The federal rebates (they apply in South Australia too)
Whatever South Australia offers sits on top of two national rebates that every Australian home gets.
Solar panels — the STC discount. The federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme knocks money off your panels through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Your installer claims them and applies the value as an upfront discount, so you never touch a certificate. It shrinks a little every January and ends in 2030.
Batteries — the Cheaper Home Batteries Program (BSTCs). Since July 2025 a second federal rebate takes roughly 30% off an installed battery, run through the same certificate system. From 1 May 2026 it’s tiered by size: the first 14 kWh of usable capacity earns the full rate, 14–28 kWh earns 60%, and 28–50 kWh earns 15%. It steps down every six months from 2027 and ends in 2030. On-grid batteries must be on the approved list and VPP-capable.
What South Australia adds on top
REPS virtual power plant incentive. South Australia’s Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme pays a cashback — commonly up to around $2,000, depending on battery size — for connecting an eligible battery to an approved virtual power plant. It isn’t means-tested, the payment maxes out at around 28 kWh of capacity, and it stacks on top of the federal battery rebate.
City of Adelaide scheme. If you live within the City of Adelaide council area, a separate council Sustainability Incentives scheme offers discounts toward solar, batteries and EV charging for eligible residents. Funding resets each financial year, so check whether the current round is open.
Feed-in tariff
South Australia sets no minimum feed-in tariff, so the rate is retailer-set; a small number of legacy customers keep an old premium rate until 2028. Compare current retailer offers.
Bottom line
For most South Australians the play is the two federal rebates, plus the REPS cashback if you add a battery and join a virtual power plant. Residents inside the City of Adelaide have an extra council option worth checking.
