State Rebate
Solar battery rebate ACT 2026: federal discount and the SHS loan
In the ACT a 14kWh battery gets about $3,610 off from the federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate, and the Sustainable Household Scheme lends up to $20,000 at 3% interest over up to 10 years (ACT Government, checked 16 October 2026). From 1 January 2027 the federal rebate on a 14kWh battery drops to about $3,002.
By Bec Ramirez
6 min read
The federal battery rebate steps down on 1 January 2027.
Battery rebate steps down on 1 January 2027 (rate set by install date)
How much can you save on a battery in Australian Capital Territory?
Here is what a typical battery installation looks like in ACT after the rebates a typical owner-occupier can count on.
Example: Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh)
- Typical battery and installation cost
- $16,000
- Federal rebate (Cheaper Home Batteries)
- -$3,458
- Your price
- $12,542
Estimate only. Actual price varies by installer, configuration and location within ACT.
What is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries program is a $7.2 billion initiative providing approximately $258 per kWh (about 30% off) on the first 14 kWh of an eligible battery system. It is available to households and small businesses installing a battery with new or existing solar, through a SAA-accredited installer.
See how the federal battery rebate is worked out, battery size by battery size, or every ACT solar and battery rebate on one page.
Since 1 May 2026, tiered rates apply: the first 14 kWh receives 100% of the STC factor, 14 to 28 kWh receives 60%, and 28 to 50 kWh receives 15%. The STC factor steps down again on 1 January 2027 and every six months until the program closes in 2030, so installing sooner secures a larger discount.
- Point-of-sale discount applied directly to your quote.
- Batteries on the Clean Energy Council approved list are eligible (Tesla, BYD, Sungrow and others).
- The program runs through 2030 with $7.2B in funding.
Your battery rebate, checked before you sign
The federal battery rebate steps down on 1 January 2027. One Why Solar Approved installer near you, and fifteen minutes with a solar expert before you sign.
Battery rebate steps down on 1 January 2027 (rate set by install date)
Sustainable Household Scheme loanA loan, not a rebate
The ACT Sustainable Household Scheme lends eligible homeowners up to $20,000 at 3% interest over up to 10 years, with no upfront costs or fees, for household batteries, rooftop solar and other energy upgrades. It is a loan, not a rebate: you repay it in full with interest. Previous participants, and households who applied or were approved before 1 July 2026, can borrow up to $15,000 in total.
Source: Sustainable Household Scheme loan
ACT program eligibility
- A loan, not a rebate: the full amount is repaid with 3% interest, over up to 10 years, with no upfront costs or fees
- ACT residents who own their home
- Covers household battery storage, rooftop solar and other eligible energy upgrades
- Previous participants, and households who applied or were approved before 1 July 2026, can borrow up to $15,000 in total
Eligible batteries and rebate amounts
Batteries on the Clean Energy Council approved list are eligible for the federal rebate. Here are popular options with estimated savings for ACT homeowners:
| Battery system | Capacity | Est. federal rebate | Price after rebate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | $3,458 | $9,000–$12,500 |
| BYD Battery-Box Premium | 10.2–20.5 kWh | $2,622–$4,598 | $6,000–$11,500 |
| Sungrow SBR | 9.6–25.6 kWh | $2,470–$5,396 | $5,100–$12,700 |
| Enphase IQ Battery | 10.08 kWh | $2,584 | $5,900–$15,500 |
| Alpha ESS SMILE5 | 5.7–34.2 kWh | $1,444–$6,004 | $6,800–$11,000 |
Prices are estimates and vary by installer, location and installation complexity.
Battery rebate eligibility in ACT
Full eligibility criteria are on the DCCEEW website.
You're eligible if
- You own an existing home in Australian Capital Territory
- You have solar panels or are installing solar with the battery
- You use a SAA-accredited installer
- The battery is on the Clean Energy Council approved list (Tesla, BYD, Sungrow, Enphase and others)
- The program runs through 2030 ($7.2 billion in funding)
Not eligible
- New home builds under construction
- Battery-only systems without solar
- DIY installations (must use accredited installer)
- Batteries not on the Clean Energy Council approved list
- Applications after funding is exhausted
See the battery rebate your quote should show
The federal battery rebate steps down on 1 January 2027. Then a solar expert goes through it with you, and your quote, before you sign.
Battery rebate steps down on 1 January 2027 (rate set by install date)
How to claim your battery rebate in ACT
Tell us about your home and bill
Answer a few questions about your home, your power bill and the battery you are weighing up. We match you with one Why Solar Approved installer.
Decide whether to borrow
If you want to finance the rest, apply for a Sustainable Household Scheme loan (up to $20,000 at 3% interest over up to 10 years). It is repaid in full with interest.
Federal rebate applied
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate is applied as a point-of-sale discount on your quote and invoice.
Installation
Your Why Solar Approved installer fits the battery and lodges the paperwork; your solar expert checks the quote first.
ACT battery rebate FAQ
What is the solar battery rebate in the ACT for 2026?
The rebate is federal: the Cheaper Home Batteries discount takes about $3,610 off a 14kWh battery, or $2,584 off 10kWh, for installs until 31 December 2026. The ACT has no battery rebate of its own: the Sustainable Household Scheme loan (up to $20,000 at 3% interest over up to 10 years) is borrowed money, and the ACT Home Energy Support Program for concession card holders covers solar and one other upgrade (up to $2,500 each) but not batteries.
What is the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme?
An ACT Government loan for eligible homeowners: up to $20,000 at 3% interest over up to 10 years, with no upfront costs or fees, for household batteries, rooftop solar and other energy upgrades. It is not interest-free. Previous participants, and households who applied or were approved before 1 July 2026, can borrow up to $15,000 in total.
Can I use the ACT loan alongside the federal battery rebate?
Yes. The federal rebate reduces the price, and the loan can cover what is left. For a 10kWh battery system priced at $12,500 you would get about $2,584 off upfront and could borrow the remaining $9,916 at 3% interest.
How much does a battery cost in the ACT after the rebate?
A typical 10kWh battery system costs $10,000 to $15,000 before rebates. With the federal rebate of approximately $2,584, you would pay $7,416 to $12,416. A Sustainable Household Scheme loan can spread that cost, with interest.
When does the federal battery rebate change next?
On 1 January 2027 the battery STC factor falls from 6.8 to 5.7 per kWh, so a 14kWh battery's discount drops from about $3,610 to about $3,002. It then steps down every six months until the program closes in 2030. The tiers stay the same: the first 14kWh gets 100% of the factor (around $258/kWh today), 14 to 28kWh gets 60%, and 28 to 50kWh gets 15% (Clean Energy Regulator).
Sources
The next step
If you're considering a home battery system, Bec and the team can match you with one Why Solar Approved installer near you for a free written quote, and fifteen minutes with a solar expert before you sign.
Written by
Aussie Mum & Energy Expert
Helps families switch to solar with practical, real-world advice. Bec focuses on the financial side: rebates, bill savings and financing options, so everyday Australians can see real value from going solar.
If you have any questions about the information in this guide, email hello@whysolar.com.au or call +61 2 5657 6527.