Helping Australians save on energy costs through government rebate schemes and renewable energy solutions

Solar Battery Rebate

The $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program is now available to help more people install batteries.

Australia is a world leader in rooftop solar, with over 4 million rooftop solar PV systems installed; however, only one in 40 households has installed batteries. The high upfront cost of batteries makes installing them unaffordable for many households and businesses.

Australian households, businesses and community organisations can now get a discount of around 30% on the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery systems (5 kWh to 100 kWh).

The discount is:

• available for batteries connected to new or existing solar PV systems

• funded by the government to ensure no extra costs are passed on to consumers

• based on the battery’s usable capacity and the number of small-scale technology certificates the battery is eligible for

• going to be reviewed at least annually and will gradually decrease until 2030, in line with reducing battery prices.

Eligibility for the discount is subject to requirements in the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Cheaper Home Batteries Program) Regulations 2025 being met.

The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER), and the government is funding the discount.

The program is:

• Helping participating households, businesses, and community organisations reduce electricity bills by making the most of cheap and clean solar power by storing it for when it is needed.

• lowering costs for everyone - not just those who install a battery – by reducing peak demand and creating a more stable electricity grid

• communicating responsibilities for retailers, installers, and consumers to ensure batteries are bought and installed legally, safely, and for permanent use.

Read more about the Cheaper Home Batteries Program’s eligibility and our strategy for purchasing small-scale technology certificates.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the program are available in the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Cheaper Home Batteries Program) Regulations 2025 and further explained in the Explanatory Statement.

You can read more information on key elements of program eligibility.

Accessing the battery discount

Consumers do not need to apply for the discount.

The discount is generally provided through accredited installers/retailers. The discount will be offered as an upfront reduction on the cost of the battery, unless you decide to register for STCs yourself via the CER.

The CER provides more information about creating and selling STCs under the program.

However, most people will opt for the upfront discount from the retailer/installer, which is essentially a reduced price. In these instances, you should:

1. Carefully research what battery system would best suit your energy needs, including seeking multiple quotes from retailers/installers.

2. Could you ensure that information about the program discount value, system warranty, and anticipated payback period is clearly communicated?

3. Select a reputable retailer and installer. Check with family, friends, or neighbours. Ensure the Clean Energy Council approves the battery and the installer is accredited adequately by Solar Accreditation Australia.

4. Please make sure the accredited installer is on site for the setup, installation, and commissioning of the battery.

More guidance on installing a battery is available on the CER’s website.

Free, independent advice is available through the Solar Consumer Guide.

Expanding the SRES to include battery systems

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) has successfully delivered the widespread uptake of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across Australia. The government has expanded the SRES to support battery installations for households, businesses, and community facilities.

The SRES is a legislated, proven scheme with an established regulatory framework. This has supported consumer protection and safety measures for other small-scale renewable energy resources, such as rooftop solar PV systems.

This framework relies on a combination of state and territory safety requirements as well as measures specific to the SRES. This includes:

• The requirement that the products be on the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) approved product lists

• training and accreditation of installers through Solar Accreditation Australia

• tools to reduce regulatory burden and collect mandatory information

• an inspection program.

These measures also apply to batteries under the expanded SRES. The CER’s extensive regulatory experience in small-scale renewable technologies ensures they are well-placed to implement the program.

Cheaper Home Batteries works with other schemes

The program is a national scheme with broad eligibility intended to complement state and territory government battery incentives. Support under state and territory programs will depend on the conditions established by state and territory governments.

This means people could be eligible for support under multiple schemes. Households and businesses should seek advice from their state or territory government to ensure they understand eligibility across schemes and where they are compatible.

Households can also receive discounted finance for home upgrades under the Household Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF).

Minimising waste

We are exploring ways to minimise waste when homeowners replace or upgrade their and businesses' existing solar PV systems and batteries. We recognise that managing end-of-use solar panels is an integral part of transitioning to a more circular economy.

We are currently looking into options to reduce waste from solar PV systems and will consult publicly where appropriate as the work progresses. More information is available on the department’s consultation hub.

We are working with states and territories on a coordinated, state-led, consistent approach to enhancing waste battery management.

Contact us

To find out more about the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, please contact: infor@aussier.com.au / 1300 261 148

Store your solar power, slash your electricity bills, and do your part for the planet — all with a home Battery System.