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Generally, you cannot claim a government battery rebate a second time for the same property, even if your old battery fails and needs replacement. Most Australian federal and state rebates are designed to incentivise the initial adoption of battery storage at a given property, meaning they are limited to one per household or address. However, under the new federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program starting July 1, 2025, a replacement battery could be eligible if your property has never received a rebate under this specific federal program before. Your primary recourse for a failed battery is the manufacturer's warranty, which should cover a replacement unit and potentially labour costs.
If my old home storage battery fails, can I get the rebate again to replace my battery?
It’s a frustrating scenario that many early adopters of home energy storage worry about: you’ve invested in a battery system, enjoyed the benefits, but then it fails prematurely. The immediate question that follows the disappointment is a practical one—if my old home storage battery fails, can I get a government rebate again to help fund its replacement?
This is a crucial question, especially as thousands of Australian households now have battery systems that are several years old. Understanding your options before you face this situation is key to managing the potential costs and getting your energy independence back on track swiftly. This article will walk you through the general rules for rebates on replacement batteries, the critical role of your warranty, and the steps you should take if your battery fails.
Are rebates available for replacement batteries?
In most cases, the answer has historically been no. Government incentives, both at the federal level and in various states, are designed to encourage the initial uptake of a technology. Their goal is to grow the number of homes with batteries to support the grid and accelerate the clean energy transition.
Because of this, eligibility criteria typically include a “one per property” rule. When you apply, administrators check your address or National Metering Identifier (NMI) against a database of previously claimed rebates. If your property has already been subsidised by a state or previous federal program, a second application for a replacement unit will almost certainly be rejected by that same program.
However, the federal government’s new **Cheaper Home Batteries Program**, set to launch on July 1, 2025, introduces a key consideration. This program is also based on a one-rebate-per-property principle. This means if you have already received a rebate under this *specific* federal program, you cannot claim another for a replacement. But, if your property has never received a federal battery rebate before (for instance, if your first battery was self-funded or subsidised only by a state scheme), you may be eligible to claim a rebate for a new replacement battery under this program. The policy’s focus is on subsidising as many different homes as possible with federal funds, rather than funding repeat installations for households that have already been supported by a federal scheme.
Why your manufacturer’s warranty is your true safety net
While you can’t rely on a second rebate, you should be protected by a robust manufacturer’s warranty. A quality home battery is a significant investment, and its warranty is the most important document associated with it. This is your primary and most powerful tool if your battery fails.
Modern battery warranties are quite comprehensive and have several key components:
- Product or manufacturer’s warranty: This covers defects in the materials and workmanship of the battery unit itself. If the unit stops working due to a manufacturing fault, this warranty clause obligates the manufacturer to repair or replace it. This period is often 10 years, though some premium brands like Enphase now offer 15 years on their latest models.
- Performance warranty: This guarantees the battery will retain a certain percentage of its original usable capacity after a specific number of years or energy cycles. For example, a warranty might guarantee at least 70% of original capacity after 10 years.
- Throughput warranty: This guarantees the total amount of energy (measured in megawatt-hours) the battery can charge and discharge before the warranty expires.
If your battery fails, your first and most critical step is to contact your original installer. They will manage the warranty claim process on your behalf, which involves diagnosing the fault, liaising with the manufacturer, and arranging for the replacement unit.
What should a good warranty cover for a replacement?
When you make a successful warranty claim, the manufacturer’s obligation is to restore you to the position you were in before the failure. In most cases, this means providing a replacement battery of the same or an equivalent, newer model.
However, a crucial point to check in any warranty document—and a key question to ask before you buy—is whether it also covers the labour costs for the replacement. Removing a faulty, heavy battery and installing a new one requires accredited electricians and can cost several hundred dollars. Some premium manufacturers include a labour allowance as part of their warranty, which is a significant advantage.
If labour isn’t explicitly covered by the manufacturer, you may need to rely on your installer’s workmanship warranty, which typically covers their own installation work for a period of 1 to 5 years. If the failure is due to an installation error, they should rectify it at their cost. Also, if it is a product fault outside the installer’s warranty period, you might be liable for the labour cost of the swap-out.
What if the manufacturer is no longer in business?
This is a valid and serious concern, and it highlights the importance of choosing products from established, reputable companies with a strong presence and support base in Australia. If a battery manufacturer goes insolvent, their warranties can become effectively void, leaving customers with no recourse.
This is where brand reputation becomes critical. A company like Sungrow, with a long history and significant footprint in the Australian market, offers confidence that they will be around to honour warranty commitments. Likewise, Tesla’s 10-year warranty offers unlimited cycles for standard solar self-consumption, but includes a throughput limit of 37.8 MWh for other uses like heavy off-grid cycling or certain VPP participation. Sigenergy provides a 10-year warranty with a throughput guarantee that varies by the size of its stackable battery packs; for its 5.0 kWh battery pack, the throughput is warranted for 15.85 MWh, and for the 8.0 kWh pack, it’s 23.77 MWh. Researching the manufacturer’s history and Australian support network is a crucial step before making a purchase.
Steps to take if your battery fails
If you find yourself with a non-functioning battery, don’t panic. Follow a clear and logical process.
Safety First: If you notice any signs of physical damage, overheating, or strange smells from your battery, shut the system down immediately using the documented shutdown procedure. If you are unsure how to do this, contact your installer or a qualified electrician urgently.
Contact Your Original Installer: This should be your first call. They installed the system, understand its configuration, and have a direct relationship with the manufacturer. Provide them with the system’s serial numbers, a description of the fault, and any error codes from your monitoring app.
Review Your Documents: Locate your purchase contract and the battery’s warranty document. Remind yourself of the terms, particularly the warranty length and what it covers regarding replacement parts and labour.
Follow the Warranty Process: Your installer will guide you through the claim. This may involve remote diagnostics or a site visit to confirm the fault. Be patient, as this process can sometimes take a few weeks.
Discuss Replacement Options: If the manufacturer approves the claim, they will ship a replacement unit. Discuss the logistics and any potential costs (like labour, if not covered) with your installer before the work begins.
The final word: focus on quality and warranty, not future rebates
Relying on the possibility of a future rebate for a replacement battery is not a viable strategy. Government incentives are structured to help you make the initial investment, not to underwrite the product for its entire lifespan.
The real lesson is the critical importance of making a wise purchasing decision from the outset. Prioritise high-quality components from reputable manufacturers that have a proven track record and a dedicated support office in Australia. Scrutinise the warranty document not just for its length, but for its inclusions—especially regarding replacement labour costs and throughput limits. A slightly higher upfront cost for a quality product with a comprehensive warranty is infinitely better than being left with a failed unit and no support.
