Solar and battery rebates for businesses and farms (checked 21 October 2026)

Small businesses get the same federal battery discount as households, and NSW added a business battery discount on 1 September 2026. Off-grid sites miss out on the NSW one. Every item links to its source.

Federal

Cheaper Home Batteries Program

Covers households, small businesses and community organisations, residential and non-residential, on and off grid. Batteries from 5 to 100 kWh nominal, with certificates on the first 50 kWh usable. Since 1 May 2026 the discount tapers: full rate to 14 kWh, 60% from 14 to 28 kWh, 15% from 28 to 50 kWh. It runs to 31 December 2030 and steps down over time. (business.gov.au, CER)

Solar certificates (STCs and LGCs)

Solar up to 100 kW earns STCs as an upfront discount. Above 100 kW, an accredited power station generating at least 25 MWh a year creates LGCs, one per MWh, over time (CER).

Instant asset write-off

Permanent at $20,000 per asset from 1 July 2026 for businesses under $10 million turnover. Assets of $20,000 or more go into the small business pool (ATO). How a solar and battery system is split into assets is a question for your accountant.

NSW

Batteries for businesses (Peak Demand Reduction Scheme)

From 1 September 2026. Batteries from 20 kWh to 30 MWh at grid-connected, non-residential sites. Indicative discount of 30 to 40% with new solar installed within 90 days, or 20 to 30% for a battery alone. Batteries from 20 to 200 kWh carry a minimum customer payment. Off-grid systems and data centres aren't eligible (NSW Climate and Energy Action, IPART Q&A).

On-farm energy

We found no open NSW on-farm energy grant in October 2026. The NSW Government publishes a free Solar Pumping Guide and a solar-diesel hybrid checklist (guides).

Queensland

• QRIDA Sustainability Loan: concessional loan up to $1.3 million for eligible primary producers. A loan, not a grant (QRIDA).
• QFF Energy Savers: free independent farm energy audits (same source).
• Ergon Solar Pump Program: cashback for eligible pump-only, end-of-line connections that switch to solar and abolish the connection. Amounts aren't published (Ergon).

South Australia

Powering Business Grants offered $2,500 to $75,000 to small and medium businesses, with solar required to include a battery. That round closed on 31 October 2025, and we found no 2026 round open (business.sa.gov.au). The federal discount still applies.

Diesel users

Fuel tax credits for off-road business diesel are 53.7 c/L from 3 August 2026 (ATO). We take that off your diesel cost when we compare it with solar, so the comparison is fair.

Summary by incentive

FAQs

Does the federal battery rebate cover businesses?

Yes. Small businesses and community organisations are covered, on residential and non-residential premises, for batteries from 5 to 100 kWh.

Can an off-grid farm get the NSW business battery discount?

No. The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme requires a connection to the NSW network. The federal discount does cover off-grid batteries.

Is there an SA business energy grant in 2026?

The Powering Business round closed on 31 October 2025, and we found no open 2026 round as of 21 October 2026.

Are there grants for Queensland farmers going solar?

QRIDA offers a concessional loan up to $1.3 million, QFF offers free energy audits, and Ergon offers cashback on some solar pump swaps.

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