Victorian solar rebates & STCs in 2026.
Everything Victorian homeowners need to know about solar rebates, Small-scale Technology Certificates, feed-in tariffs and how to maximise your savings in 2026.
Victorian homeowners can stack two solar incentives in 2026: the Solar Victoria rebate (a point-of-sale discount for eligible owner-occupiers, plus an optional interest-free loan repaid over four years) and federal STCs, currently worth roughly $40 each before the scheme steps down toward 2030.
Reviewed by the Mission Green Energy Team · Updated July 2026
Two incentives,
one big saving.
Victorian households can access both a state rebate through Solar Victoria and a federal incentive through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Combined, these incentives can reduce the upfront cost of a solar system by thousands of dollars.
Solar Victoria Rebate
A state government point-of-sale discount of up to $1,400 applied directly to your solar installation, available to eligible Victorian owner-occupiers. The rebate amount is reviewed annually by Solar Victoria (current as at July 2026).
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
A federal incentive that provides a financial benefit based on the amount of renewable energy your system is expected to generate over its lifetime. STCs are created at the point of installation and typically assigned to your installer in exchange for a discount.
What is the Solar Victoria
rebate?
The Solar Victoria rebate is one of the most generous state-level solar incentives in Australia. Here is what you need to know about eligibility and the application process. Last reviewed July 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be the owner-occupier of the property, have a combined household income of $150,000 or less per year (threshold from 1 July 2026), have a property valued under $3 million, and not have previously received a Solar Victoria solar panel rebate at the property.
Approved Retailers Only
The installation must be completed by a Solar Victoria approved retailer. Mission Green is an approved retailer, meaning we can apply the rebate directly to your quote as a point-of-sale discount.
Interest-Free Loan
In addition to the rebate, eligible households can also access an interest-free loan of up to $1,400 through Solar Victoria to further reduce the upfront cost. The loan is repaid in monthly instalments over four years.
How do STCs
work?
Small-scale Technology Certificates are the federal government's way of incentivising renewable energy adoption. The number of STCs your system generates depends on its size, location and the remaining years until 2031.
Melbourne's STC Zone Rating
STC Scheme End Date
Approximate STC Value Each
The number of STCs you receive is calculated using a formula that considers your system size in kilowatts, the solar zone rating for your postcode, and the number of years remaining in the scheme. As we approach 2031, the number of STCs generated per system decreases each year, which means the financial benefit reduces over time.
In practice, most installers (including Mission Green) handle the STC process for you. We assign the STCs on your behalf and apply the value as an upfront discount on your installation quote. You do not need to trade STCs yourself.
How do feed-in tariffs
work in Victoria?
Once your solar system is installed, you earn credits for excess energy exported back to the grid. The Victorian government sets a minimum feed-in tariff rate each year.
Single Rate Feed-in Tariff
A flat rate paid for every kilowatt-hour you export to the grid, regardless of the time of day. This is the simplest option and is available from all Victorian electricity retailers. The minimum rate is set annually by the Essential Services Commission.
Time-Varying Feed-in Tariff
Some retailers offer higher rates during peak demand periods and lower rates at off-peak times. If your system exports more energy during afternoon and evening peaks, a time-varying tariff may increase your total credits compared to a flat rate.
Am I
eligible?
Use this checklist to determine if you qualify for the Solar Victoria rebate. STCs are available to all Australian households regardless of income.
Owner-Occupier
You must own the property and live in it as your primary residence. Investment properties and rental properties are not eligible for the Solar Victoria rebate.
Income Threshold
Your combined household income must be $150,000 or less per year — the threshold set by Solar Victoria from 1 July 2026. This is assessed based on the previous financial year's taxable income.
Property Value
The property must have a current value under $3 million. This cap is reviewed each year by Solar Victoria and has been gradually increasing.
No Previous Rebate
The property must not have previously received a Solar Victoria solar panel rebate. Victoria no longer offers a state battery rebate or loan — but the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (~30% off via STCs) is available even if the property already received the Victorian solar rebate.
Approved Installer
The installation must be completed by a SAA-accredited installer working with a Solar Victoria approved retailer. Mission Green meets both requirements.
System Requirements
The solar system must meet Solar Victoria's technical requirements, including minimum quality standards for panels and inverters. All systems installed by Mission Green exceed these standards.
How does Mission Green
make it easy?
We handle the entire rebate and STC process so you can focus on enjoying lower energy bills.
Free Assessment
Book a free energy assessment with Mission Green. We review your energy usage, roof suitability and eligibility for all available rebates and incentives.
Rebate Application
We handle your Solar Victoria rebate application, STC assignment and any interest-free loan paperwork. The rebate is applied as a point-of-sale discount on your quote.
Installation & Support
Our SAA-accredited installers complete the installation, handle grid connection and ensure all documentation is submitted. You receive ongoing monitoring and support.