Solar FAQs, Rebates & Export Limits

Australia offers a federal solar rebate under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STCs).

• Available nationwide (all states & territories).
• Applied upfront — your quote usually shows the "Net Price".
• Value depends on system size, location, and installation year.

Most homes save between $1,500 and $3,000+ upfront depending on the system size.

Yes, provided you use Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited panels, inverters, and installers.

❌ No federal battery rebate currently exists. The STC rebate typically applies only to the solar panel creation capacity, not storage.

✅ State exceptions: Some states (like VIC or QLD) occasionally run battery subsidy programs. Ask your local installer about current opportunities.

Export limits restrict how much unused solar energy you can send back to the electricity grid for a feed-in tariff.

❌ Rarely significantly.

Most of your solar savings come from self-consumption (using free solar power instead of buying expensive grid power). Feed-in tariffs are quite low (e.g., 5-8c/kWh), so losing a small amount of export doesn't hurt your ROI much.

Clipping occurs when your solar panels produce more power than your inverter (or export limit) can handle at that specific moment.

✅ No, it is normal and expected design.

It usually only happens for a short peak window on the sunniest days. Oversizing your panels ensures you generate MORE power early in the morning and late in the afternoon, which outweighs the tiny midday loss.

Often, yes. Installers may charge a small surcharge (e.g., $200-$500) because double-storey installations require additional safety equipment (scaffolding/harnesses).

Solar can be installed on almost all Australian roof types: Concrete/Terracotta Tiles, Metal (Colorbond), Tin, and Flat Roofs (using tilt frames).

A battery typically makes financial sense if:

• You use a lot of power at night.
• You have a very strict export limit.
• You need blackout protection.