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There have been many solar rebate schemes in QLD, so if you haven’t already installed solar panels, you may be unsure of what you can get.
On top of this, understanding eligibility requirements can be confusing.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to answer everything you need to know about the current solar rebate QLD.
We’ll answer questions like:
- How do I qualify for the QLD solar rebate scheme?
- Who has the best solar rebate in Queensland?
- When does the solar rebate end?
And much more.
First, let’s start with an overview of the solar rebate scheme.
Note: Interested in finding out how much your solar rebate could be in 2022? Try our Free Solar Rebate Calculator to find out more.
What is the QLD Government Solar Rebate Scheme?
While there isn’t technically a QLD government solar rebate scheme, there is an Australia-wide rebate program.
This solar rebate scheme is part of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and is a way for Australia to encourage the installation of renewable energy.
The scheme covers:
- Solar water heaters
- Heat pumps
- Small-scale solar photovoltaic systems
- Wind turbines
- Hydroelectricity generation
When installing one of these systems, you’ll be awarded Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on several factors.
What Are STC's ?
STCs are Small-scale Technology Certificates. They can be used either as a rebate (receiving cash back after your purchase) or as an upfront discount through certain renewable energy system installers.
The number of STCs you receive for your solar system purchase will depend on three factors:
- Where you live: Each suburb receives a different solar rating based on how much energy your system is likely to produce. In general, though, Queensland has high ratings thanks to its sunny weather.
- When it’s installed: The STC rebate is based on how much electricity your system will produce until 2030. So the longer you wait, the fewer STCs you’ll receive.
- The size of your system: A more extensive solar system will produce more kilowatt-hours (kWh) by 2030. Therefore, the larger your system, the more STCs you’ll receive.
How Much is the solar panel rebate QLD?
In QLD, there are currently no other rebates other than STCs. However, the QLD government may reintroduce past incentives in the future.
The QLD solar panel rebate continuously fluctuates based on the cost of carbon which changes due to supply and demand. The average rebate is around $35 to $40 per STC, and the number of STCs you receive will depend on the factors mentioned above.
On average, if you install a 6.6kW system, you’ll receive a QLD government solar rebate of around $3,240. However, this number will decrease over time due to how the QLD solar rebate works.
How do i qualify for the QLD solar rebate?
Several factors determine your eligibility for the QLD solar rebate.
These factors include:
- Installing a solar panel system that falls under 100kW in output.
- Owning the property the system is being installed on.
- The system being installed at an eligible premise like a house, townhouse, apartment etc.
- Purchasing a new and complete solar system.
- Installing Clean Energy Council approved panels.
- Applying for your STCs no more than 12 months after the system is installed.
When does the solar rebate end?
The current Queensland government solar rebate scheme is expected to end on the 31st of December 2030.
There were also previous rebates and incentives, such as the Solar Bonus Scheme, which stopped accepting new customers in 2012. However, existing customers will still receive the bonus until 2028, when the program officially finishes.
Another incentive is the solar feed-in tariff (FiT) which pays you per kWh of electricity pumped back into the grid. There isn’t an end date for the solar feed-in tariffs. However, there have been many changes to electricity providers’ rates.
These changes happen because the government has no minimum FiT rate, so rates are driven solely by supply and demand.
Best Solar Feed-in tariff Queensland
Currently, the best solar rebate in QLD is from Social Energy which is 40 cents per kW hour and is limited to the first 300kWh per quarter.
This tariff is only available if you have a battery installed with your system. If you reach the 300kWh limit, your rate will drop to 8.3 cents per kWh.
Next is Discover Energy which pays 16 cents per kW hour to eligible customers. However, this rate is for the first 3.2877 kWh per day, decreasing to 10c for the next 3.2877 kWh. The lowest you’ll earn per kWh with Discover Energy is 6c.
Other notable mentions include AGL and Origin, which pay 12 cents per kWh, with Red Energy not far behind at 11.5 cents per kWh. Make sure to check any terms and conditions before you base your calculations on a particular tariff rate.
When it comes to feed-in tariffs, you must calculate the actual value of the tariff as providers with higher rates often have higher electricity costs.
So if you only plan to install a small system, it may be better to choose an electricity provider with a lower cost per unit rather than focusing on a high feed-in tariff. The opposite applies if you plan on installing a larger system.
A great resource for finding the best option for your needs is Energy Made Easy. It’s an Australian government website that covers every energy rebate plan in the country.
How do i Apply for the QLD Solar Rebate?
When applying for the solar rebate in QLD, you have two options: selling it on the open market or selling it through a third party.
- The open market: If you’d like to sell your STCs on the open market, you’ll need to create and sell your STCs on the Renewable Energy Certificate Registry. Since the certificate price varies depending on supply and demand, you may be able to snag a reasonable price for your STCs. But you can easily receive a worse price if you’re not careful!
- Using a 3rd party: The safer option is using a registered agent to sell your STCs. These professionals will often give you the market value of your certificates, so you know you’re getting a fair price. It’s a good idea to find a solar installer that will take care of this as they will often give you an upfront discount on your solar panels.
Install Solar Panels Today and Take Advantage of STC Rebates
Since the STC rebate continues to drop over time, it’s a good idea to explore your solar system options as soon as possible.
To get the most out of your solar panels and rebate, make sure to:
- Only choose high-quality solar panels with long-term manufacturing and installation warranties.
- Make sure your solar panels and installer are Clean Energy Council approved.
- Choose an installer that will trade your STCs for you.
- Find an electricity provider that will give you the best feed-in tariffs for your particular situation—remember, the highest FiT isn’t necessarily the best!
If you have any questions about the Queensland government solar rebate scheme or want to see if solar is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll assess your individual needs and provide a tailored solar solution just for you.
