Queensland Leads the Way with Solar for Renters: What the New Rebate Means for Landlords and Tenants

Queensland has taken a bold step toward expanding solar access with one of the first state-wide programs in Australia aimed at bringing rooftop solar to rental homes. Traditionally, rental properties have been left out of the solar revolution but that’s starting to change.

The Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate, launched in December 2025 and now open, offers eligible landlords rebates of up to $3,500 to install solar on rental properties and bring real, ongoing savings to tenants. This is a game-changer for both renters and property owners in 2026 and beyond.

In this guide, we explain what the program is, how it works, who can claim it, and why it’s such a big deal for renters and landlords in Queensland all in plain language for everyday Aussies.

Why Solar for Renters Matters

For years, renters in Australia have missed out on one of the biggest cost-saving opportunities available rooftop solar. Most solar incentives and rebates have focused on homeowners who own the roof they live under. But because renters don’t own the property, installing solar has historically been difficult or impossible.

This created a frustrating situation. Australia has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar in the world. Owner-occupiers slash their power bills. Meanwhile, renters continue to pay full price for grid electricity even when solar panels are right next door.

The “split incentive” problem where landlords pay the cost and tenants receive the ongoing benefit was a key barrier for solar uptake in rental housing. Queensland’s program aims to solve that.

What the Supercharged Solar for Renters Rebate Is

The Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate is a Queensland Government initiative designed to make installing solar on rental properties financially viable for landlords.

Under the program:

• Eligible landlords can receive up to $3,500 per property toward the cost of installing a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system on rental homes.

• The program opened for applications on 12 December 2025 and is now live.

• It’s expected to help about 6,500 Queensland households save around $700 a year on electricity bills once their systems are installed.

This means renters who previously had no access to solar savings could soon see lower power bills and more affordable living costs thanks to rooftop solar on their rental home.

How the Rebate Works: Step-by-Step

The rebate is structured to ensure fairness and transparency for both landlords and tenants. Here’s how it works:

1. Apply for Conditional Approval Before Installation

Landlords must first apply for and receive a conditional approval from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) before installing a solar system.

This step ensures the system will meet eligibility criteria before any money is spent. Installing solar before getting this approval can make you ineligible for the rebate.

2. Get Quotes and Secure Tenant Consent

The landlord must use a quote from an approved installer, and the tenant must formally consent to the installation. Without tenant consent, the application cannot proceed.

3. Install the System

Once conditional approval is granted, the solar system must be installed according to program standards including Clean Energy Council-approved panels and inverters and the lease updated if necessary.

4. Final Rebate Application

After installation and lease update, the landlord submits the final rebate application. Upon approval, the Queensland Government pays the rebate directly to the landlord.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

To qualify, both the landlord and property must meet the program’s eligibility criteria:

Landlord Requirements

• The applicant must be the owner of the rental property.

• They must live in Australia.

• They cannot live in the rental property themselves.

• They must have tenant consent for the installation.

Property Requirements

• The property must be located in Queensland.

• It must be a Class 1a dwelling (e.g., house, townhouse, duplex).

• It must be currently rented under a valid lease.

• It must be individually metered so tenants receive bill savings directly.

• The rent must be $1,000 per week or less.

• The property cannot already have a working solar system.

It’s important to check the full guidelines when you apply, as specific documentation and timelines are required.

Why the Program Is a Win-Win

The Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate is structured so both landlords and tenants benefit:

Benefits for Tenants

• Lower electricity bills an estimated $700 per year for a typical household.

• Access to renewable energy savings they wouldn’t otherwise get.

• Improved rental home energy efficiency.

Benefits for Landlords

• Reduced upfront cost of installing solar up to $3,500.

• Increased property appeal and potential value.

• Ability to market the property as energy efficient and cost-saving.

For many landlords, installing solar with a rebate makes financial sense particularly if the property is well-positioned for solar generation and tenants are facing high electricity bills.

Why This Matters for Queensland’s Energy Transition

Queensland already leads Australia in rooftop solar uptake among homeowners, with hundreds of thousands of households generating their own power. But until now, renters have been largely excluded from that transition.

By supporting solar installations on rental properties, the state government is expanding clean energy access, reducing total power bills for households under financial strain, and helping close a long-standing gap in Australia’s energy policy.

It’s also a boost for energy resilience, as more distributed solar capacity on roofs across Queensland helps reduce demand pressure on the grid during peak times.

What This Means for NSW and Other States

Queensland’s Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate is currently state-specific. But its success could prompt similar policies elsewhere especially in New South Wales, where energy costs are high and rental housing makes up a significant portion of the market.

NSW renters don’t yet have an equivalent statewide renters’ solar rebate, but advocacy groups and industry bodies continue to push for reforms that make renewable energy more accessible to all households, regardless of home ownership status.

Common Questions About the Rebate

Can tenants apply directly?

No! only landlords submit the rebate application, but tenant consent is required before a system can be installed.

Can batteries be included?

Batteries are not covered under this particular rebate; the program only provides rebates for eligible rooftop solar PV systems.

Can landlords apply for multiple properties?

Yes! landlords can apply for rebates on up to three eligible rental properties.

How to Get Started

If you’re a landlord or tenant interested in participating:

1. Talk with your tenant early about the benefits.

2. Get quotes from approved solar installers.

3. Apply for conditional approval before installation.

4. Coordinate consent and lease updates.

5. Complete installation and submit your final application.

Final Thoughts

Queensland’s Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate is a big step forward in making clean energy more equitable and affordable. For landlords, it offers a way to invest in their properties while helping tenants save on energy bills. For renters, it finally opens the door to meaningful solar savings.

If you’re based in Queensland and curious whether your rental property qualifies or a tenant wondering how this could impact your next power bill now is a great time to learn more and start the conversation with your landlord.

This program could be the beginning of a broader shift across Australia toward fairer energy access for all households not just homeowners.

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