Rebates & Incentives
Solar Rebates and Incentives
Available in NSW
If you're considering solar panels, a battery, or a heat pump hot water system, there are several government rebates and incentive programs that can significantly reduce your upfront costs.
Updated Regularly
STC values change quarterly. The figures on this page are indicative as of mid-2026. Our team will calculate your exact rebate during your free consultation.
Small-scale Technology Certificates
STCs: The Main Federal Rebate
The most significant incentive for residential solar in Australia is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). When you install a qualifying solar system, you're entitled to Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on the size of your system and the amount of clean energy it's expected to generate over its lifetime.
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In practice, this works as an upfront discount on your solar system. SunPeople handles the STC paperwork on your behalf. The discount is already factored into the pricing shown on our packages page.
How STCs Work
The number of certificates depends on your system size, location, and years remaining in the scheme (currently set to run until 2030).
Each certificate has a market value that fluctuates. As of mid-2026, it typically ranges between $36–$40 per certificate.
For a standard 10kW residential system in the Illawarra, this equates to an approximate rebate of $3,500–$4,500 off the system cost.
Important: Scheme Winding Down
The STC scheme is being phased down. The number of certificates issued decreases each year, which means the rebate value reduces over time. Installing sooner means a larger rebate.
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Typical Illawarra Rebate
$3,500 – $4,500
on a standard 10kW system · mid-2026 estimate
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NSW GOVERNMENT PRCs
The NSW Government’s Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) provides incentives for eligible home batteries that help reduce electricity demand during peak periods.
Eligible households may receive an incentive for connecting their battery to a participating Virtual Power Plant (VPP), with the amount depending on the battery and VPP provider.
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Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Programs
Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Programs
If you install a battery, you may be eligible to participate in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program offered by some energy retailers. VPPs allow your battery to feed stored energy back to the grid during peak demand periods, and you receive credits or payments in return.
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​Availability and terms vary by energy retailer and battery brand. Tesla Powerwall owners, for example, can access the Tesla Energy Plan. SunPeople can advise on VPP options during your consultation.
