar power. 

• How Does Feed-in Tariff Work in QLD?

It's easy to understand how feed-in tariff rates work: you can send any extra energy from your solar system that you don't use back into the utility grid. You will get a few cents for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of power your on-grid solar system sends to the grid. 

In other words, you can not only make your power and use less of it, but you can also make money in the process. How about we take a better look?

• Who Is Eligible for The Feed-in Tariffs in QLD?

If you live in Queensland and want to get feed-in rates, you must meet a few requirements, such as:

• Your solar system’s capacity should not exceed 30 kilowatts
• Your annual electricity consumption must be less than 100megawatt (which is way above the average household usage)
• You must be connected to the electricity grid
• You must have a network connection agreement providing approval to connect your system to the grid
• Only one solar energy system per household is eligible to receive the tariff

• How Much Is The Feed-in Tariff in QLD?

The solar feed-in tariff rate you get depends on several things, most importantly where you live in Queensland. For example, in the southeast of Queensland (SEQ), the electricity market has been deregulated since July 2016, and retailers give low prices. 

Prices will change all the time in the free market. In Southeast Queensland in 2023, the feed-in tariff rates are between 5 and 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. When looking around, it is essential to keep these numbers in mind.

The Queensland Competition Authority put out the most recent rate for 2023–2024 on June 9, 2023. It was 13.441 cents per kilowatt hour.

3. QLD Battery Booster Program

The Queensland government started the Battery Booster programme in 2024 to help people who want to add a battery to a new or current home solar system.

There are two types of rebates:

Standard rebate: There is a refund of up to $3,000 for people who applied and made less than $180,000 in the last financial year. If the applicant has a spouse, the applicant and their partner can make up to $180,000 in income in the previous fiscal year.

Low-income rebate: For households whose highest earner made $66,667 or less in the last fiscal year, a rebate of up to $4,000 is possible.

Who Is Eligible to Battery Booster Program?

There are some things you need to do to get the QLD solar rebate:

• Own the property where the battery system will be installed.
• Have a combined household income below $180,000.
• Have an existing solar system, or install a new one with a minimum capacity of 5kW.
• Use an installer on the Approved Installer list.
• Choose a battery from the Approved Battery System list.
• Agree to a safety inspection for your project. 

4. Electric Vehicle Rebates

The Queensland Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme might be worth looking into if you want to get the most out of your new solar system by moving to an electric car.

You can get a $6,000 rebate through the programme when you buy a new electric car (EV) worth up to $68,000. The amount subject to duty is the retail price plus GST, the shipping and order fees, and any extra accessories that aren't required but could be bought.

People in Queensland who bought a new EV between March 16, 2022, and April 20, 2023, and whose vehicle's dutiable value was less than $58,000 can also get a refund.

There is a $3000 rebate for small businesses and families that make at least $180,000 a year or more.

You can view all the details or lodge your application at the official program website.

How Do I Apply for The QLD Solar Rebates?

It's easy to apply for the Queensland Solar Rebates. The process can be broken down into a few simple steps. Each step ensures you meet all the requirements and get the most out of the plan.

Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements

Only apply for the QLD Solar Rebate Scheme once you meet the government's requirements. This could include things like who owns the property, the size of the system, and following installation rules.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Gather all the paperwork you'll need for the application process, like proof that you own the land, your ID, and details about the solar energy system you want to install. Ensuring you have all the necessary information will speed up the application process and keep it from taking too long.

Step 3: Submit Online Application

To get to the online application portal for the QLD Solar Rebate Scheme, go to the scheme's main website. Ensure the application form is completed thoroughly and accurately, providing comprehensive information regarding your residence, the desired solar system installation, and the appropriate contact data.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Include the necessary paperwork with your online application, ensuring all the files are in the correct order and following the submission rules. Examples are scanned pictures of IDs, property deeds, and quotes from licenced solar installers.

Step 5: Review and Submit Application

Check the information in your application twice to ensure it is correct and complete. Once you're sure, please send your application through the online portal and wait for proof that it was received.

Tips for preparing required documentation:

• Organize your paperwork in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling and ensure you have all necessary documents readily available.
• Verify the specific documentation requirements outlined by the QLD Solar Rebate Scheme to avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.
• Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records and reference, as they may be requested during the application review process.

Once you've applied for the QLD Solar Rebate Scheme, the time it takes for the rebate to be approved and the work to begin may change based on the number of applications and the time of year. Most of the time, applicants will hear back about the status of their refund within a few weeks to a few months.

Once accepted, you can set a date for installing your solar energy system by working with licenced installers. The refund will be transferred to your bank account upon completion of the task. This will demonstrate the successful outcome of your solar energy installation. 

Following these tips and steps, you can quickly and efficiently apply for the QLD Solar Rebate Scheme. This will help you get solar energy options for your home or business that won't break the bank.

Jackery Solar Generators - Portable Solar Systems

If you want to try solar products but don't have much money, a solar generator might be a good choice, especially if you live in QLD.  

Off-grid independence is something that solar generators, especially Jackery Solar Generators, offer. This means users can make their energy without relying on utility companies. This freedom is instrumental in rural or remote places where getting power from the grid may be tricky or impossible.

The best portable solar system is the Jackery Solar Generator, which combines Jackery Solar Panels with a Portable Power Station to turn sunlight into power. 

The Jackery Portable Power Station has a high-quality lithium battery, an MPPT charge controller, and a pure sine wave inverter. Ensure your phones, radios, lights, batteries, and other personal and household electronics have a stable and consistent power source.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery's high-performance Solar Generator 2000 Plus makes portable power choices much better. It is perfect for outdoor trips or as a home backup power supply because of its enormous capacity and high power output, which can power standard vans for weeks. Adding battery cells to the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus raises its capacity from 2 kWh to kWh, which changes how home backup power is provided. 

The Explorer 2000 Plus can give out up to 3000W and is reported to have 30% more power than similar 2 kWh models. The vast majority of essential home tools are powered devices. Even though it is used a lot, the Solar Generator 2000 Plus can be fully charged in 6 hours with 6 SolarSaga 100W solar panels. The power source can charge itself without using the power line. It does this by using solar energy.

The solar screens can charge the extra battery pack, which gives you more options, makes charging faster, and saves you time. Due to their high solar conversion efficiency of up to 25%, Jackery Solar Panels make more energy over their lives. When there isn't much light, our solar panels produce 50% more power than regular solar panels (PERC), responding better across the spectrum.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is more than just a gadget—it's your ticket to steady power on the go, thanks to its vast 1002Wh capacity and 1000W output power. It can easily hold a full wall charge in just 1.8 hours and has been charged a thousand times. This is a game-changer for people seeking efficient and environmentally friendly energy options.

Include two SolarSaga 80W solar panels to increase the energy you generate by 25%. This is a cost-effective and sustainable option for trips outside or backup power for your home.

To make things easier for you, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station has a handle that can be folded up for easy storage and travel. This makes it the perfect thing to take with you on your outdoor adventures. This small power source promises to keep you fired up with its impressive 1,000-charge cycle life and lightweight design.

It also has two 100W PD connectors and two USB-C ports, which let you charge devices like computers, smartphones, and iPads quickly and reliably. The MPPT technology guarantees that sun charging will work 99% of the time.

QLD Solar Rebates FAQs

The following are the most frequently asked questions about QLD solar rebates:

1. 1. Is there a rebate for solar in QLD?

Indeed, people and companies in Queensland can get a solar rebate. The Queensland Government gives the Solar Bonus Scheme, feed-in tariffs, and Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) incentives and rebates to get people to install solar power systems.

These rebates and incentives help cover the initial costs of installing solar panels. They also make solar energy more affordable and accessible for people and companies in Queensland.

2. 2. What is the solar rebate in QLD 2024?

Please note that the Queensland solar rebate for 2024 may be different from year to year based on market conditions, government policies, and incentive programmes. In recent years, though, people and businesses in Queensland have taken advantage of several solar incentives, such as the SRES and feed-in tariffs, for sending extra solar energy to the grid. 

The Queensland Government also occasionally gives grants, rebates, and other benefits to encourage people to use renewable energy technologies like solar power systems. To get the most up-to-date information on solar rebates and benefits in Queensland, you should talk to a reputable solar installer or a government agency.

3. 3. How much is the Australian government solar rebate?

Through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), the Australian Government offers a solar rebate. This programme gives money to people who install specific types of solar power systems, such as solar cells and solar hot water systems. The rebate amount is based on several factors, such as the area, size, and market state.

Most homes and businesses can get a subsidy through a Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) for every megawatt-hour of energy their solar system produces. It depends on supply and demand in the green energy market and how much STCs are worth, but they can lower the initial cost of installing a solar power system.

4. 4. Is it worth getting solar rebates in QLD?

Getting solar panels in Queensland may or may not be worth it, depending on your energy needs, roof condition, budget, and environmental goals. Australia's Queensland gets a lot of sunshine all year, which makes it a great place to make solar energy. By using clean, green energy from the sun, a solar power system can help you lower your energy bills, sharpen your carbon footprint, and become more energy-independent.  

Solar power systems can also get government rebates, feed-in tariffs, and other benefits that can lower the initial costs and increase the return on investment. It's essential to carefully consider your energy requirements and talk to reputable solar installers in Queensland to find the best solar option for your home or business. 

Final Thoughts

The SRES and feed-in tariffs are two essential QLD solar rebate programmes that give people big financial reasons to switch to solar power. The earlier you put your solar system in, the more you'll save under the current plan. 

Want to spend less money on putting a solar system on your roof? You can start using renewable energy with a solar generator like the Jackery Solar Generator and get these rebates.