There are three layers of support that can knock thousands off a typical home solar-and-battery system. Most households qualify for at least two. Here's how each one works in plain English.
1Federal STC rebate (the big one)
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) gives every eligible solar install a number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Your installer claims them and applies the value as an upfront discount — you never see paperwork.
How much?
It scales with system size and location. As a rough guide in Melbourne in 2026:
| System size | Indicative STC discount |
|---|---|
| 6.6 kW | ~$2,300 – $2,600 |
| 10 kW | ~$3,500 – $3,900 |
| 13.2 kW | ~$4,600 – $5,100 |
The STC value steps down a little each year until the scheme ends in 2030, so the discount is generally larger the sooner you install. STC market price also moves week to week.
2Victorian Solar Homes program
Run by Solar Victoria, this state program supports owner-occupiers with rebates and interest-free loans on top of the federal STCs.
Solar panel (PV) support
- A rebate toward panel systems for eligible households, often paired with an optional interest-free loan for the remaining amount.
- Applied after you accept a quote from an authorised retailer like GreenCore.
Typical eligibility
- You own and live in the home (rental and new-build streams also exist).
- Combined household taxable income under the program threshold.
- Property value under the program cap.
- You haven't already claimed a solar PV rebate at this address.
Exact rebate amounts, income and property caps are reviewed by the Victorian Government periodically. We confirm the current figures and your eligibility for free before you commit.
3Battery incentives
Batteries became dramatically cheaper from 2025 thanks to the federal Cheaper Home Batteries program, which extends STC-style certificates to battery storage — typically around a 30% discount on installed battery cost.
- Federal battery discount — applied upfront, like solar STCs.
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries discount — roughly 30% off eligible battery systems, applied upfront on your invoice. (Victoria's separate interest-free battery loan closed to new applications in 2025.)
Stacked with solar, a battery can take a typical Melbourne home close to 100% bill offset — using stored daytime sun through the evening peak.
How to stack them
For most Melbourne homes the order looks like this:
- RRP of the solar (and battery) system
- − Federal STC discount on the solar
- − Federal battery discount (if adding a battery)
- − Victorian Solar Homes rebate / interest-free loan (if eligible)
- = Your out-of-pocket price
A well-sized 6.6 kW system commonly nets out around $5,000–$7,000 after federal support, with Victorian support reducing it further for eligible households.
Quick eligibility checklist
- You own and live in a Victorian home
- Your roof gets reasonable sun (we check shading & orientation free)
- Your system is installed by an SAA-accredited installer using CEC-approved products (that's us)
- You haven't already claimed the same rebate at the address
- You meet the current income & property-value thresholds
Tick three or more? You're very likely eligible for meaningful savings.
5 tips to maximise your rebate
- Size for your evening usage, not just your bill — a slightly bigger system plus a battery usually pays back fastest.
- Install sooner — federal certificate values trend down each year.
- Use Tier-1 panels & CEC-approved batteries — required for rebates and for long warranties.
- Get the paperwork right — a good retailer handles STCs and Solar Victoria for you.
- Compare net price, not headline discounts — the real number is what you pay after everything is stacked.
Want your exact numbers?
We'll confirm every rebate you qualify for and give you a fixed, itemised price — free, with no obligation.
Book my free assessment →This guide is general information prepared for Victorian homeowners and is current to the best of our knowledge for 2026. Rebate amounts, eligibility criteria and scheme rules are set by the Australian and Victorian Governments and change over time. It is not financial advice. GreenCore Energy Solutions will confirm the rebates and exact figures that apply to your property at your free assessment.