# SolarAnswers

> Plain-English guides, free rebate and payback calculators, and up to three quotes from accredited local installers. Independent and free to use.

SolarAnswers does not sell or install equipment. Installers pay a fee for each quote request passed to them; no one pays to appear in guides.

## Key facts
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries discount: STC factor 6.8 for installs signed off May to Dec 2026, falling to 5.7 from 2027-01-01. Taper: first 14 kWh usable 100%, 14 to 28 kWh 60%, 28 to 50 kWh 15%. A 13.5 kWh battery earns 91 STCs, about $3,370 to $3,640.
- New South Wales: Federal discount, plus a NSW payment for joining a virtual power plant. Checked 2026-09-23.
- Victoria: Federal battery discount only, plus a separate rebate for solar panels. Checked 2026-09-23.
- Queensland: Federal battery discount only, since the Battery Booster closed. Checked 2026-09-23.
- South Australia: Federal battery discount only, the Home Battery Scheme has closed. Checked 2026-09-23.
- Western Australia: Federal discount, plus a WA rebate and interest-free loan if you join a VPP. Checked 2026-09-23.
- Tasmania: Federal battery discount only, the Energy Saver Loan Scheme has closed. Checked 2026-09-23.
- Australian Capital Territory: Federal discount, plus low-interest ACT loans and rebates for concession holders. Checked 2026-09-23.
- Northern Territory: Federal battery discount only, the NT battery grant has run out of funding. Checked 2026-09-23.

## Rebates by state
- [All rebates](https://solaranswers.com.au/rebates)
- [New South Wales](https://solaranswers.com.au/rebates/nsw): NSW households get the federal battery discount and can add the NSW virtual power plant incentive. The old NSW upfront battery discount is no longer available.
- [Victoria](https://solaranswers.com.au/rebates/vic): Victoria has no state battery rebate now that Solar Victoria battery loans have closed. The federal discount applies, and a solar panel rebate of up to $1,400 is still open.
- [Queensland](https://solaranswers.com.au/rebates/qld): Queensland's Battery Booster has closed with no replacement, so the federal discount is the battery incentive. Landlords can get up to $3,500 for solar for renters.
- [South Australia](https://solaranswers.com.au/rebates/sa): South Australia's Home Battery Scheme has closed. The federal discount applies, and some retailers offer incentives for connecting a battery to a virtual power plant.
- [Western Australia](https://solaranswers.com.au/rebates/wa): WA adds a state battery rebate of up to $1,300 for Synergy customers or $3,800 for Horizon Power customers, plus no-interest loans. Joining a VPP is required.
- [Tasmania](https://solaranswers.com.au/rebates/tas): Tasmania's Energy Saver Loan Scheme closed on 1 September 2025. The federal battery discount applies, and Tasmania keeps a regulated minimum solar feed-in tariff.
- [Australian Capital Territory](https://solaranswers.com.au/rebates/act): The ACT adds 3% loans of $2,000 to $20,000 for batteries through the Sustainable Household Scheme, and rebates for concession card holders through Home Energy Support.
- [Northern Territory](https://solaranswers.com.au/rebates/nt): The NT Home and Business Battery Scheme has used its $6 million funding and closed to new grants. The federal battery discount applies across the Territory.

## Calculators
- [Federal battery rebate calculator](https://solaranswers.com.au/calculators/battery-rebate)
- [Solar payback calculator](https://solaranswers.com.au/calculators/solar-payback)

## Blog
- [All posts](https://solaranswers.com.au/blog) ([RSS](https://solaranswers.com.au/blog/rss.xml))
- [Battery complaints have more than doubled. What the ACCC found, and what to check before you buy](https://solaranswers.com.au/blog/accc-home-battery-complaints-report) (Your rights, 2026-09-23): The ACCC says many battery owners are paying less for power, but complaints are up 107%. We explain what it found, what it wants changed and what to check before you sign.
- [Regional Queensland's feed-in tariff is now 6.006c. What that means if you have, or want, solar](https://solaranswers.com.au/blog/regional-queensland-feed-in-tariff-cut) (Bills and tariffs, 2026-09-23): The regulated solar export rate in regional Queensland fell about 31% from 1 July 2026. We explain why it fell, who it covers and what it changes for your solar and battery plans.
- [The ACCC looked at door knockers, cold calls and quote websites. Here is what it found](https://solaranswers.com.au/blog/accc-lead-generation-review-2026) (Your rights, 2026-09-23): Pushy door-to-door and phone sales are widespread, and online quote forms often feed them. We explain what the ACCC found, what it wants changed and how to protect yourself now.
- [The battery rebate gets smaller on 1 January 2027. Here is what that means for your quote](https://solaranswers.com.au/blog/battery-rebate-drops-january-2027) (Rebates, 2026-09-23): The STC factor falls from 6.8 to 5.7, about $560 to $600 less off a 13.5 kWh battery. We walk through the maths, why the install date counts, and how not to get rushed.
- [The solar and battery consumer code can run to 2031. What it promises, and where it falls short](https://solaranswers.com.au/blog/new-energy-tech-consumer-code-reauthorised) (Industry, 2026-09-23): The ACCC has reauthorised the New Energy Tech Consumer Code with conditions. We explain what signatories promise, what is still missing and how to use it when picking an installer.
- [Three free hours of power a day: is the Solar Sharer Offer right for your home?](https://solaranswers.com.au/blog/solar-sharer-free-midday-power-explained) (Bills and tariffs, 2026-09-23): A new opt-in plan in NSW, south east Queensland and SA gives smart meter customers up to 24 kWh of free midday power. We explain how it works, the catch, and how to tell if it suits you.
- [Victoria's solar rebate now has a $150,000 income cap. Here is who can still apply](https://solaranswers.com.au/blog/victoria-solar-rebate-income-cap-150000) (Rebates, 2026-09-23): Solar Victoria's rebate of up to $1,400 is now for households earning under $150,000 combined, down from $210,000. We cover who still qualifies, and your options if you do not.
- [Why your battery installer has to photograph the labels, and how the regulator checks them](https://solaranswers.com.au/blog/cer-battery-photo-rules-and-suspensions) (Batteries, 2026-09-23): Since 1 March 2026, installers must photograph a battery's critical labels, and the regulator checks them with an AI tool. What that means for your install, plus the 21 suspensions explained.

## Product reviews (datasheet reviews, not hands-on tests)
- [Home batteries compared](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries)
- [Inverters compared](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters)
- [Solar panels compared](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/solar-panels)
- [AIKO Neostar 2P 465 W](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/solar-panels/aiko-neostar-2p-465): N-type back-contact (BC) panel at 465 W and 23.3% efficiency, 20.6 kg, -0.26%/°C. The Neostar 2P54 series runs 450 to 485 W.
- [AlphaESS SMILE-M-BAT-13.9P](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/alphaess-smile-m-bat-13-9p): Single 13.99 kWh usable LFP battery module for the single-phase AlphaESS SMILE-M5, rated at 5.04 kW, with a second module for 27.98 kWh.
- [AlphaESS SMILE-M5-S](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/alphaess-smile-m5-s): Single-phase 5 kW hybrid inverter with 2 MPPTs and 10 kW PV input, built to stack with AlphaESS 5 kWh battery modules (5 to 30 kWh).
- [Anker SOLIX X1](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/anker-solix-x1): Modular single-phase hybrid system with 5 kWh LFP battery modules, 1 to 6 per system, and 5 or 6 kW power modules with off-grid output.
- [BLUETTI EP760](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/bluetti-ep760): Single-phase 7.6 kW hybrid inverter with 3 MPPTs, built to run with 2 to 8 BLUETTI B500 battery packs (9.9 to 39.68 kWh).
- [BYD Battery-Box Premium HVM](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/byd-battery-box-premium-hvm): High-voltage LFP battery stack of 3 to 8 modules, 8.28 to 22.08 kWh usable per tower, that pairs with a compatible third-party hybrid inverter.
- [BYD Battery-Box Premium HVS](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/byd-battery-box-premium-hvs): High-voltage LFP battery stack of 2 to 5 modules, 5.12 to 12.8 kWh usable per tower, that pairs with a compatible third-party hybrid inverter.
- [Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6 450 W](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/solar-panels/canadian-solar-tophiku6-450): N-type TOPCon panel at 450 W and 22.5% efficiency with a 25-year product warranty. The CS6.2-48TM series runs 435 to 470 W.
- [DMEGC Infinity RT 475 W](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/solar-panels/dmegc-infinity-rt-475): All-black N-type dual-glass panel at 475 W and 23.8% efficiency, with a 25-year product warranty. The series runs 455 to 475 W.
- [EcoFlow PowerOcean 5 kW Single-Phase](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/ecoflow-powerocean-5kw-single-phase): Single-phase 5 kW hybrid inverter with 2 MPPTs and 11 kW PV input, paired with EcoFlow 5.1 kWh LFP packs up to 20.4 kWh.
- [EcoFlow PowerOcean LFP Battery](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/ecoflow-powerocean-lfp-battery): Stackable 5.12 kWh LFP battery pack, 4.8 kWh usable, for EcoFlow PowerOcean single-phase and three-phase hybrid inverters.
- [Enphase IQ Battery 5P](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/enphase-iq-battery-5p): AC-coupled 5.0 kWh LFP battery with six built-in microinverters, 3.84 kVA continuous per unit and a 15-year or 6,000-cycle warranty.
- [Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/enphase-iq8hc): Microinverter rated at 380 VA (384 VA maximum) per panel, accepting up to 505 W DC input, with a 25-year limited warranty.
- [ESY Sunhome HM6](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/esy-sunhome-hm6): Single-phase 6 kW hybrid inverter with 2 MPPTs and 8 kW PV input, designed for 51.2 V low-voltage lithium batteries.
- [ESYSUNHOME LV ESS](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/esysunhome-lv-ess): 51.2 V low-voltage LFP battery stack of 1 to 6 modules, 4.864 to 29.184 kWh usable, with 4.864 kW continuous power at every size.
- [Fox ESS EQ4800](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/fox-ess-eq4800): High-voltage LFP battery stack of 2 to 9 modules of 4.66 kWh, 9.32 to 41.93 kWh usable, for Fox ESS single-phase and three-phase hybrids.
- [Fronius Primo GEN24 5.0 Plus](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/fronius-primo-gen24-5-plus): Single-phase 5 kW hybrid inverter with 2 MPPTs, 7.5 kWp PV input and PV Point or Full Backup options. Range covers 3 to 10 kW.
- [Fronius Reserva](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/fronius-reserva): High-voltage LFP battery tower of 2 to 5 modules, 6.31 to 15.79 kWh usable, for Fronius GEN24 Plus and Verto Plus hybrid inverters.
- [GoodWe ESA 5 kW Single-Phase](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/goodwe-esa-gw5k-eha-g20): Single-phase 5 kW hybrid power module for GoodWe's ESA all-in-one system, with 2 MPPTs, 10 kW PV input and a 63 A backup bypass.
- [GoodWe ESA Series](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/goodwe-esa-series): All-in-one hybrid inverter and stackable LFP battery, single-phase or three-phase, with 8.0 kWh usable per GW8.3 module and whole-home backup.
- [Growatt APX HV Battery](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/growatt-apx-hv-battery): High-voltage LFP battery of 1 to 6 stacked 5 kWh modules on a power module, in single-phase (S0) and three-phase (S2) versions.
- [Growatt SPM 10000TL-HU](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/growatt-spm-10000tl-hu): Single-phase 9.999 kW low-voltage hybrid inverter with 3 MPPTs and 20 kW PV input, for Growatt ALP 48 V batteries.
- [Huawei LUNA2000-S0](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/huawei-luna2000-s0): LFP battery of 1 to 3 stacked 5 kWh modules on a power module, 5 to 15 kWh usable, for Huawei SUN2000 single-phase and three-phase inverters.
- [Huawei SUN2000-5KTL-L1](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/huawei-sun2000-5ktl-l1): Single-phase 5 kW class inverter (4.991 kW) with 2 MPPTs, 7.5 kWp recommended PV and a battery input for Huawei Smart ESS batteries.
- [JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 Pro 475 W](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/solar-panels/ja-solar-deepblue-4-pro-475): N-type double-glass monofacial panel at 475 W and 23.8% efficiency, 22 kg. The JAM54D40 LR series runs 450 to 475 W.
- [Jinko Tiger Neo 460 W](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/solar-panels/jinko-tiger-neo-460): All-black N-type dual-glass panel at 460 W and 23.02% efficiency, with a 25-year product warranty. The 48HL4M-DB series runs 450 to 475 W.
- [Kstar BlueSpark BP48100PF1A-G2](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/kstar-bluespark-bp48100pf1a-g2): 51.2 V low-voltage LFP battery module with 5.01 kWh usable, stacking from one to eight modules for 5.01 to 40.14 kWh.
- [KSTAR BlueSpark E5KS-D22](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/kstar-bluespark-e5ks-d22): Single-phase 5 kW hybrid inverter with 2 MPPTs, 10 kW recommended PV and 48 V LFP battery input, with a 10-year warranty.
- [LG Energy Solution RESU Prime](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/lg-energy-solution-resu-prime): High-voltage lithium-ion battery in two fixed sizes, 9.6 kWh usable at 5 kW or 16.0 kWh at 7 kW, with up to two units in parallel.
- [LONGi Hi-MO X10 Explorer 475 W](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/solar-panels/longi-hi-mo-x10-explorer-475): Back-contact (BC) panel at 475 W and 23.3% efficiency with a -0.26%/°C temperature coefficient. The series runs 475 to 490 W.
- [REC Alpha Pure-RX 460 W](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/solar-panels/rec-alpha-pure-rx-460): Heterojunction panel at 460 W and 22.1% efficiency with a -0.24%/°C temperature coefficient. The Alpha Pure-RX series runs 440 to 470 W.
- [Sigenergy SigenStor BAT 8.0](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/sigenergy-sigenstor-bat-8-0): Stackable 7.8 kWh LFP battery module for the SigenStor system, 1 to 6 modules under a SigenStor EC single-phase or three-phase hybrid inverter.
- [Sigenergy SigenStor EC 6.0 SP](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/sigenergy-sigenstor-ec-6-sp): Single-phase 6 kW hybrid energy controller with 2 MPPTs and 12 kW PV input, the inverter in Sigenergy's stackable SigenStor system.
- [SMA Sunny Boy 5.0](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/sma-sunny-boy-5): Single-phase 5 kW string inverter with 2 MPPTs, 7.5 kWp PV input and built-in AFCI, weighing 17.5 kg. Range covers 3 to 6 kW.
- [SolarEdge Home Battery 400V](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/solaredge-home-battery-400v): 9.7 kWh usable high-voltage battery for SolarEdge inverters, 5 kW continuous and up to three batteries per inverter.
- [SolarEdge Home Hub SE5000H](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/solaredge-home-hub-se5000h): Single-phase 5 kVA hybrid inverter for SolarEdge Home Battery, accepting 15 kW of DC PV with 4.5 kW backup. Range covers 3 to 10 kVA.
- [SolaX TSYS-HS51](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/solax-tsys-hs51): High-voltage LFP battery of 2 to 13 stacked 5.1 kWh modules, 9.1 to 59.8 kWh usable, with power that rises with stack size.
- [SolaX X1-Hybrid G4 5.0](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/solax-x1-hybrid-g4-5): Single-phase 5 kW hybrid inverter (4.999 kW in Australia) with 2 MPPTs, 10 kWp recommended PV and under 10 ms backup switchover.
- [Sungrow SBR](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/sungrow-sbr): High-voltage LFP battery stack of 3.2 kWh modules, 6.4 to 25.6 kWh usable, for Sungrow single-phase and three-phase hybrid inverters.
- [Sungrow SG5.0RS-ADA](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/sungrow-sg5-0rs-ada): Single-phase 5 kW class string inverter (4.999 kW) with 3 MPPTs, 7.5 kWp recommended PV and integrated AFCI. Range also covers 8 and 10 kW.
- [Sungrow SH15T](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/inverters/sungrow-sh15t): Three-phase 15 kW hybrid inverter with 3 MPPTs, 30 kWp PV input and a 63 A bypass for whole-home backup. Range covers 15 to 25 kW.
- [Tesla Powerwall 3](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/batteries/tesla-powerwall-3): 13.5 kWh usable AC battery with a built-in 3 MPPT solar inverter, up to 11.04 kW continuous output and up to three 13.5 kWh Expansion units.
- [Trina Solar Vertex S+ 475 W](https://solaranswers.com.au/reviews/solar-panels/trina-vertex-s-plus-475): Dual-glass N-type i-TOPCon panel at 475 W and 23.8% efficiency, weighing 21.0 kg. The NEG9R.28 series runs 450 to 475 W.

## Community
- [Questions and answers](https://solaranswers.com.au/community): questions from Australian households, answered by members and editors.

## Guides
- [How much does solar cost in Australia in 2026?](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/how-much-does-solar-cost): Average 2026 solar prices by capital city for 6 kW and 10 kW systems, what a quote should include, what adds cost and why the cheapest quote is not always the best.
- [How the federal battery rebate works in 2026](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/how-the-federal-battery-rebate-works): How the Cheaper Home Batteries discount is worked out: STCs, the factor, the size taper, who claims it, and why the date on your compliance certificate matters.
- [How to compare solar and battery quotes](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/how-to-compare-solar-quotes): Get more than one written quote, then line up the exact products, usable battery capacity, warranties, rebate and extra charges before you sign anything.
- [Is a home battery worth it in 2026?](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/is-a-home-battery-worth-it): A battery can make sense if you use power in the evening, get a low feed-in tariff and qualify for the rebate. Here is how to judge it for your own home.
- [Questions to ask a solar or battery installer](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/questions-to-ask-a-solar-installer): The questions worth asking before you sign, grouped by the company, the system, install day, rebates and paperwork, and warranty, with why each one matters.
- [Solar and battery sales tactics to walk away from](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/sales-tactics-to-walk-away-from): Rushed deadlines, today-only prices, vague free offers and claims the government sent them are signs to walk away. Here is how to check, and how to report it.
- [Solar feed-in tariffs in 2026: what you will be paid](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/solar-feed-in-tariffs): What you may be paid for exported solar in 2026-27, state by state, plus time-of-use rates, the new Solar Sharer Offer and why using your own solar matters more.
- [The solar panel rebate (STCs) explained](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/solar-rebate-stcs-explained): How the federal solar panel rebate really works: what STCs are, how many your system earns, why the discount falls each year and how to check it on a quote.
- [Virtual power plants explained: should you join one?](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/virtual-power-plants-explained): What a virtual power plant does with your home battery, what you give up and might get, the NSW and WA incentives, and the questions to ask before you sign.
- [What size home battery do you need?](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/what-size-battery-do-i-need): How to size a home battery from your evening and overnight use, what your solar can refill, and why the rebate taper means bigger is not always better value.
- [What size solar system do you need?](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/what-size-solar-system-do-i-need): How to size a home solar system from your bills, daytime use, roof and local sunshine, with average output per kW for each capital city.
- [Will a battery keep the lights on in a blackout?](https://solaranswers.com.au/guides/will-a-battery-work-in-a-blackout): Why a home battery does not always work in a power cut, the difference between whole-home and essential-circuits backup, and what to ask your installer.

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