Commercial solar rebates, and what each state actually adds

There is one federal mechanism that applies almost everywhere: Small-scale Technology Certificates, which come off the installed price rather than arriving as a payment. Most states add nothing on top for commercial solar specifically. Where a state does have something it is usually aimed at storage or demand reduction rather than at panels, which is why this page is organised by what actually exists rather than by state.

Neither, strictly. The system creates certificates based on its size, location and the years left in the deeming period, and the installer normally claims them and applies the value as a discount on your invoice. You see a lower price rather than a cheque. It means the 'rebate' is already inside the number you are quoted, so ask whether a quoted price is before or after it.

Source: Clean Energy Regulator: small-scale technology certificates (opens in a new tab)

It depends on the install date. Installed before 1 October 2026, a system above 100 kW falls outside the small-scale scheme; it can be accredited as a power station and create large-scale generation certificates over time instead of an upfront discount. Installed from 1 October 2026, an eligible system from 100 kW to 1 MW has a choice: create STCs, with a fixed 5-year deeming period, or create REGO certificates under the Renewable Electricity Guarantee of Origin instead. Choosing STCs means no REGO certificates for that deeming period. The Clean Energy Regulator expects applications for these STCs to open in mid to late November 2026.

Sources: Clean Energy Regulator: mid-scale solar (opens in a new tab); Clean Energy Regulator: small-scale and large-scale solar systems (opens in a new tab)

A solar system is a depreciating asset, so a business usually deducts its cost over time rather than all at once. The instant asset write-off is the exception, and it's narrow. From 1 July 2026 the $20,000 threshold is permanent. It's for small businesses with an aggregated turnover under $10 million that use the simplified depreciation rules, and it only covers eligible assets that each cost less than $20,000 and are first used or installed ready for use in that income year. Most commercial solar systems cost well over $20,000, so most won't qualify. An eligible small business can put an asset costing $20,000 or more into the small business pool instead, which depreciates it at 15% in the first year and 30% a year after that. Your accountant or a registered tax agent can tell you how this applies to your business.

Sources: ATO: instant asset write-off for eligible businesses (opens in a new tab); ATO: $20,000 instant asset write-off made permanent (opens in a new tab)