Thinking About Solar in the Bush Capital? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re living in or around Canberra, there’s never been a better time to go solar. With generous ACT solar rebates, federal incentives, and competitive feed-in tariffs (FiTs), you can cut your energy costs significantly while making your home more energy-efficient.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- ACT-specific solar rebates and support schemes
- The Federal Government’s STC incentive
- ACT solar feed-in tariffs to boost your savings
ACT Government Solar Rebates: What’s on Offer?
1. Home Energy Support Program (Up to $5,000 in Rebates!)
If you’re an ACT homeowner with an Australian Pensioner Concession Card or a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, you could be eligible for up to $5,000 in solar and energy efficiency rebates. Here’s how it works:
- Rooftop Solar Rebate: Covers up to 50% of the installation cost (capped at $2,500).
- Energy-Efficient Appliances Rebate: Another rebate of up to $2,500 for:
- Reverse cycle heating & cooling systems
- Hot water heat pumps
- Electric stovetops
How to Apply:
Before accessing the rebate, homeowners must attend a free online workshop. This session covers program details, eligibility, and tips to choose the right energy upgrades for your home.
2. ACT Sustainable Household Scheme (Interest-Free Loans Up to $15,000)
While not technically a rebate, the Sustainable Household Scheme offers interest-free loans of up to $15,000 to help ACT residents cover the cost of solar and other energy-efficient upgrades.
Key Features:
- Loan Amount: Up to $15,000
- Repayment Period: 10 years, interest-free
- Eligible Upgrades:
- Rooftop solar systems
- Solar battery storage
- Electric heating and cooling
- Hot water heat pumps
- Electric stovetops
- Electric vehicles (EVs) & EV chargers
Want to take advantage? Get quotes from our accredited solar installers who can assist with the application process.
ACT Solar Battery Rebates: What’s Available?
While ACT doesn’t currently offer specific battery rebates like some other states, you can still finance battery installations through the Sustainable Household Scheme’s interest-free loans.
Tip: Check out our dedicated ACT Battery Rebates page for the latest updates on battery incentives and how much you could save.
Federal Solar Incentive (STCs): The Main Solar Rebate in ACT
The Federal Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) is the primary solar rebate available to ACT homeowners. Although technically an “incentive,” this program provides a substantial upfront discount when you install a solar system.
How Does the Federal Solar Rebate Work?
- Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are created when you install your solar system.
- The number of STCs depends on your system size, installation year, and location.
- Your installer usually handles the paperwork and applies the rebate as a discount.
ACT’s STC Zone:
- The ACT is in STC Zone 3.
- For example, a typical 6.6 kW system in the ACT could generate around 55 STCs, reducing your upfront cost by over $2,000 (depending on the current STC market price).
ACT Solar Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs): Get Paid for Your Solar Power
In addition to rebates, ACT solar owners benefit from feed-in tariffs (FiTs). This is a credit you receive from your electricity retailer for any excess energy your system exports to the grid.
Current ACT Feed-in Tariff Rates (2024)
| Electricity Retailer | Min FiT (c/kWh) | Max FiT (c/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| ActewAGL | 6.0c | 15.0c |
| Amber Electric | No Fixed Amount | No Fixed Amount |
| Energy Australia | 7.6c | 7.6c |
| Energy Locals | 0c | 7.1c |
| Origin Energy | 10.0c | 20.0c* |
| Radian Energy | 6.0c | 6.0c |
| Red Energy | 6.0c | 6.0c |
| Simply Energy | 8.0c | 8.0c* |
FiT rates are based on cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy exported.
Why FiTs Matter:
- They reduce your solar system’s payback period.
- Higher FiT rates = faster savings on your electricity bills.
Pro Tip: Always compare FiT rates when choosing an electricity plan. It could make a big difference in your long-term savings.
ACT Solar Rebate Calculator: Know Your Savings in Seconds
Not sure how much you can save with ACT solar rebates?
Try our free ACT Solar Rebate Calculator to get:
- Your estimated STC discount
- Predicted payback period
- Electricity bill savings projections
Try our solar rebate calculator here
Why You Should Go Solar in ACT Today
- Generous Government Support: Between rebates, interest-free loans, and FiTs, ACT offers some of the best solar incentives in Australia.
- Lower Energy Bills: Cut your electricity costs by up to 70%.
- Environmental Impact: Reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner Canberra.
- Don’t Wait: The federal solar rebate decreases every year and will end completely in 2030.
