Fast read
Australia's new Home Batteries Rebate Program—officially titled the Cheaper Home Batteries Program—will launch on 1 July 2025, offering up to 30% off the cost of battery storage for homes, small businesses, and community facilities. However, there's a key opportunity: systems installed from 6 April 2025 onward may still qualify, so long as they're not commissioned until after 1 July. Backed by $2.3 billion in funding, the program aims to support over one million battery installations by 2030, gradually phasing down rebate values over time.
What is the timeline for implementing the federal Home Batteries Rebate Program?
The official start date for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program is 1 July 2025. From this point, rebates will be processed through an expanded Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) —the same national framework used for solar PV incentives. All eligibility and commissioning requirements kick in from this date.
Can I install a battery earlier and still qualify?
Yes—this is one of the most attractive aspects of the scheme.
If you install a battery system on or after 6 April 2025, it can still be eligible for the rebate. However, to qualify, the system must not be commissioned (i.e., turned on or approved for operation) until after 1 July 2025.
This allows you to prepare early—booking your installer ahead of time and securing your hardware, while still reaping the financial benefits once the program activates.
Tip: If you’re installing a new solar system alongside your battery, the solar portion can typically be switched on earlier, so long as the battery commissioning is delayed.
How long will the rebate program run?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program will operate until 2030. However, the rebate value will decline annually, in line with falling battery costs, and to encourage early uptake.
This tapering mirrors the phase-down of solar panel incentives, and means households that install batteries sooner are likely to secure a higher rebate per kilowatt-hour of capacity.
What will the rebate cover, and how much can I save?
At launch, the rebate is expected to provide around $370 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of usable battery capacity. After admin costs, this could translate to a real-world discount of approximately $330 per kWh.
For a typical 13.5 kWh battery (e.g. a Tesla Powerwall), this could mean savings of over $4,000 off the upfront cost.
Key rebate rules include:
- Battery size: Eligible systems must have 5–50 kWh of usable capacity. Up to 100 kWh of systems can be installed, but the rebate is capped at 50 kWh.
- Eligibility: Open to homeowners, small businesses, and community facilities with new or existing solar PV systems.
- Installation: Systems must be installed by Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers, using CEC-approved batteries.
- Smart features: Batteries must be Virtual Power Plant (VPP) ready, meaning they can connect to future energy-sharing networks, though participation is optional.
Why is the government investing in home batteries?
The program’s goal is to accelerate Australia’s transition to clean, decentralised energy, easing pressure on the grid while reducing energy bills for households.
By enabling over one million battery installations by 2030, the scheme will:
- Increase solar self-consumption
- Support grid reliability during peak periods
- Cut fossil fuel reliance and associated emissions
It’s a strategic investment in both energy resilience and climate action.
What should I do now if I’m interested?
If you’re considering home battery storage, now is the time to act.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Research systems: Look into brands like Sigenergy, Tesla, and Sungrow, which are CEC-approved and VPP-ready.
- Compare quotes: Get multiple quotes from CEC-accredited installers in your area.
- Plan ahead: If installing between 6 April and 30 June 2025, confirm your installer understands the commissioning rule to preserve rebate eligibility.
Given expected demand spikes from July, early planning could avoid delays and lock in the highest rebate tier.
In conclusion
The federal battery rebate begins 1 July 2025, but if you install from 6 April 2025 and delay commissioning, you can still benefit. The scheme runs until 2030, offering substantial upfront savings and helping households take control of their energy.
If you’re considering battery storage, now’s the time to explore your options. Your Energy Answers can connect you with trusted, CEC-accredited professionals near you—completely free.
