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Solar Rebates in Canberra 2026: SHS, STCs & Home Energy Support
06 Sep, 2024
Updated for September 2026: Canberra households have three separate ACT government programs to draw on for solar, batteries and home energy upgrades — plus the federal rebates everyone else gets. Here's exactly what's on offer, with current loan and rebate figures.
🏠 1. Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS)
The SHS is a low-interest loan, not a grant — up to $15,000 at 3% interest, repayable over up to 10 years, with no upfront costs or fees. It covers battery storage, electric heating and cooling, solar hot water, electric cooktops, EV chargers, and ceiling insulation. Since the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched in July 2025, batteries have taken off under this scheme: they now make up just over half of all SHS loan applications, up from around 10% previously. Concession card holders may qualify for a zero-interest version through the Home Energy Support Program below. Over 25,000 SHS loans have now settled ACT-wide, worth more than $276 million and saving Canberra households a combined $100 million on their bills since the scheme launched in 2021.
☀️ 2. Federal Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STCs)
Every ACT home installing solar also earns federal Small-scale Technology Certificates, which your installer discounts straight off your quote — typically worth around $1,600 off a 6.6kW system. This is the same scheme that applies Australia-wide, and it stacks with the SHS loan: use STCs to cut the upfront cost, then finance the rest through the SHS if needed.
🤝 3. Home Energy Support Program
This is the most generous per-dollar rebate available, but it's targeted: you'll need a Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card, or Health Care Card, plus you must own and occupy the home. It provides up to $5,000 total — 50% of costs (capped at $2,500) for rooftop solar, and another 50% (capped at $2,500 combined) for reverse-cycle heating/cooling, hot water heat pumps, solar hot water, electric cooktops or ceiling insulation. Property value limits apply: up to $750,000 (unimproved value) for a freestanding home, or $300,000 for a unit in a multi-storey block. A free online workshop is required before you apply.
📊 Quick Comparison
| Program | Type of Help | What It's Worth |
| Sustainable Household Scheme | 3% interest loan, any ACT household | Up to $15,000, 10-year term |
| Federal STCs (SRES) | Upfront discount, any Australian household | ~$1,600 off a 6.6kW system |
| Home Energy Support Program | Grant, concession card holders only | Up to $5,000 (50% of costs) |
Talk to Solar4Life About Your Options
Most Canberra households end up combining two of these: STCs to cut the upfront solar cost, then the SHS loan to finance a battery or heat pump without paying interest rates most banks would charge. Solar4Life is a Clean Energy Council Accredited Installer based in Mitchell, ACT — we'll model out exactly which combination of these three programs applies to your household and give you a quote that already reflects every discount you're eligible for. Call (02) 6182 2724, email info@solar4life.com.au, or request a free, no-obligation quote.
