top of page
    • May 13, 2022
    • 4 min read

QLD Solar Rebate: 2023 Beginners Guide

Updated: Nov 22, 2023



 Table of Contents:


How does the solar rebate work in Queensland?

  1. The Australian Government has a scheme in place to help reduce the cost of solar power systems. The STC financial incentive (or the ‘government rebate’ or ‘solar scheme’ as it’s commonly called) is issued in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Each STC has a monetary value from $0 – $40 – at the moment it’s sitting around $34 per STC (as of January 2023). The higher the STC price the more ‘rebate’ you get. 

  2. Your solar system size, date of installation and postcode of the installation address will determine how many STCs you can get.

  3. The more power your system will generate, the greater the rebate will be. This is why the larger systems will receive more STCs than smaller systems.

  4. Australia is separated into ‘zones’ according to the solar radiation levels. Zone 1 (e.g central Western Australia) will receive the highest rebate and Zone 4 (e.g Tasmania) will receive the lowest. You can check what postcode zone you’re in here.

  5. Your installer will usually handle the creation of the STCs and subtract the value of the STCs from the up-front cost of the solar power system. 

  6. Fun fact – wind turbines, hydro systems, solar water heaters and air source heat pumps are also eligible for the STC financial incentive.

How do I claim the ‘rebate’?

  1. Other than signing a few documents, claiming the ‘rebate’ isn’t something you need to worry about. Your installer should handle all the paperwork and just subtract the STC value from the total cost of your system. 

  2. Part of the installation paperwork is a form where the homeowners assign the STC Financial Incentive to the installer. So the homeowner pays the difference between the total system price and the STC incentive – they don’t have to pay the full system price & then be reimbursed. 


How much are STCs in Queensland and how is it calculated?

  1.  There isn’t a fixed amount – the price of STCs changes according to market conditions and demand. The fluctuation in STC pricing is also largely due to the fact that the money doesn’t come directly from the Australian Government. The STCs are traded on the open market (usually through brokers) as part of a scheme incorporated into the Government’s Renewable Energy Target.

  2. At the moment, the ‘rebate’ works out to be roughly around $375 per kW installed (about $34 per STC). Your location, system size and date of installation will determine how many STCs you are eligible for. The total ‘rebate’ you receive will depend on the price of STCs at the time of install. 

  3. The below figures are estimates for STC pricing as of January 2023 in South East Queensland. It is to be used as a guide only.

​Solar System Size

​Number of STCs

​Estimate total value of STCs (as of January 2023)

​3 kW

​33

​$1,150 - $1,250

​5 kW

​55

​$1,900 - $2,000

​6.6 kW

​72

​$2,450 - $2,550

​8 kW

​88

​$3,000 - $3,150

​10 kW

​110

​$3,800 - $4,000


Who is eligible for STC Financial Incentive (‘Solar rebate’) in Queensland?

To be eligible: 

  1. All products must be approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). This includes the solar panels, inverter/s and batteries (if any). The CEC has a list of approved products here. If you’re choosing a reputable, local installer, this isn’t something you should worry about.

  2. Your installer must be CEC accredited. If an accredited solar installer and designer do not complete the installation, you will not receive the solar rebate. Again, if you’re choosing a local, reputable installer, you shouldn’t worry about this.

  3. The solar power system has to be less than 100 kW and output less than 250 MWh of electricity every year.

  4. You must claim your rebate within 12 months of installation. Most solar installers will do this and handle all the paperwork for you.

  5. The installation must meet Australian Standards, comply with electrical safety regulations and meet all legal requirements.

Is the solar rebate ending soon?

  1.  The STC Financial Incentive was introduced in 2011 and is set to end in 2030.

  2. At the end of every year, the value of the STCs reduces. For a standard 6.6kW system, the reduction in the value of the STCs usually works out to be around $400 – $500.

Can I get the rebate for commercial, hybrid or off-grid (standalone) systems?

  1. Yes! As long as all of the eligibility requirements are met, commercial, hybrid and off-grid systems are eligible to receive the STC Financial Incentive. Please keep in mind that the STC Financial Incentive only applies to the cost of a new (or upgrade to an existing) hybrid or off-grid solar system. STCs do not apply when only adding batteries to an existing system.

Can I get STCs if I’m upgrading, expanding or replacing an old system?

Upgrading an existing solar system (adding panels or getting a bigger inverter)

Yes, you are eligible to receive the STC Financial Incentive as long as:

  1. The new total system size is less than 100kW.

  2. The new panels and existing inverter are on the CEC approved list.

  3. The inverter has enough capacity.

  4. All relevant standards have been met.

Installing an additional, separate solar system
System replacement (new inverter & panels)
Adding battery storage to an existing system


Got any questions? We’re here to help! Call our friendly team on 4637 2744 or email us at admin@electricalsensations.com.au.


At Electrical Sensations, we are proud to have been servicing Toowoomba and the Darling Downs since 2004. We are 100% committed to designing energy-saving solutions and installing high-quality equipment that will best meet your needs, in a manner that we are proud to put our name to. No cutting corners or compromising on quality, reliability or safety.


If you liked this blog, you might also find these ones helpful:


bottom of page