Energy prices are heading north. But you might be putting off getting solar as you’re worried about the upfront costs. 

That’s wrong for two reasons. 

First, solar technology is getting more efficient and less expensive every year, thanks to increased demand. So it’s possible to get industry-leading solar solutions without paying a premium price. 

Second, the federal government subsidises Australians who install solar for their home or business through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

Under this scheme, you receive small-scale technology certificates (STC) based on your location and the expected energy output of your solar system over its lifespan. You then use these STCs to offset the cost of your solar panels. 

Even better, you can sell your excess electricity back to the grid and get a feed-in tariff (FiT), or credit, off your next electricity bill. 

Your FiT will depend on the electricity retailer but, in 2022-23, you can expect to receive between 6.2 to 10.4 cents per k/WH, according to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.