VIC STC Rebate Calculator: Solar & Battery Incentives

How STCs Work in Victoria

Mix of Zone 3 (factor 1.382) and Zone 4 (factor 1.185) throughout the state. Melbourne is in Zone 4.. The number of STCs you receive depends on your specific postcode's zone factor, your system size, and the installation year. STCs are claimed by your installer and the rebate is deducted directly from your system price upfront.

Victoria has lower STC values in Zone 4 areas due to lower solar irradiance, but the Solar Homes Program rebates help offset this with significant upfront savings.

VIC STC Zone Factors

Mix of Zone 3 (factor 1.382) and Zone 4 (factor 1.185) throughout the state. Melbourne is in Zone 4.

Feed-in Tariffs in Victoria

The Essential Services Commission sets a minimum feed-in tariff in Victoria, currently 4.9 c/kWh (reducing to 3.3 c/kWh from July 2025). However, most retailers offer higher rates, typically ranging up to 11 c/kWh, to remain competitive.

Victorian retailers often bundle higher feed-in rates with competitive usage rates, so compare both when switching providers. Compare rates at EnergyMadeEasy.gov.au.

Additional Victoria Rebates & Incentives

Victoria's Solar Homes Program provides rebates up to $1,400 for solar panel installations and up to $8,800 for eligible battery installations, along with interest-free loans for both. Visit Solar Homes Program for details.

STC Rebates in Melbourne

A 8.0 kW solar system installed in Melbourne (postcode 3000) in 2025 will generate 56 STCs, worth approximately $2,128. This rebate is deducted directly from your installation cost upfront.

Melbourne's STC Zone Factor

Melbourne is located in Zone 4 with a rating factor of 1.185. Zone 4 areas receive fewer STCs due to lower solar irradiance, but Victoria's rebate programs help offset this.

Melbourne is in Zone 4, receiving fewer STCs than Zone 3 cities, but Victoria's Solar Homes rebate provides additional savings to offset this.

Why Solar Works Well in Melbourne

Melbourne receives an average of 6.5 hours of sunshine per day, providing excellent conditions for solar energy generation. A 8.0 kW system typically generates 20-24 kWh per day in Melbourne, which covers most household electricity needs.

With the STC rebate reducing upfront costs and Victoria's additional rebate programs, Melbourne households typically see payback periods of 4-6 years for solar systems.

STC Rebates in Geelong

A 6.6 kW solar system installed in Geelong (postcode 3220) in 2025 will generate 46 STCs, worth approximately $1,748. This rebate is deducted directly from your installation cost upfront.

Geelong's STC Zone Factor

Geelong is located in Zone 4 with a rating factor of 1.185. Zone 4 areas receive fewer STCs due to lower solar irradiance, but Victoria's rebate programs help offset this.

Geelong is in Zone 4 like Melbourne, but Victorian rebates help offset lower STC values.

Why Solar Works Well in Geelong

Geelong receives an average of 6.3 hours of sunshine per day, providing excellent conditions for solar energy generation. A 6.6 kW system typically generates 19-23 kWh per day in Geelong, which covers most household electricity needs.

With the STC rebate reducing upfront costs and Victoria's additional rebate programs, Geelong households typically see payback periods of 4-6 years for solar systems.

STC Rebates in Ballarat

A 6.6 kW solar system installed in Ballarat (postcode 3350) in 2025 will generate 46 STCs, worth approximately $1,748. This rebate is deducted directly from your installation cost upfront.

Ballarat's STC Zone Factor

Ballarat is located in Zone 4 with a rating factor of 1.185. Zone 4 areas receive fewer STCs due to lower solar irradiance, but Victoria's rebate programs help offset this.

Ballarat is in Zone 4, receiving fewer STCs due to lower solar irradiance in regional Victoria.

Why Solar Works Well in Ballarat

Ballarat receives an average of 6.0 hours of sunshine per day, providing excellent conditions for solar energy generation. A 6.6 kW system typically generates 18-22 kWh per day in Ballarat, which covers most household electricity needs.

With the STC rebate reducing upfront costs and Victoria's additional rebate programs, Ballarat households typically see payback periods of 5-7 years for solar systems.