What Happens to Your Solar Rebates if You Move House?

With over 3.5 million solar systems installed across Australia, solar power has become a standard feature on rooftops nationwide. But what happens if you’ve installed solar panels and then decide to move house? Do your government rebates follow you? Can you transfer them to your new home? And does having solar help when selling?

We consulted the expert over at Townsville Solar Panels Solutions, and they broke it down for us.

Understanding How Solar Rebates Work in Australia

Before we answer the big questions, let’s break down the two key types of solar incentives available in Australia:

1. Federal Solar Rebate – STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates)

This is the most common solar incentive in Australia. While people often call it a "rebate", it's technically a point-of-sale discount that reduces the upfront cost of installing your system.

Here’s how it works:

• When you install solar, you're issued STCs based on your system’s size and expected energy generation.

• These certificates are then sold to energy retailers, and the value is passed onto you as a discount on your system cost.

• This incentive is only available for new installations and decreases slightly every year.

  
  

2. State-Based Solar Rebates and Loans

Some state governments offer additional incentives, including:

• Upfront rebates (like Victoria’s Solar Homes Program)

• Interest-free loans for solar or batteries

• Battery-specific subsidies in South Australia, ACT, and others

Important note: Both federal and state-based rebates are tied to the property, not to the person or household that installed the system.

So, What Happens When You Move?

Moving house doesn’t mean leaving your solar benefits behind entirely, but there are some important details to understand.

You Keep the Benefit of the Lower Power Bills While You Live There

As long as you’re in the home, your solar system continues to generate clean energy, reduce your electricity bills, and possibly earn you feed-in tariff payments..

You Can’t Transfer the Rebate to a New House

This is a big one. Because rebates are linked to the original installation address, you can’t take them with you when you move. Even if you uninstall your system and re-install it at your new home:

• It won’t be eligible for STCs again

• You won’t be able to re-claim any state incentives

• You may face extra costs for removal, transport, and reinstallation — and it may void warranties.

  
  

The Solar System May Add Value to Your Home

Buyers are increasingly looking for homes with solar. A system that’s relatively new, still under warranty, and properly installed by a CEC-accredited provider—especially one that benefited from solar rebates—can be seen as a major selling point.

Some real estate experts suggest solar can:

• Help your home sell faster

• Add several thousand dollars to the sale price

• Be more attractive to budget- and eco-conscious buyers

Just make sure you pass on documentation (like the installation certificate, warranty info, and inverter details) to the new owner.

What About Feed-In Tariffs?

A feed-in tariff is the rate you’re paid for sending excess solar energy back to the grid.

Here’s what happens when you move:

• Your feed-in tariff agreement is linked to your electricity account, not your house

• When you move, your current electricity account is closed

• You’ll need to open a new account at your new address, possibly with a different provider

• Your FiT rate will likely change, depending on the plan and location

So if you plan to install solar again at your new home, research feed-in tariff rates in advance — they can vary significantly between providers.

Can You Claim a Rebate on a New Solar System After Moving?

Yes – in most cases, you can claim rebates again if you install a brand-new solar system at your new home.

Here’s what you need to ensure:

• The new system meets all eligibility criteria (e.g., it’s under 100kW, installed by a Clean Energy Council–accredited installer)

• You haven’t exceeded any limits set by your state government — some programs restrict you to one rebate per household or per person over a certain number of years

• The property itself is suitable for solar — older switchboards, shaded roofs, or heritage overlays might pose obstacles

So while you can’t transfer your original rebate, you can usually access a fresh one at your new address.

Before You Move: A Solar Checklist

To ensure a smooth handover and set yourself up for success at your new place, keep these tips in mind:

For your current home:

• Leave behind all documentation: warranties, system manuals, installer contact info

• Tell your electricity provider: so your final bill is accurate, and your FiT agreement ends properly

• Let your real estate agent know: they can highlight the benefits of solar in the listing.

  
  

For your new home:

• Check eligibility: See if your new address qualifies for state rebates or battery incentives

• Inspect the electrical setup: Older homes may need switchboard upgrades or additional wiring

• Get multiple quotes: Compare system sizes, pricing, warranties, and installers

• Check your roof’s orientation and shading: This can affect how much solar power you’ll generate.

  
  

Final Thoughts

While solar rebates don’t move with you, your savings and experience do. You’ve likely already enjoyed:

• Lower power bills

• Higher energy independence

• Possibly a boost in home value

If you plan to stay at your new home long-term, investing in solar again can be a smart financial move, especially with rebates still available and electricity prices rising.

Looking to install solar at your new place? At GoSolarQuotes, we make it easy to compare quotes from vetted, CEC-accredited solar installers in your area. It’s fast, free, and helps you find the best deal for your new home.