Australia is facing an uncertain energy future. Rising energy costs are becoming more compounded by the increased cost of living, and there is a growing push towards sustainability and more environmentally friendly energy alternatives.
New South Wales is one of many states leading the way towards a more sustainable energy economy, experiencing a solar power boom with over 30% of homes now using solar. Across the state, record numbers of households are installing solar to cut their electricity bills and reduce carbon emissions. Many residents in New South Wales have turned to installing solar panels and various solar solutions on their property to boost its value, address rising costs, and take advantage of future surplus benefits.
For property owners looking to install solar solutions in NSW, there are a few federal and state government rebate options available to alleviate installation costs. Here is a breakdown of the current NSW solar rebates available to property owners and developers, as well as information about local solar resources around Sydney.
Learn how you can take advantage of NSW’s solar power boom with informed decisions and support from your local solar solution experts at Solargain.
Rebates vs. Schemes & Grants
There are various state and federal government incentives available for properties in NSW. It is worthwhile to understand the differences between the different kinds of programs so you can make an informed decision. Which rebate suits someone best depends on what kind of solar solutions are adopted.
Here is a brief explanation of the differences between rebates, grants, and schemes.
Rebates vs. Grants
A rebate is a type of financial assistance provided by governments that is aimed at reducing the costs of essential services like gas and power. In recent years, the NSW state and local governments have introduced a variety of different rebates aimed at helping residents and business owners reduce energy costs by installing new sustainable and energy-efficient utility solutions like solar panels, solar batteries, and solar water heaters.
These rebates are often applied as credits on future bills charged to households and businesses. The Victorian Solar Power Rebate and various QLD solar rebates are two examples of state government rebates introduced to help refund some of the out-of-pocket costs for first-time solar installations. Many rebates often have a limited number of funds available and close when maxed out, so there are also federal rebates available that people can opt for instead, such as the Federal Battery Rebate in Western Australia.
Whereas a rebate is a partial refund of a payment already made, a grant is a sum of money given to an individual for a specific purpose with no expectation of repayment. Grants can be offered by government on the state, local and federal levels, and currently there is a rebate offered by the NSW government aimed at apartment residents, the Solar for Apartments Residents Grant.
To learn more about solar rebates and grants in NSW, be sure to visit the state government website. And for advice about the latest solar power incentives, contact us for professional insight about your options.
Schemes
A scheme is a government-led initiative that combines various federal and state incentives, like rebates, feed-in tariffs, grants, and other programs. Schemes may see any combination of the previously mentioned incentive programs and qualify towards multiple demographics at once.
Many schemes have rolled out across Australia over the years, such as the SA Home Battery Scheme and the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme, which both helped residents pay for installing new solar home battery systems. Currently, NSW residents may want to take advantage of the federal government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and the NSW state Peak Demand Reduction Scheme.
Schemes can change often but generally last for a few years so as to get as many people on board as possible. If you live in New South Wales and don’t qualify for a state rebate, you may want to consider applying for a federal scheme if you qualify.
Rebates, Schemes, & Grants Available Now for Properties in New South Wales
There is no singular solar grant or rebate currently available to NSW residents, but rather a variety of different incentives and schemes aimed at various demographics, along with numerous local council rebates and feed-in tariffs. Here are some of the solar incentive programs currently available to NSW residential property owners.
Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
The Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme, or SRES, is a federal rebate scheme that provides upfront cost savings for solar installations across Australia through what are called Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Up to 30% can be saved off solar installation costs. In some cases, STCs can be claimed more than once when either adding more solar panels, installing a separate system, or replacing an entire system already on a property.
Learn more about the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme on the government website.
Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)
The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS), also known as the NSW Solar Battery Rebate, is a state solar battery rebate aimed at incentivizing the installation of solar battery devices on properties. The aim of the program is to reduce peak energy demand in NSW by offering rebates for battery installations that can contribute to the growing virtual power plant, or VPP.
Between $1600 and $2,400 are available for a solar battery and $250 to $400 for VPP connection. This scheme can also be combined with the federal battery rebate, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, to save an extra 30% off a home battery.
Learn more about the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme on the NSW government site.
Solar for Apartments Residents Grant (SoAR)
The Solar for Apartments Residents Grant, or SoAR, is a solar grant program rolled out by both the federal and NSW governments, providing $25 million in funding to help apartment buildings and multi-unit dwellings install shared solar systems. Apartment owners can save up to 50% off the cost of a solar system, or $150,000 per project.
The applications for this are open now and close on 1 December 2025, so if you think you qualify, hurry and apply today! Visit the government website to learn more about the Solar for Apartments Residents Grant.
NSW Residents Can Qualify for A Variety of Solar Rebates
As New South Wales continues its shift towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, there has never been a better time to explore solar solutions for your home or investment property. By taking advantage of available solar programs, NSW property owners can significantly reduce installation costs, lower energy bills, and future-proof their properties against rising electricity prices. Whether you’re eligible for a government rebate or grant, each incentive is designed to make solar more accessible and affordable for everyday Aussies.
If you're ready to take the next step, contact your local solar experts at Solargain for tailored advice and support about solar panels, solar batteries, and solar hot water heaters. With professional insight and up-to-date knowledge of current rebates and industry insights, you can confidently make the switch to solar and start reaping the rewards of sustainable energy today.
Contact us now at Solargain for more information on how to join in on the solar boom in New South Wales!
