The Supercharged Solar for Renters QLD program is a Queensland Government initiative designed to overcome the “split incentive” barrier that often prevents rental properties from getting solar power.
Launched on 12 December 2025, this scheme offers QLD landlords a solar rebate of up to $3,500 to install a solar system. The goal is simple: landlords get financial help to improve their assets, and tenants get reduced electricity bills during a cost-of-living crisis.
There is one critical rule to follow before you start: You must apply for and receive a conditional approval letter before purchasing or installing the system. If you install the panels before getting this letter, you will not be paid.
Key details at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
| Maximum Rebate | $3,500 (for systems 5kW+) |
| Rent Cap | Property must rent for $1,000 or less per week |
| Lease Requirement | Must have at least 8 months remaining on the lease after install |
| Property Type | House, townhouse, or duplex (Class 1a) |
| Application | Two stages: Conditional Approval → Final Application |
| Program Target | Approx. 6,500 households |
Table of contents
What is the Supercharged Solar for Renters program?
This program provides a financial rebate to landlords who install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on eligible rental properties. It is administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
While the landlord receives the rebate to offset installation costs, the tenant receives the ongoing benefit of lower electricity bills. To ensure this balance is fair, the program includes strict rules preventing rent increases immediately following the installation.
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Eligibility criteria
Eligibility is strict. You must meet the eligibility criteria for the landlord, the property, and the tenant agreement.
1. Property eligibility
To qualify, the rental property must be:
- Located in Queensland.
- A Class 1a building (a standalone house, townhouse, duplex, or secondary dwelling/granny flat).
- Individually metered (must have its own electricity meter).
- Currently rented out with a valid tenancy agreement.
- Rented for $1,000 per week or less.
Ineligible properties:
- Properties that already have a solar system (even if it is broken).
- Properties within an embedded network (common in large apartment complexes).
- Properties where the landlord also lives (e.g., renting out a room).
2. Landlord eligibility
The applicant must:
- Own the rental property.
- Live in Australia.
- Not live in the rental property themselves.
- Apply for a maximum of 3 properties per landlord.
3. Tenant consent
You cannot proceed without the tenant’s permission. Landlords must obtain a signed Tenant Acknowledgement and Consent Form. This form confirms the tenant agrees to the installation and understands the process.
Common eligibility “gotchas”
- Existing Solar: If there are old panels on the roof, you cannot claim this rebate to upgrade them.
- Rent Increases: You cannot increase the rent immediately after installation.
- Lease Length: The fixed-term lease must have at least 8 months remaining from the date the system is installed.
Rebate amounts
The rebate is tiered based on the “system capacity.” Capacity is calculated based on the inverter size or the total panel capacity—whichever is lower.
| Solar PV System Capacity | Rebate Amount |
| 3kW to less than 4kW | $2,500 |
| 4kW to less than 5kW | $3,000 |
| 5kW or more | $3,500 |
Note: Most standard residential installations in 2025 are 6.6kW of panels with a 5kW inverter, which would qualify for the maximum $3,500 rebate.
How to apply: The 2-stage process
The application process is managed by QRIDA. Do not skip steps.
Stage 1: Conditional Approval (Before you buy)
- Get Quotes: Start by requesting quotes through Solar Choice — we work with New Energy Tech (NET) Approved Sellers who use Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved panels and inverters. This ensures your quote meets the Supercharged Solar for Renters eligibility requirements before you apply for conditional approval.
- Get Tenant Consent: Discuss the plan with your tenant and have them sign the official consent form.
- Apply for Conditional Approval: Submit your application via the QRIDA portal.
- Wait for the Letter: You will receive a conditional approval letter. Do not install the system until you have this letter.
Stage 2: Installation and Final Payment
- Update the Lease: You may need to add a special term to the tenancy agreement regarding the solar installation. Ensure the lease has 8 months remaining with no rent increase.
- Install & Pay: Have the solar system installed by a qualified person (SAA accredited) and pay the invoice in full.
- Submit Final Application: Log back into the portal to provide proof of payment and installation to claim your cash back.
After installation: How tenants save money
The QLD tenant solar rebate is designed so tenants see a “cost of living benefit.”
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours. If the tenant uses appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, AC) while the sun is shining, the home uses free solar power instead of buying expensive grid electricity.
Billing Scenarios:
- Scenario A: Tenant has the electricity account (Standard) The tenant continues to pay the electricity bill. They see immediate savings by using solar power during the day. Any excess solar sent to the grid earns a feed-in tariff, which appears as a credit on their bill.
- Scenario B: Landlord has the electricity account This is less common for individually metered homes. If the landlord pays the bill, they must ensure the benefit is passed on to the tenant (e.g., through reduced payments), though the program guidelines strongly emphasize the direct benefit to the tenant via their own electricity account.
Example: If a tenant shifts their laundry and pool pump schedule to run at 11:00 AM instead of 7:00 PM, they might save $500–$700+ per year, depending on the system size and usage.
Technical requirements
To ensure safety and quality, the Queensland Government enforces strict technical standards for this rebate.
- Approved Seller: You must buy from a New Energy Tech (NET) Approved Seller.
- Approved Products: Panels and inverters must be on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved lists.
- Accredited Installer: The designer and installer must be accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA).
- Generation Signalling Device (GSD): The system must include a GSD. This device allows the network operator to manage energy flow during emergencies to keep the grid stable.
Common reasons for application knock-backs
Avoid these mistakes to ensure your rebate is approved:
- Installing too early: Purchasing the system before receiving the QRIDA conditional approval letter.
- Wrong building type: Applying for a unit block that is Class 2 (apartments) instead of Class 1a.
- Rent too high: The property is rented for more than $1,000 per week.
- Short lease: The lease expires in less than 8 months after the installation date.
- Rent increase: Attempting to raise the rent immediately to cover the “gap” cost of the solar system.
- Non-approved retailer: Buying from a solar company that is not a NET Approved Seller.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not immediately. You must maintain the current rent for the duration of the fixed-term lease, which must have at least 8 months remaining after installation. Future rent adjustments at lease renewal follow standard tenancy laws.
No. The rebate covers up to $3,500. A quality 6.6kW system may cost between $4,000 and $6,000+ depending on components. The landlord pays the difference. Check current solar panel system prices to budget accordingly.
The solar system remains with the property. It becomes a feature you can market to future tenants (“home with solar/reduced bills”), potentially making your property more attractive.
No, a battery is not required for the rebate. However, you can install one if you choose. See our solar battery price guide for costs.
Official links and tools
- Program Overview: QLD Gov Housing Hub
- Full Eligibility Rules: Applicant Guidelines (PDF)
- Tenant Consent Form: Download PDF
- Find a Seller: New Energy Tech Approved Seller Search
Related Solar Choice guides
- Solar Panels: The Ultimate Guide
- Best Feed-in Tariffs in QLD
- Understanding the STC “Rebate” Scheme
- Other Solar Rebates by State
About Solar Choice: Solar Choice is Australia’s leading independent solar energy comparison service. Since 2008, we have helped over 250,000 households make informed decisions. This guide was compiled by reviewing official Queensland Government documentation released in December 2025. Program details are subject to change; always verify with the official QRIDA guidelines before applying
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