Welcome to your ultimate guide to solar installation incentives in Queensland.  In the pursuit of a greener future, Queensland boasts one of the highest rates of residential and commercial solar adoption in the country.  It makes sense that the Queensland Government currently offers a number of incentives, rebates, and grants to help Queenslanders save on installation costs.

Whether you are a homeowner looking to reduce your energy bills or a business owner aiming to enhance sustainability, this comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with a detailed breakdown and explanation of the current solar installation incentives available in Queensland.

 

Residential Solar Incentives

The Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme

The Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme is a nationwide program delivered by the Federal Government that incentivises individuals, families, and small business to install small-scale renewable energy systems like household solar.

Small-Scale Technology Certificates

The rebate is provided through Small-Scale Technology Certificates [STCs] which work like currency and represent the amount of power your solar system is expected to generate until 2030.  The size, location, and expected renewable energy production of your system, affect the amount of STCs applicable to your system.

The total value of STCs is the amount received as a rebate, can be subtracted from the installation cost.  Generally, your solar retailer or installer will normally apply for the STCs and sell them on your behalf.

A 6.6kW system typically acquires 63 STCs, incurring a rebate value of $2,489.  Whereas a 10kW system will typically acquire 96 STCs and a rebate value of $3,792.

Eligibility

Anyone installing new solar panels, upgrading their solar system, replacing solar panels, and installing solar how water pumps can claim the rebate.

To ensure your solar system qualifies:

• Use Clean Energy Council [CEC] approved parts;
• Choose a CEC accredited installer like Solar Install Co;
• Keep your system under 100kW, with a maximum annual production of 250MWh.

 

Solar Feed-In Tariffs

A solar feed-in tariff is a payment that can be claimed for every kWh of power that your solar system produces that goes unused when the excess electricity is exported to the grid.  They are then paid as credit on electricity bills.

The feed-in tariff is set by your electricity retailer, and retailers offer competitive rates, generally ranging from 8 cents to 12 cents per kWh.  However, Regional Queenslanders can access a fixed feed-in tariff rate, which for 2023-24 is locked at 13.4 cents per kWh.

Eligibility

To be eligible, your solar system must be grid-connected and installed at your home.  If multiple solar systems are installed, only one per household is eligible to receive the tariff.

It is important to register with your electricity retailer and provide the details of your system, including size and capacity [maximum of 30kW].

 

Cheaper Power Bill

From July 1, the Cheaper Power Bill is delivered through an automatic $1,000 upfront cost-of-living credit to electricity bills for all households in 2024-25 from the Queensland Government, with an additional $300 energy bill credit from the Federal Government.

Vulnerable households will receive $1,672.

Eligibility

Residential customers must have an electricity account with their electricity retailer on July 1, and be separately metered and charged for their own electricity consumption.

 

Commercial Solar Incentives

Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation Rebates

This scheme provides rebates to eligible small and medium-sized Queensland registered businesses to install energy-efficient equipment that reduces the energy consumption and lowers the energy bills of the business.  It offers a rebate of up to $12,500 or 50% of the purchase and installation costs of eligible equipment, however a minimum of $8,000 must be spent.

To claim the rebate, businesses must demonstrate that the eligible equipment will lead to savings on the energy use and bills of the business, as well as contribute to the Queensland Government’s carbon reduction targets.

Eligibility

The program is available to small to medium-sized businesses with 2 to 199 full-time employees and meet the requirements of an eligible business.

Examples of eligible equipment includes:

• Solar hot water system [in replacement of an electric system];
• Energy efficient appliances [4-star energy rating or higher];
• LED lighting;
• Commercial refrigerator or freezer;
• Motion sensor, light-level sensor, or timer for lighting appliance.

See the full list of eligible equipment here.

 

Electricity Bill Relief Fund

From July 1, the Queensland Government is providing an estimated 205,000 eligible small businesses with an automatic $325 lump-sum credit to electricity bills in 2024-25 on a quarterly basis, with an additional $325 under the Energy Bill Relief Fund extension, bringing total relief to $650.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this relief, small businesses must meet the Queensland definition of electricity ‘small customer], as determined by their annual electricity consumption threshold.  In Queensland that is 100MWh.

Small business tenants who get their electricity through a privately-owned and embedded network, and are billed by their landlord, property manager/operator or other entity are also eligible for both rebates.

 

Queensland Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme

This scheme provides eligible Queensland registered businesses with rebates of up to $3,000 for eligible, new light commercial zero emission vehicles [ZEV] purchased after April 21, 2023.  A ZEV is a full battery electric vehicle model.

The scheme is limited to five rebates per business per financial year.

Eligibility

$3,000 rebate:

• Purchased a new eligible ZEV up to a dutiable value of $68,000 after April 21, 2023;
• Purchased a new eligible ZEV up to the original dutiable value of $58,000 between March 16, 2022 and April 20, 2023.

ZEV Vehicles:

• Must be purchased in Queensland from a licensed motor vehicle dealer;
• Cannot be a second-hand vehicle;
• Cannot be hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
• Must be a light passenger or light commercial ZEV model only;
• Be registered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

 

If your business is considered a government entity or a fleet management organisation, you are ineligible for a ZEV rebate.

Despite the many government incentives that are available for Queensland businesses, choosing to install a solar system and generate renewable has benefits of its own, like reduced energy costs, reduced environmental footprint, and potential marketing advantages.

At Solar Install Co, we understand that solar is not for everyone, and like any business investment, is an important decision.  That’s why we can provide you with an on-site visit and tailored advice on choosing the solar system that is the right fit for your business, and consider factors like your businesses electricity use, electricity bills, and available incentives.

If you’re considering installing a solar system for your business or home, our website is a great place to start.  Click here for more information about our commercial solar solutions, here for our residential solutions, and here to get in touch.