
Updated September 2026 · Reviewed monthly
A September 2026 snapshot of selected rooftop solar, home battery and virtual power plant (VPP) incentives. This guide does not cover every energy program or determine whether you qualify; confirm eligibility and terms with the program provider.
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This page covers these three program types only. Availability does not mean every household qualifies, and value depends on the system and provider:
The federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme provides STCs for eligible rooftop solar systems. The deeming period is five years for systems installed in 2026 and decreases each year until the scheme ends in 2030. The number of certificates depends on system eligibility and location; check the Clean Energy Regulator calculator for an estimate.
The federal program applies a discount of roughly 30% to eligible small-scale battery installations. Since 1 May 2026 the certificate factor is tiered by battery capacity, so there is no single dollar amount that applies to every system.
The NSW Government currently lists this incentive as available. From 1 July 2026, batteries up to 50 kWh may be eligible. The incentive amount depends on eligible capacity, provider and contract; it can be combined with the federal battery discount. See our battery VPP programs NSW guide and check the NSW Government eligibility rules.
There is no general NSW Government rebate for a private home EV charger. Off-peak electricity plans and solar can lower running costs; public charging grants are separate from household rebates. See our guide to EV charging grants in NSW for the current distinctions.
For information beyond this page's solar, battery and VPP scope, see the NSW rebate eligibility checker, our EV charger incentives guide or heat pump hot water guide.
Values and eligibility depend on program rules, system specifications and provider terms. The federal solar STC deeming period decreases annually through 2030, and battery certificate factors vary by capacity and period. The NSW VPP offer depends on the provider and contract. Confirm the current calculation and written offer before arranging installation.
The application route differs between these programs. For an upfront STC discount, eligible customers assign certificates to a registered agent or retailer; the NSW VPP incentive is arranged through a participating provider. An online eligibility check can help identify questions to ask, but the program or provider must confirm your eligibility.
As of September 2026, this guide covers three programs: federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for eligible rooftop solar, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (roughly 30% on eligible batteries, with the discount varying by battery capacity), and the currently available NSW Virtual Power Plant incentive for eligible batteries connected through participating providers. This is not a list of every energy program or a guarantee of eligibility.
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers a discount of roughly 30% on eligible small-scale battery systems. From 1 May 2026, the certificate factor is tiered by battery capacity. The federal solar STC deeming period is five years for eligible systems installed in 2026 and decreases annually until the scheme ends in 2030.
The process depends on the program. Eligible solar or battery STCs can be assigned to a registered agent or retailer in return for an upfront discount. The NSW VPP incentive is accessed through a participating VPP provider, and the offer and contract determine the amount. Check each program's requirements and have the relevant provider confirm eligibility.
The federal solar STC deeming period decreases each year through 2030. The federal battery discount is calculated under scheduled, capacity-based certificate factors. The NSW Government currently lists its VPP incentive as available with no closing date shown. Check official program guidance for current eligibility and terms before committing.
Use the official rules and an itemised provider offer to check which discounts may apply. A quick enquiry is free and creates no obligation.
Want the full breakdown? Read our complete solar rebates NSW guide →
Adding storage? See solar battery rebates in NSW →
Estimate savings with the solar savings calculator →
Cut hot water bills: heat pump hot water rebate NSW →
Earn from your battery: battery VPP programs NSW →