How will the government ensure the quality of subsidised batteries?
Subsidies can unlock access to home battery storage for many Australians, but they also raise an important question: how can we be sure subsidised systems are safe, durable, and reliable?
The Labor government’s “Cheaper Home Batteries Program” marks a turning point in Australia’s transition to clean energy. But when financial incentives enter the picture, there’s always a risk of low-quality products entering the market. That’s why a strong quality assurance framework is critical.
Thankfully, Australia already has robust foundations in place via Clean Energy Council processes, Australian Standards, and consumer protection laws. The federal scheme is designed to build upon these protections.
What are the key quality requirements for subsidised batteries?
To qualify for the subsidy, a battery must:
- Be approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC): This means the battery has passed independent safety and performance tests, including compliance with lithium-ion safety standard IEC 62619:2017 or its Australian equivalents.
- Be installed by a CEC-accredited installer: These professionals are trained and audited regularly to ensure safe and standards-compliant installation practices.
Together, these steps act as a filter to prevent substandard products or cowboy operators from participating in the scheme.
Brands commonly seen on the CEC-approved list include Sungrow, Tesla, Enphase, and Sigenergy, each offering different battery chemistries and configurations for different needs.
How do Australian Standards help maintain battery safety?
Battery systems eligible for the subsidy must meet several relevant Australian Standards, including:
- AS/NZS 5139 – Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment
- AS/NZS 3000 – Wiring Rules
- AS/NZS 4777 – Grid connection of energy systems via inverters
AS/NZS 5139 is particularly crucial. It outlines how batteries must be installed to minimise risks such as fire, explosion, or electric shock. For example, it governs where batteries can be safely placed (e.g., not in habitable rooms) and what kind of enclosures are required for indoor or outdoor installations.
These standards are enforced by state-based electrical safety regulators, including Energy Safe Victoria and NSW Fair Trading.
What does the Clean Energy Council do?
The CEC plays a central role in battery quality assurance:
- It approves battery systems that meet independent test criteria.
- It accredits installers who have completed specific battery installation training.
- It operates a Battery Assurance Program to give consumers transparent information on compliant products.
Requiring CEC-listed products and installers for the subsidy effectively uses this infrastructure to guard taxpayer investment and consumer safety.
What consumer protections apply?
Beyond technical compliance, subsidised systems are still subject to Australian Consumer Law (ACL). This includes guarantees that products:
- Are of acceptable quality
- Match their description
- Are fit for their intended purpose
If your battery fails prematurely or doesn’t perform as promised, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund—even beyond the warranty period.
The CEC also encourages manufacturers to provide robust warranties, often covering 10 years or more. These typically include both performance guarantees (e.g., battery retains 70–80% capacity after 10 years) and defect coverage. Be sure to read the fine print to understand what is—and isn’t —covered.
Are cheap, low-quality batteries a risk?
There’s always concern that government subsidies might encourage low-end products to flood the market. But the combination of:
- CEC product approval
- Installer accreditation
- Mandatory adherence to AS/NZS 5139
- Consumer law protections
Still, it’s critical that enforcement keeps pace with uptake. Some states, like NSW, have already introduced new lithium-ion battery safety regulations for e-mobility devices, signalling broader concern about battery safety that may drive even stronger oversight across sectors.
How will the program be monitored?
The scheme will be run through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and administered by the Clean Energy Regulator—a body with a strong track record managing rooftop solar and STC compliance.
While specifics on auditing and post-installation checks are still emerging, it’s likely the federal government will take cues from state-run programs like Solar Victoria, which already performs quality audits on a percentage of installations.
This kind of spot-checking is vital to keep standards high as installation volumes scale.
What can you do to make sure you get a quality battery?
Even with safeguards in place, your decisions still matter. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Choose CEC-approved batteries from the official list
- Use a CEC-accredited installer with battery-specific accreditation
- Get multiple quotes to compare not just prices, but also system design and installer credentials
- Understand the warranty—including degradation expectations, exclusions, and claim processes
- Ask questions about battery chemistry (e.g., LFP vs NMC), cycle life, performance in hot weather, and compliance with standards
And remember: the cheapest option isn’t always the best value if it sacrifices long-term performance or safety.
The future is battery-powered—and well-regulated
The “Cheaper Home Batteries Program” represents a major step forward for Australian households, businesses, and communities looking to store and use their own solar energy.
By building on existing CEC frameworks and safety standards, the government is aiming to make energy storage more affordable, without sacrificing quality.
If you want guidance on choosing the right battery or installer, Your Energy Answers can connect you with trusted local professionals for free.
