Australia expands rooftop solar rebate

In early August 2026 the Australian federal government announced that the Small‑scale Renewable Energy Scheme would be broadened to cover rooftop solar systems up to 1 MW. The change, announced by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, raises the previous 100 kW cap and is intended to provide roughly a 20 % discount on installation costs for medium‑sized installations on businesses, farms, schools, hospitals and other community facilities. Bowen described the move as addressing the “missing middle” of unused roof space that could add up to 80 GW of solar capacity, and called for faster network‑provider approvals.

A few days later, further details were released confirming that the expanded eligibility applies to a wide range of commercial premises, including factories, distribution centres, shopping malls, farms, schools, offices and logistics warehouses. The government supplied example savings – a 250 kW system could save about AU$68,000 and an 850 kW system more than AU$230,000 – and noted that the scheme will operate through tradeable certificates and remain budget‑neutral. Some procedural questions remain, such as how certificates will be allocated for larger systems and the treatment of contracts signed before the rollout.

Both announcements indicate a coordinated effort to make larger rooftop solar projects more affordable, boost domestic renewable generation, and accelerate Australia’s transition to a renewable‑energy‑dominant grid.