References in advertising published by Rebate Checker to the government “covering the cost”, “covering installation costs”, “covering the cost to install solar” or “covering the cost to install solar batteries” refer to the potential financial benefit of applicable Australian Government and State or Territory solar and battery incentive schemes.

These incentives may include support under the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), through small-scale technology certificates (STCs), and other applicable government rebates, subsidies or incentive programmes. STCs form part of the SRES and are not a separate additional rebate on top of the same SRES benefit. Multiple incentives may only be combined where the relevant scheme rules permit.

The total cost of purchasing and installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) or battery storage system may include multiple components, including solar panels, battery units, inverters, mounting equipment, electrical components, installation labour, electrical works, commissioning, compliance certification and associated services.

Government incentives generally operate by reducing the overall cost payable by an eligible customer. Depending on the applicable scheme, incentives may be applied as a discount, rebate or financial contribution against the total supplied and installed system price. For example, an eligible system owner may assign the right to create STCs to a registered agent in exchange for an upfront discount.

Where the financial value of applicable incentives equals or exceeds the genuine, separately calculated and documented cost of installation labour and associated services, those incentives may effectively offset an amount equivalent to those installation costs. Any such comparison depends on the actual incentive value and cost breakdown for the relevant system and installation.

This does not mean that the government necessarily pays the installer directly, separately funds installation labour, or guarantees that installation services are provided free of charge. An incentive that offsets an amount equivalent to installation costs does not eliminate the remaining cost of purchasing and installing the system.

The availability and value of incentives depend on applicable scheme rules and may vary according to system capacity, technology, installation location, eligibility requirements, certificate values, installation dates and other relevant factors.

Customers may still be required to make a financial contribution towards the purchase and installation of their solar or battery system.

Any reference to government incentives covering installation costs should not be interpreted as a guarantee of free installation, a fully government-funded system, or the elimination of all customer expenses.

Rebate Checker is an independent lead generation and marketing service and is not a government agency. Rebate Checker does not administer government incentive programmes, determine eligibility on behalf of a government authority, or provide government funding directly.

Applicable incentive amounts and eligibility are subject to verification under the relevant scheme rules by the appropriate installer, retailer, registered agent or scheme administrator. Final customer pricing must be confirmed by the relevant retailer or installer.

Before entering into an agreement, customers should review the provider’s written quotation, including the total system price, any incentives or discounts applied, the remaining amount payable and any additional charges or conditions.

Government incentive programmes, eligibility criteria and financial benefits are subject to change. Relevant scheme terms and conditions apply.