How solar and battery rebates work in WA

The short version

Most homes in WA can get help from two places: the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (which includes the Cheaper Home Batteries Program for batteries) and, for eligible households, the WA Residential Battery Scheme. Both are normally applied as a discount on your quote rather than paid to you later. Current figures and official sources are on our rebates by state page.

Federal: STCs for solar

An eligible solar system creates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The number depends on the system size, where you live, and the year of installation, as the scheme steps down each year until it ends in 2030. The installer usually takes the STCs and gives you their value as a discount. The Clean Energy Regulator runs the scheme.

Federal: Cheaper Home Batteries Program

Since 1 July 2025, eligible batteries also create STCs. The battery must be on the Clean Energy Council approved list, be VPP-capable if grid-connected, and be installed by an SAA-accredited installer with battery endorsement. The value depends on usable capacity, with less support per kWh on larger batteries, and it reduces every six months.

WA Residential Battery Scheme

The WA Government offers a rebate to eligible Synergy and Horizon Power customers who install an eligible battery through a participating vendor, and some households can also apply for an interest-free loan. Eligibility conditions apply, including connection to a VPP in some cases. Check the current amounts and rules on our rebates page, which links to the official sources.

How it shows on your quote

• The quote should show the price before incentives, each incentive, and the amount you pay.
• Incentive values can change between quote and installation, for example when a step-down date passes. A good quote explains this.
• You may need to provide documents such as a recent bill or proof of ownership.

Feed-in credits in WA

Synergy customers with eligible systems are paid for exported energy under the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), with rates that vary by time of day. Horizon Power has its own arrangements. Check the current rates with your retailer.

Common misunderstandings

• "Free solar" or "free battery" offers still involve a cost somewhere. Read the contract.
• Rebates are not guaranteed until eligibility is confirmed and the paperwork is lodged.
• Waiting for a bigger rebate rarely works: the federal support steps down over time.