Governments across the world offer support to help people install solar panels and battery systems.
Here’s a simple look at how different countries approach solar and battery incentives.

Australia

Australia provides strong support for both grid-connected and off-grid solar.

Federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES):
Solar and battery systems earn Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which lower upfront costs.
Typical systems receive rebates worth $2,400–$4,000 depending on size and location.
States:
- NSW offers interest-free loans up to $14,000.
- Queensland offers $3,000 rebates for solar and another $3,000 for batteries.
- ACT provides loans up to $15,000 for solar and battery installations.
Off-grid systems:
Systems not connected to the grid still qualify for the national STC rebate.

United States

Incentives in the U.S. combine federal tax credits with strong state-level programs.

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC):
Covers 30% of the cost for solar panels and batteries (batteries must be at least 3 kWh usable capacity).
State Programs:
- California offers rebates for batteries through the SGIP program, depending on household income and location.
- New York provides upfront rebates for solar installations and extra incentives for battery storage.
- Massachusetts runs the SMART program, offering tariff payments for solar generation and bonuses for batteries.
Off-grid support:
Rural homeowners can access USDA REAP grants and the 30% ITC applies to off-grid installations.

Europe

European countries offer a mix of tax deductions, zero-VAT schemes, and low-interest loans.

Germany:
- Solar installations are VAT-free (0% VAT).
- Low-interest KfW loans available for solar panels and batteries.
- No surcharges for residential self-consumption systems under 30kW.
United Kingdom:
- Solar and battery systems are VAT-free until at least 2027.
- Homeowners can sell surplus solar energy through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Italy:
- 50% income tax deduction over 10 years for solar and battery systems (Ecobonus).
- Net metering (scambio sul posto) available for surplus energy export.
Spain:
- Zero VAT for residential solar since 2022.
- Net billing system allows compensation for excess solar exported to the grid.
- Plan MOVES III provides grants for batteries.
France:
- Tax credit of 15% for solar upgrades (limited to €600).
- Zero-interest Eco-PTZ loans up to €30,000 for solar systems.
Off-grid support:
Minor rural solar grants exist, mainly in Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway.

Asia

Asia offers a wide range of solar incentives depending on the country.

China:
National rooftop solar subsidies have largely ended.
Green certificate markets and local time-of-use benefits still apply in some regions.
India:
- Up to 40% upfront subsidy for rooftop solar systems under MNRE’s program.
- State-level top-up incentives available (e.g., Delhi’s additional ₹10,000/kW rebate).
- Accelerated depreciation benefits available for commercial solar systems.
Japan:
- Some local councils offer grants for solar and home battery systems.
- Incentives exist for vehicle-to-home (V2H) battery setups.
Southeast Asia:
- Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines offer net metering schemes allowing solar exports.
- Indonesia allows small rooftop systems but has restrictions on system size.
Off-grid support:
Bangladesh’s Solar Home Systems program has deployed millions of off-grid solar kits across rural areas.
India’s DDG program supports mini-grids and standalone solar in remote villages.

Africa and Middle East

Solar programs in these regions focus on rural electrification and mini-grids.

South Africa:
- Net metering and feed-in tariffs available for home solar systems under 100kW.
- Solar tax incentives mainly target commercial users.
Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania:
- Solar panels and batteries are generally VAT- and duty-free.
- Focus on private mini-grid development supported by international donors.
United Arab Emirates and Morocco:
- Residential net metering available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Most incentives focus on utility-scale solar projects.
Off-grid support:
Programs like Lighting Africa and SmartVillages provide grants and loans to expand access to basic solar kits for off-grid households.

Global Off-Grid Incentives

Off-grid system incentives around the world include:

Australia:
Off-grid solar installations are eligible for STCs under the federal SRES scheme.
United States:
USDA REAP grants and the 30% ITC both apply to off-grid solar and battery systems.
India and Bangladesh:
Government and donor-funded programs support millions of solar home systems and rural mini-grids.
Africa:
NGO programs such as Lighting Africa and SmartVillages continue to drive off-grid solar adoption across rural communities.

Summary

Australia and the United States offer some of the strongest incentives globally for residential solar and battery systems.
Europe focuses heavily on tax deductions, VAT exemptions, and low-interest financing.
Asia’s major programs vary but include large subsidies in India and strong rural off-grid projects in Bangladesh.
Africa and the Middle East focus on rural solar access rather than urban household incentives.

Off-grid homeowners are generally eligible for support in Australia, the USA, and India, while in Europe and Africa, off-grid programs are mainly supported through rural development funds.