What it is: The SRES provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for eligible solar PV systems and solar hot water systems, reducing upfront costs. The number of STCs depends on system size, location, and the remaining deeming period (until 2030).
Value: For a 6.6 kW solar system in Bundaberg (STC Zone 3), expect a rebate of approximately $2,000–$2,500 in 2025, based on STC prices of $38–$40 per certificate. The rebate decreases annually, so installing sooner maximizes savings.
Eligibility:
- System size under 100 kW.
- Installed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC)-accredited installer using CEC-approved components.
- STCs must be created within 12 months of installation.
How it helps you: The STC discount lowers the cost of solar panels, making it more affordable to pair with batteries, which store excess energy to eliminate reliance on Ergon’s grid and reduce power bills to near zero.

What it is: Starting 1 July 2025, this program offers a ~30% discount on eligible small-scale battery installations (up to 50 kWh for small businesses/community facilities) through the SRES framework.
Value: For a typical 11.5 kWh battery, expect ~$4,000 off the upfront cost, applied at purchase via accredited installers.
Eligibility:
- Batteries must be CEC-approved and have Virtual Power Plant (VPP) capability.
- Installed by a CEC-accredited installer after 1 July 2025.
How it helps you: This subsidy makes batteries more affordable, enabling you to store solar energy for nighttime use or outages, drastically cutting bills by avoiding Ergon’s low feed-in tariffs (4–12 c/kWh). Storing energy maximizes self-consumption, effectively eliminating reliance on grid power.

What it is: Credits for excess solar energy exported to the grid. In South-East QLD (Energex network, including Bundaberg), FiTs are retailer-dependent, ranging from 5–18 c/kWh in 2025. For regional QLD (Ergon network), the regulated FiT is 12.377 c/kWh (2024–25), potentially dropping to 8.69 c/kWh in 2025–26.
Why batteries are better: With FiTs declining, exporting excess energy to Ergon yields low returns (e.g., 8–18 cents per kWh). Batteries allow you to store and use solar energy, avoiding high grid electricity rates (often 25–35 c/kWh), which can reduce bills by up to 70%.
How it helps you: By installing batteries, you can prioritize self-consumption over exporting to Ergon, ensuring you use your own free solar energy, effectively eliminating your power bill.

What it is: A Queensland Government initiative offering landlords up to $3,500 to install solar PV systems on rental properties, benefiting tenants with lower bills. About 6,500 renting households could save ~$700/year.
Eligibility: Open to landlords with existing tenancy agreements, using CEC-accredited installers.
How it helps you: With rental properties, you can save combining this rebate with battery incentives to maximize tenant savings. Batteries ensure tenants store solar energy, reducing grid reliance and bills.

What it is: Some lenders offer low- or no-interest loans for solar and battery installations, though Queensland’s Battery Booster Program (up to $4,000 rebates) and state loan schemes have closed. Private lenders or retailers may still provide bundled solar+battery loan deals.
Value: Previously, loans up to $6,000 for batteries were available, repayable over 7–10 years. Check with local providers for current options.
How it helps you: Loans reduce upfront costs, making it easier for you to afford batteries, which store solar energy to eliminate grid dependence and power bills.

Maximize Self-Consumption: Instead of exporting excess solar energy to Ergon for low FiT credits (e.g., 8–18 c/kWh), batteries store it for use during peak evening hours or outages. This avoids high grid rates, potentially saving 70% on bills (e.g., reducing a $1,500–$2,000 annual bill to ~$450–$600).
Energy Independence: Batteries provide backup during blackouts, common in areas like Bundaberg during cyclone season, ensuring clients avoid grid costs entirely.
Long-Term Savings: Paired with STC rebates and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, batteries become cost-effective, with payback periods of 4–6 years for a 6.6 kW solar system + battery.

For the latest details on the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, visit https://www.energy.gov.au or https://www.qld.gov.au.

Call us Today for a Free no obligation quotation.