Solar & Battery Rebates Available in South Australia
What's actually on offer in 2026 between federal STCs, the federal battery rebate and SA-specific incentives.
Australia has a federal small-scale solar rebate (STCs) and, from 1 July 2025, a federal battery rebate under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. South Australia adds network-level incentives via SA Power Networks' Flexible Exports framework. Here's what's stackable and what isn't.
Federal STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates)
Available on solar systems up to 100 kW. Acts as an upfront discount on the system price — the installer claims the certificates on your behalf. The value depends on system size, your postcode (Zone 3 for Mount Gambier and most of SA), and the STC spot price (typically $35-$40 per certificate). A 6.6 kW system in Mount Gambier currently attracts around $2,400-$2,900 worth of STCs.
The scheme deeming period steps down by one year every January until the scheme ends in 2030, so the STC discount on a given system size shrinks slightly each year.
Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Launched 1 July 2025. Provides an upfront discount of roughly $370 per usable kWh on eligible batteries between 5 kWh and 50 kWh (capped on the first 50 kWh). On a 16 kWh battery that's around $5,900 off, and on a 10 kWh battery around $3,700. Like STCs, the discount is applied at point of sale by the installer and reduces each year through 2030.
The battery must be on the Clean Energy Council approved list and installed by a CEC-accredited installer. Sigenergy, Power Plus, GoodWe, Tesla Powerwall 3, Sungrow and BYD are all eligible.
SA-specific — Flexible Exports & retailer VPPs
SA Power Networks runs a Flexible Exports framework that allows systems with smart inverters to export up to 10 kW (vs the standard 5 kW limit) in exchange for network-managed export curtailment when the grid is stressed. Most modern hybrid inverters (Sigenergy, GoodWe, Sungrow) support it out of the box.
On top of that, retailer-run VPPs (AGL, Amber, Tesla, Energy Locals) effectively act as ongoing rebates by paying you for battery dispatch — see our VPP guide.
What ended
The original SA Home Battery Scheme (state subsidy + loan) is closed to new applications. Don't believe a quote that references it.
Key takeaways
- Federal STCs + federal battery rebate stack — both apply to the same install.
- Battery rebate is ~$370/usable kWh and steps down each year.
- Flexible Exports lets you export more — worth choosing a compatible inverter.
Sources & further reading
- Clean Energy Regulator — SRES & Cheaper Home Batteries
- SA Power Networks — Flexible Exports
- SolarQuotes — current rebate explainers
This article is general information only. Figures change with policy, tariffs and product pricing — for a current quote tailored to your home, start an assessment or contact our team.