NSW Solar Rebates 2026: What’s Changed

As electricity prices remain high, NSW homeowners are turning to solar to cut bills and future-proof their homes. But in 2026, solar rebates in NSW have changed, particularly for battery storage.

If you’re considering solar this year, here’s exactly what rebates still apply, what’s changed, and how to maximise your savings in NSW.

What NSW Homeowners Need to Know About Solar & Battery Incentives in 2026

In 2026, NSW solar rebates include federal solar panel discounts through STCs, a reduced federal battery rebate, and NSW incentives such as Virtual Power Plants and apartment solar grants. NSW does not offer a standalone state solar panel rebate.

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STCs) remains the main solar rebate available to NSW households in 2026.

How it works:

• Applies to NSW and all Australian states

• Discount is applied upfront to your solar quote

• Value depends on system size and installation year

• Gradually reduces each year until 2030

Most NSW homes installing solar in 2026 still receive thousands of dollars in upfront savings through STCs.

Battery incentives remain available in NSW, but 2026 marks a step-down year.

What changed in 2026:

• Federal battery rebate reduced from 1 May 2026

• Smaller batteries retain better proportional support

• Larger battery systems receive lower incentives

Yes, NSW homeowners can still get a battery rebate in 2026 — but it’s lower than previous years, making timing more important than ever.

No. NSW does not offer a state-based solar panel rebate in 2026.

Instead, NSW focuses on:

• Federal rebates

• Grid stability incentives

• Apartment and strata solar funding

• Battery participation programs

This simplifies eligibility and avoids rebate overlap.

Homeowners with solar batteries may qualify for additional benefits by joining a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).

Potential benefits include:

• Sign-up payments

• Ongoing electricity bill credits

• Payments for exporting stored energy to the grid

VPP incentives can be stacked on top of federal solar and battery rebates.

Apartment residents and strata buildings may be eligible for:

• Up to 50% funding

• Grants of up to $150,000

• Shared solar systems for common property and apartments

This is a major opportunity for unit blocks across Sydney and regional NSW.

A typical NSW household installing:

• A 6.6kW solar system

• With optional battery storage

Can still achieve significant upfront savings and long-term bill reductions, even with reduced rebates.

Savings depend on system size, energy usage, and installation timing.

Solar incentives are national, but solar performance, grid rules and energy usage vary across NSW,  particularly in Sydney, the Inner West, Ryde, Parramatta and surrounding suburbs.

Choosing a local installer ensures:

• Accurate system sizing

• Rebate compliance

• Faster approvals

• Long-term support

Yes, and for many households, it’s more important than ever.

• Power prices remain high

• Rebates will continue to decline

• Solar improves energy independence

• Batteries + VPPs increase long-term ROI

• Solar adds value to your property

The key is installing the right system at the right time.

With solar rebates continuing to step down and electricity prices remaining high, 2026 is a critical year for NSW homeowners to act. While incentives are still available, timing, system design, and installer experience now matter more than ever. Getting the right advice upfront can be the difference between maximising your rebate or missing out altogether.

Get a tailored solar quote from MPV Solar today.
Our local NSW team will assess your property, explain exactly which 2026 rebates apply to you, and design a system that delivers long-term savings, not just a quick install.

✔ NSW-compliant rebates handled for you
✔ Honest advice on solar, batteries & VPPs
✔ Trusted local installers with ongoing support

Book your solar quote now and future-proof your energy costs for 2026 and beyond.