Rebates & Incentives Explained
Last Reviewed 28/7/2026
1. About this page
This page explains the government incentives that may reduce the cost of a solar or battery system installed by Efficient Solar & Battery. These are federal and state government programs. We are not the administrator of any of them, and eligibility is ultimately determined by the relevant government body, not by us. The information below is current as at the review date above.
2. Who can access these incentives
You do not need to own your home to have an eligible system installed, and we do not require proof of home ownership. What matters is that you have the authority to approve the work. If you rent, you'll need your landlord's written consent before we can proceed — we're happy to help you put that request together.
3. Federal solar incentive — Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
- Eligible small-scale solar systems create STCs under the Renewable Energy Target. Where you assign the right to create those certificates to us, we pass the value back to you as a discount on the price of your system. To create Small-scale Technology Certificates, a solar system generally must: - have a capacity of less than 100 kW; - use solar panels and inverters listed on the Clean Energy Council approved product lists; - be designed and installed by a person accredited under the Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) scheme; - be installed in accordance with all applicable Australian Standards and South Australian electrical and network requirements; and - have its certificates created within 12 months of the installation date. The number of certificates a system earns depends on its size, its location and the deeming period that applies in the year of installation. The deeming period reduces each January until the scheme ends on 31 December 2030, so the value of this incentive falls each year. The dollar value also moves with the market price of certificates. We calculate the exact figure for your system at quote stage and show it as a separate line item. Certificates are claimed once per system. If you are adding capacity to an existing installation, or installing a new eligible system at a property that already has solar, eligibility depends on the specific work involved. We'll confirm your position in writing before you commit to anything.
4. Federal battery incentive — Cheaper Home Batteries Program
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides an upfront discount on eligible home battery systems, also delivered through STCs. To be eligible, a battery generally must be on the approved product list, be installed by a person accredited under the Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) scheme, and be capable of being connected to a virtual power plant. You are not required to join a VPP; the battery simply has to be capable of it.
The discount reduces on a published timetable, currently every January and July, until the program ends in 2030. As with STCs, we calculate the exact amount for your system at quote stage.
The discount reduces on a published timetable, currently every January and July, until the program ends in 2030. As with STCs, we calculate the exact amount for your system at quote stage.
5. Feed-in tariffs
A feed-in tariff is a payment from your electricity retailer for surplus energy you export to the grid. It is not an upfront rebate and it does not reduce the cost of your installation.
South Australia has no government-mandated minimum feed-in tariff. Rates are set by retailers, commonly fall between 5 and 8 cents per kWh, and many plans cap the amount you can export at that rate each day. SA Power Networks also applies charges to exports during the middle of the day. Retailer rates change without notice and we cannot guarantee any particular rate.
South Australia has no government-mandated minimum feed-in tariff. Rates are set by retailers, commonly fall between 5 and 8 cents per kWh, and many plans cap the amount you can export at that rate each day. SA Power Networks also applies charges to exports during the middle of the day. Retailer rates change without notice and we cannot guarantee any particular rate.
6. South Australian schemes
The South Australian Home Battery Scheme has closed. The Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) provides energy-saving incentives through obliged electricity retailers; these are offered by your retailer, not by us. We can tell you what we understand to be available, but you should confirm directly with your retailer.
7. Network requirements in South Australia
Since 1 July 2023, all new solar installations in South Australia must support Flexible Exports. This now applies across the whole state, including rural SWER lines.
Instead of a fixed export limit, your system's export cap adjusts automatically depending on how much solar the local network is carrying — typically allowing up to 10 kW per phase, and reducing toward zero when the network is congested. It requires a compatible inverter and an internet connection so your system can receive the network signal.
A compliant smart meter is also required. Smart meters are arranged through your electricity retailer, and this is one of the more common causes of delay between installation and switch-on.
We manage the SA Power Networks application and approval process as part of your installation.
Instead of a fixed export limit, your system's export cap adjusts automatically depending on how much solar the local network is carrying — typically allowing up to 10 kW per phase, and reducing toward zero when the network is congested. It requires a compatible inverter and an internet connection so your system can receive the network signal.
A compliant smart meter is also required. Smart meters are arranged through your electricity retailer, and this is one of the more common causes of delay between installation and switch-on.
We manage the SA Power Networks application and approval process as part of your installation.
8. Limitations
Incentive rates, eligibility rules and program end dates are set by government and can change at any time, including with limited notice. Any figures we quote are calculated on the rules and market prices in force on the date of your quote. Claims are subject to verification by the Clean Energy Regulator.
9. Questions or complaints
If anything on this page is unclear, contact us on 0426 243 414 or admin@efficientsolarbattery.com.au. As a NETCC Approved Seller we follow the New Energy Tech Consumer Code complaints process. If you have a concern, contact us and we'll work through it with you.