The state of Queensland is one of many leading the way in the solar adoption boom across Australia. In Queensland alone, there are a variety of rebates, schemes, and feed-in tariffs available that residents can take advantage of to save or earn more money from their new solar installations. If you own a house or business in the Sunshine State and are considering installing solar solutions like panels or batteries, then you may qualify for one of many solar rebates available.
Installing solar energy solutions is a great way to save money with the potential for earning money back thanks to accumulated energy surplus. There is also the added joy of knowing you’re doing your part to contribute towards a more sustainable future. Over the years, there have been many many different government-led schemes and initiatives introduced to incentivise residents to explore renewable energy sources for their homes and businesses.
You may have missed out on the last round of solar rebates in QLD, but there are still many opportunities available today. Here is a breakdown of the different solar rebates available to residents in Queensland that you can explore today.
Rebates vs. Schemes vs. Feed-In Tariffs
First, it’s helpful to understand the differences between some of the incentives being offered by the local, state, and federal governments. Different states can use their own language, so here is a handy glossary explaining the main differences and similarities between them all.
Rebates
A rebate is a form of government-funded financial assistance that often reduces the cost of essential services, such as electricity and gas. In recent years, the Qld government has introduced different rebates aimed at helping with the purchase of energy-efficient products like solar panels and solar batteries.
These rebates, often applied as credits on bills, are generally available to eligible residents and help lower living and operation costs for households and businesses and. For example, many state governments have introduced various solar panel rebates that refunded some of the out-of-pocket costs for first-time solar installations, like the Victorian Solar Power Rebate and the Federal Battery Rebate in Western Australia.
Many rebates often have a limited number of funds available and will close when reaching maximum capacity. As such, whereas the Queensland Government has offered rebates in the past, there are currently none available to most homeowners and businesses. Hopefully they will offer more solar rebates in the near future! In the meantime, there are other federal rebates available to Qld residents.
For more information on solar rebates in Queensland, visit the state government website to learn more about who qualifies. And for advice about the latest solar schemes, contact us for professional insight about your options.
Feed-in tariffs
A solar feed-in tariff is a payment made for excess electricity exported to the grid. Energy produced by a solar power system is converted to electricity that can be used in a house or business.
Any electricity that isn’t used up can then be sold and exported to the electricity grid. Qld residents may be eligible for a payment for their exported electricity, and this payment is what’s called a feed-in tariff.
You can learn more about how feed-in tariffs work on the Qld government website.
Schemes
A scheme is a government-led initiative that combines various federal and state incentives, like upfront rebates, feed-in tariffs, and other specific programs. Schemes may see any combination of the previously mentioned incentive programs and qualify towards multiple demographics.
There have been many schemes introduced across Australia over the recent years, such as the SA Home Battery Scheme and the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme, which both helped residents pay for the installation of new solar PV home battery systems. Currently, Qld residents may want to take advantage of the federal government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to subsidise their installing renewable energy technology in their households and businesses.
Schemes can change all the time but generally last for a few years in the hopes of getting as many people as possible to join in the program. If you live in Queensland and don’t qualify for a state rebate, you may want to consider looking into any federal schemes you may qualify for.
Rebates, Schemes, & Tariffs Available Now for Home and Business Owners in Queensland
There are a variety of solar rebates, schemes, and tariffs available to homeowners and business owners in Queensland. Here are some that are currently on offer to QLD residents.
Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme
The Australian federal government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) is available to all homes and businesses in Queensland. The SRES was introduced in 2011 to help boost the uptake of solar energy across the country by providing a rebate for new solar panel installations.
For those who meet the eligibility requirements, any new purchase of solar panels can receive the rebate, reducing installation costs between $1,800 and $3,000. This national solar panel rebate is still available up until its finalisation at the end of 2030.
For more information, visit the federal government’s website.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
In addition to the SRES solar panel rebate, the Australian government has also rolled out its own solar battery rebate program, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. From 1 July 2025, Queensland homes and businesses that install a new solar battery storage unit can earn savings of up to $4,500 as part of the initiative.
The battery can be added to an existing solar panel system or coupled with brand new solar panels. This means that Queensland residents can take advantage of both programs and install new solar panels and a battery together in their new system.
The Queensland initiative previously known as the Battery Booster Program has since ended, so for those interested in taking advantage of this federal benefit, click here for more information.
Solar Feed-In Tariffs in Qld
Queensland solar feed-in tariffs generate some of the highest return values in the country. How much you can earn depends on where your home or business is located in the state and how much surplus energy you contribute back to the reserve.
If you live in South East Queensland, like in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast, your feed-in tariff rate is set by your electricity retailer. The state government sets no minimum rate, meaning retailers can offer competitive rates for their customers. Also referred to as a market feed-in tariff, this system lets you shop for the best deal.
The situation is different, though, if you live in regional Queensland, like in Toowoomba, Mackay, or Cairns. Instead of retailer-led pricing, regional Queenslanders can access a fixed feed-in tariff rate. For the 2024-25 financial year, this is locked in at 12.377 cents per kilowatt hour.
So depending on where you live in Queensland, you may be able to take advantage of various solar feed-in tariffs on top of other federal schemes and initiatives to make the most out of your solar panel or battery installation.
Community Solar Bank Program for Caloundra & Townsville
There are some more initiatives specifically aimed at supporting solar installation in regional parts of Queensland outside of the greater Brisbane area. If you live in Caloundra or Townsville, for example, you may be able to participate in the Queensland government’s Community Solar Bank program.
The initiative aims to reduce electricity bills for up to 5,500 households in major towns across Far North Queensland by increasing the solar capacity of the Local Renewable Energy Zones project, or the LREZ. The program is directed towards helping apartment owners, renters, and low-income households save up to $800 per annum on electricity bills by installing solar banks.
Regional Qld homeowners and business owners could stand to make the most from installing solar panels and batteries, since they can qualify for multiple state and federal government-led subsidies, rebates, and schemes.
Queensland Homes & Businesses Can Qualify for Various Solar Rebates
Queensland continues to stand out as one of Australia’s leaders in solar innovation and accessibility, offering homeowners and businesses multiple avenues and opportunities to cut costs, earn rewards, and embrace clean, sustainable energy. While some state rebates and programs have come and gone, a range of federal schemes, feed-in tariffs, and regional initiatives are still available to help reduce upfront installation expenses and ongoing energy bills.
Whether it’s the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, or the region-specific projects like the Community Solar Bank Program, there’s likely an incentive that fits your circumstances. By taking advantage of these programs, you not only lower your energy costs but also future-proof your property against rising electricity prices while contributing to a more sustainable Queensland.
If you’re ready to explore your eligibility for any of these programs and make the switch to solar, now is the perfect time to act! Speak with the team at your nearest Solargain office so we can help you save money and today.
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