Western Australia solar rebates can cut the upfront cost of solar panels and batteries. In 2026, most savings come from the federal STC solar rebate, plus WA’s battery rebate and no-interest loan for eligible homes.
This guide provides a clear overview of the available solar rebates and incentives in WA, helping you make informed decisions about going solar.
Available Solar Rebates & Incentives in 2026
| Program | Type | What it does | Typical value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES / STCs) | Federal solar rebate | Reduces your solar cost upfront using STCs (your installer usually applies it) | Varies by system size and location; reduces each year until 2030 (Clean Energy Regulator) |
| WA Residential Battery Scheme | State battery rebate + loan | Adds a WA battery discount and (for some households) a no-interest loan | $1,300 (Synergy) or $3,800 (Horizon Power) rebate + up to $10,000 loan (eligible households) (Western Australian Government) |
| Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) | Feed-in tariff | Pays you for exporting solar (or battery) energy to the grid | 10c/kWh peak (3pm–9pm); 2c/kWh other times for Synergy customers (Synergy) |
| Switch Your Thinking | Local council discounts | Discounts from local businesses for eligible council areas | Varies (often a few hundred dollars) (energy.gov.au) |
Helpful Solar Choice guides:
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WA Residential Battery Scheme (rebate + no-interest loan)
WA now has a state battery rebate that reduces the cost of installing a home battery. The rebate amount depends on your electricity provider area.
Battery rebate amounts (WA)
| Customer type | WA battery rebate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Synergy customers (metro + south-west interconnected system) | Up to $1,300 | Available under the WA Residential Battery Scheme |
| Horizon Power customers (many regional areas) | Up to $3,800 | Available under the WA Residential Battery Scheme |
No-interest loan (some households)
Some low and middle-income households can access up to $10,000 as a no-interest loan, typically to help pay for a battery or solar + battery package.
Important (don’t skip this)
- The scheme is linked to joining or being “ready” to join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) in many cases, so battery eligibility rules matter.
- WA also talks about combined savings when WA support is stacked with federal support, which can lift the total discount on a typical battery install.
- Federal battery support rules are changing again from 1 May 2026 (this affects how STCs for batteries are calculated).
Federal solar rebate (SRES / STCs) in WA
The main solar rebate in WA is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). When you install an eligible solar system, it can create Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which reduce your upfront cost. Most people get the discount through their installer at the time of purchase.
Why the rebate changes each year
The SRES is designed to reduce over time. STCs are calculated based on expected generation until the scheme ends in 2030, so the “deeming period” gets shorter each year.
How much are STCs worth?
STCs are traded. The STC clearing house price is capped at $40 (ex GST), while open market prices can move around.
For a precise estimate, use the Clean Energy Regulator calculator (or ask your installer for a written STC breakdown).
Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) in WA
DEBS is WA’s main solar export payment scheme (often called a feed-in tariff). It pays you a credit on your electricity bill when you export energy to the grid.
DEBS rates (Synergy customers)
Synergy’s published DEBS rates (from 1 July 2025) are:
| Time | Example rate |
|---|---|
| Peak (3pm–9pm) | 10c/kWh |
| All other times | 2c/kWh |
Why this matters
- Peak export pays more, so batteries can help by storing solar during the day and exporting later (if your system is set up to export).
- Rates are reviewed periodically, so always check the latest rates with your retailer.
Synergy DEBS info:
(For Horizon Power areas, buyback can vary by town and plan—check Horizon Power’s DEBS info.)
Switch Your Thinking (local council discounts)
Switch Your Thinking is a local government program that offers discounts on sustainable products and services in participating WA councils.
Discounts change often, but examples include solar and solar + battery package discounts via participating partners.
Learn more:
Example cost of a 6.6kW solar system in Perth (2026)
Solar prices vary by installer, roof type, and equipment quality. As a simple guide, Solar Choice pricing shows a 6.6kW system in 2026 is often around $5,000–$6,000 after rebates in many parts of Australia.
Here’s an example (illustrative only):
| Metric | Example |
|---|---|
| Typical 6.6kW system price (after STCs) | $5,000–$6,000 |
| What drives the price | Panel/inverter quality, roof complexity, switchboard work |
| Payback | Often a few years, depending on usage and tariffs |
To sanity-check payback for your household see the solar choice payback calculator
Are solar panels worth it in Western Australia?
For many WA homes, solar can be worth it because:
- WA has strong sunshine and good solar output (more kWh per kW installed).
- The federal STC discount reduces upfront cost.
- DEBS can pay something for exports, but the best savings usually come from using your solar in the home (daytime self-consumption).
If you’re comparing systems:
Frequently asked questions (WA solar rebates)
Does WA have a solar panel rebate?
WA doesn’t usually offer a state rebate for solar panels. The main discount is the federal STC rebate (SRES).
What is the WA battery rebate?
WA offers a battery rebate under the WA Residential Battery Scheme: up to $1,300 (Synergy) or up to $3,800 (Horizon Power), plus no-interest loans up to $10,000 for eligible households.
What is the DEBS feed-in tariff in WA?
For Synergy customers, published rates are 10c/kWh (3pm–9pm) and 2c/kWh (all other times) (reviewed over time).
Can I join DEBS with an existing solar system?
Often, yes. Eligibility depends on your network and system type. Horizon Power notes small renewable systems (like solar) up to 5kW are eligible for DEBS, with special notes for exporting from batteries/EVs.
How much do solar panels cost in WA in 2026?
A common reference point is a 6.6kW system costing around $5,000–$6,000 after rebates (varies by equipment and install conditions).
Compare quotes from up to 7 installers in your area now.
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