Solar Rebate in Perth, WA: Everything Homeowners Need to Know

Solar rebates in Perth, Western Australia (WA) can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels and home battery systems.

In 2026, most households benefit from a mix of federal and state incentives, including the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STC rebate), WA battery support, and export payments through feed-in tariffs. These programs are designed to make clean energy more affordable while encouraging more Perth homes to adopt solar power.

This guide will help you understand what rebates are available in Perth, how much you can save, how battery incentives work, and what typical solar system costs look like in 2026. It will also help you decide whether solar is a good investment for your home and how to maximise available incentives.

Solar Rebates and Incentives Available in Perth, WA (2026)

Homeowners in Perth, WA have access to a range of solar rebates and energy incentives that can significantly reduce the cost of installing solar panels and battery systems.

These programs combine federal, state, and local support to make renewable energy more affordable and help households lower their long-term electricity bills. In 2026, most savings come from the federal STC rebate, along with WA battery incentives and export payments for excess solar energy sent back to the grid.

Below is a clear overview of the main solar rebates and incentives currently available for Perth households.

Overview of WA solar rebates and incentives

Federal Solar Rebate (SRES / STCs)

The main solar rebate available for homeowners in Perth, Western Australia is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). When you install an eligible solar system, it generates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which directly reduce the upfront cost of your installation. In most cases, installers apply this discount at the point of sale, so you pay a lower price immediately rather than claiming a rebate later. You can also learn more about STCs on the Clean Energy Regulator website.

Why the rebate changes each year

The SRES is designed to gradually phase down over time. STCs are calculated based on the expected electricity generation of a solar system until the scheme ends in 2030.

Each year, the deeming period shortens, which means fewer future years of generation are included in the calculation. As a result, fewer STCs are created for the same system size, which reduces the total rebate value over time. This is why solar discounts in Perth slowly decrease year by year, even if system prices stay similar.

How much are STCs worth?

STCs are traded on an open market, so their value can fluctuate depending on demand. The Clean Energy Regulator sets a STC clearing house price cap of $40 (excluding GST), but actual market prices often move below this level.

Because pricing changes, the exact rebate value depends on your system size, installation location, and current market conditions. Most homeowners do not need to calculate this themselves, as installers typically include the STC value in the final system quote and provide a breakdown upon request. For precise figures, the Clean Energy Regulator calculator or a written installer quote is usually used.

WA Residential Battery Scheme

The WA Residential Battery Scheme is a state-level incentive designed to reduce the cost of installing home battery systems. For homeowners in Perth, this rebate can make battery storage more affordable, especially when combined with existing solar systems or new solar installations.

The rebate amount depends on your electricity provider and location. Most Perth households fall under Synergy, while Horizon Power applies mainly to regional areas across Western Australia.

WA battery rebate amounts

No-Interest Loan for Eligible Households

In addition to the rebate, some low and middle-income households can access a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000. This loan is designed to help cover the upfront cost of installing a battery or a combined solar and battery system.

It allows homeowners to spread the cost over time without paying interest, making battery adoption more accessible for households that may not have the full upfront budget.

Important Eligibility Conditions

There are a few key conditions to be aware of before applying for the WA battery rebate.

In many cases, the system must be connected or ready to connect to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). This means your battery should be capable of participating in energy sharing programs that support the grid.

Another important factor is that state and federal incentives can often be combined. This can significantly increase total savings when installing a battery system in Perth.

It is also worth noting that federal battery incentive rules are evolving, with updates from May 2026 affecting how support is calculated. Because of this, eligibility criteria and total savings may change, so it is important to confirm details with your installer before proceeding.

Cheaper Home Batteries Scheme (Federal Program)

The Cheaper Home Batteries Scheme is a proposed federal program designed to make home battery systems more affordable for Australian households. It aims to support the adoption of battery storage by reducing upfront costs and improving access to energy independence. You can find official information about the scheme on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website.

Under this program, eligible homeowners can receive financial support when installing a battery alongside a solar system or adding a battery to an existing setup. The scheme is expected to work alongside existing incentives such as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, helping to further lower the overall cost of installation.

While full details are still being finalised, the program is expected to focus on improving grid stability, encouraging renewable energy use, and reducing reliance on peak electricity from the grid. For homeowners, this means greater control over energy usage, better backup during outages, and long-term savings on electricity bills.

As interest in battery storage continues to grow, federal support like this plays a key role in making advanced energy solutions more accessible and practical for everyday households.

For estimating potential benefits, homeowners can also use the solar battery STC calculator to understand how many Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) their battery system may be eligible for, including upcoming adjustments from 1 May 2026 under changes to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001.

Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)

The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) is Western Australia’s primary feed-in tariff program that rewards homeowners for exporting excess solar energy back to the grid. Instead of letting unused solar power go to waste, households receive credits on their electricity bill based on how much energy they export and when it is sent.

DEBS uses a time-based payment structure, meaning the rate you receive depends on the time of day your solar energy is exported. This encourages energy use and export during periods when the grid needs it most.

DEBS Export Payment Rates (Synergy – from 1 July 2025)

For customers in regional areas supplied by Horizon Power, rates and structures may vary depending on the location and energy plan.

Rates are reviewed periodically, so it is important to check with your electricity retailer for the most up-to-date information.

Why DEBS Matters for Solar Owners

DEBS plays a key role in how much value you get from your solar system. Because peak export periods offer significantly higher payments, the timing of your energy export can directly impact your savings.

This is where battery storage becomes valuable. Instead of exporting excess solar energy during the day at lower rates, a battery allows you to store that energy and export it later during peak hours when payments are higher. This strategy can help maximise your return and improve overall system efficiency.

For solar owners in WA, understanding DEBS and aligning your energy usage and storage with its pricing structure can make a noticeable difference in long-term savings.

Switch Your Thinking Program

Switch Your Thinking is a local government sustainability initiative in Western Australia. It provides discounts on energy efficient products, including solar systems and solar plus battery packages, through participating councils and approved providers.

The discount amounts vary depending on location and participating partners. Some households may receive modest upfront savings when installing renewable energy systems through the program.

Example Cost of a 6.6kW Solar System in Perth, WA

The cost of a 6.6kW solar system in Western Australia can vary depending on factors such as equipment quality, installation complexity, and the installer you choose. However, after applying federal rebates like STCs, most homeowners can expect a relatively affordable entry point.

As a general guide, a standard 6.6kW system in 2026 typically falls within a reasonable price range, making it one of the most popular system sizes for households.

Example Solar System Cost Breakdown

This example is indicative only, but it gives a realistic expectation for homeowners considering solar. Actual costs and savings will vary based on your household energy consumption, system performance, and how much solar energy you use versus export.

Are Solar Panels Worth It in Perth, WA?

Solar panels are often a strong investment for many Western Australian homes due to high sunlight levels and strong solar output throughout the year. This means systems can generate a large amount of electricity compared to many other regions.

Combined with the federal STC rebate and state incentives, the upfront cost is significantly reduced. Most households see the greatest savings by using solar energy during the day rather than exporting it. When used effectively, solar can reduce electricity bills and provide long-term financial benefits.

Summary of Solar Rebate in Perth, WA

Western Australia offers a mix of federal, state, and local incentives that make solar and battery systems more affordable in 2026. The STC rebate reduces upfront solar costs, while the WA Residential Battery Scheme provides additional support for energy storage. Feed-in tariffs like DEBS also help households earn credits for exported energy.

Together, these programs make solar a practical option for many WA homeowners. Understanding how each rebate works can help you maximise savings and make a more informed installation decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is home battery rebate in Perth?

The home battery rebate in Perth refers to the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which provides an upfront discount on eligible home battery systems for Perth homeowners. The rebate value is gradually reduced over time in scheduled phases, roughly every six months, until the program ends in 2030. This means customers can maximise savings by acting early before the rebate value decreases further.

Does Perth have a solar panel rebate?

Perth does not usually have a state-based solar panel rebate. Homeowners rely on the federal STC rebate under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which reduces upfront system costs. This is the primary financial incentive for installing solar panels in Perth and across Western Australia.

What is the Perth battery rebate?

The WA Residential Battery Scheme supports Perth households installing batteries. Eligible Synergy customers can receive up to $1,300, along with access to interest-free loans up to $10,000. The rebate is applied through approved installers and is designed to make battery storage more affordable.

What is the DEBS feed-in tariff in Perth?

In Perth, the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) pays solar households for exporting energy to the grid. Synergy’s typical rates are around 10c per kWh during peak hours (3pm to 9pm) and about 2c per kWh at other times, with rates reviewed periodically.

Can I join DEBS with an existing solar system in Perth?

Yes, many Perth homeowners with existing solar systems can join DEBS. Eligibility depends on your network, inverter settings, and system size. Some systems may require updates or compliance checks to meet current export standards before approval is granted.

How much do solar panels cost in Perth in 2026?

In 2026, a typical 6.6kW solar system in Perth costs around $5,000 to $6,000 after STC rebates. Pricing varies based on panel and inverter quality, roof complexity, and installation conditions, but this range is a widely accepted benchmark for residential systems.

What is the federal solar rebate in Perth?

The federal solar rebate in Perth is provided through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). It creates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which installers apply as a discount on system costs, helping reduce the upfront price of solar installations.

Who is eligible for the solar rebate in Perth?

Most homeowners and small businesses in Perth are eligible for the STC rebate when installing approved solar systems. The system must meet Australian standards and be installed by a Clean Energy Council accredited installer to qualify for the incentive.

Do solar rebates reduce every year in Perth?

Yes, solar rebates in Perth reduce gradually each year under the STC scheme. The number of certificates decreases annually, lowering the total rebate value. This planned reduction encourages earlier adoption of solar systems to maximise available savings.

Are solar rebates available for businesses in Perth?

Yes, small businesses in Perth can access the federal STC rebate for eligible solar systems. Larger commercial installations may qualify under different programs. Eligibility depends on system size and compliance with national renewable energy requirements.

Do solar rebates apply to battery installations in Perth?

No, the federal STC rebate in Perth does not apply to batteries. However, battery-specific incentives such as the WA Residential Battery Scheme provide separate financial support, helping reduce the cost of adding storage to a solar system.

Are solar rebates available for existing solar systems in Perth?

Solar rebates are not available for systems already installed. However, Perth homeowners may qualify for STCs when adding new solar capacity or upgrading their system. Battery rebates may also apply when adding storage to an existing setup, depending on eligibility.