Check your battery rebate eligibility
Current battery rates end May 1, 2026 · 63 days remaining
What is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
The Cheaper Home Batteries program is the Australian Government's $7.2 billion solar battery rebate initiative (expanded from $2.3B in December 2025). It provides approximately 30% off eligible battery systems (5–100 kWh) for households, businesses and community organisations when installed by a SAA-accredited installer with a CEC-approved battery.
From May 1, 2026, the program introduces tiered rebates. The first 14 kWh receives 100% of the STC factor, 14–28 kWh receives 60%, and 28–50 kWh receives just 15%. Installing before May 1, 2026 locks in higher rebates for larger batteries.
The rebate works as a point-of-sale discount applied directly to your quote. All CEC-approved batteries from major brands like Tesla, BYD and Sungrow are eligible, and the federal rebate is stackable with state programs for maximum savings.
Example Savings: 10 kWh Battery
*Example only. Actual rebate varies by battery size and configuration.
Check Your Battery Rebate
Enter your postcode to check rebate eligibility in your area.
Current battery rates end May 1, 2026 · 63 days remaining
Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
Eligible Batteries and Rebate Amounts
All CEC-approved battery systems (5–100 kWh) are eligible for the solar battery rebate. Here are popular options with estimated savings:
| Battery System | Capacity | Est. Rebate | After Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | $4,000-$5,000 | $8,500-$12,000 |
| BYD Battery-Box Premium | 10.2-20.5 kWh | $3,000-$6,000 | $5,500-$10,000 |
| Sungrow SBR | 9.6-25.6 kWh | $2,900-$7,500 | $4,600-$10,500 |
| Enphase IQ Battery | 10.08 kWh | $3,000 | $5,400-$15,000 |
| Alpha ESS SMILE5 | 5.7-34.2 kWh | $1,700-$10,000 | $6,300-$10,000 |
*Prices are estimates and vary by installer, location, and installation complexity.
How the Rebate Decreases Over Time
The solar battery rebate is funded through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The STC factor determines how many certificates your battery creates per kWh. This factor declines every six months from May 2026, reducing the rebate over time.
| Period | STC Factor | Est. Rebate/kWh* |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Apr 2026Now | 8.4 | ~$311 |
| May – Dec 2026 | 6.8 | ~$252 |
| Jan – Jun 2027 | 5.7 | ~$211 |
| Jul – Dec 2027 | 5.2 | ~$193 |
| Jan – Jun 2028 | 4.6 | ~$170 |
| Jul – Dec 2028 | 4.1 | ~$152 |
| 2029 – 2030 | 3.6 → 2.1 | ~$133 → ~$78 |
*Estimated rebate per kWh for the first 14 kWh, based on STC price of ~$37. Actual amount depends on market STC price at installation date. From May 2026, batteries over 14 kWh receive reduced rates (60% for 14–28 kWh, 15% for 28–50 kWh).
Federal + State: Stack Your Rebates
The federal battery rebate can be combined with state programs for even bigger savings. Here's what you could save in each state:
NSW
WA (Synergy)
WA (Horizon)
SA
VIC
ClosedQLD
Closed| State | Program | State Rebate | Federal | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | PDRS VPP Incentive | VPP up to $1,500 | ~$3,000 | $4,500+ |
| WA (Synergy) | WA Battery Scheme | Up to $1,300 | ~$3,000 | $4,300-$5,000 |
| WA (Horizon) | WA Battery Scheme | Up to $3,800 | ~$3,000 | $6,800-$7,500 |
| SA | REPS VPP Connection | VPP up to $2,050 | ~$3,000 | $5,050+ |
| VIC | Battery Loan (closed)Closed | Closed May 2025 | ~$3,000 | $3,000 |
| QLD | Battery Booster (closed)Closed | Closed May 2024 | ~$3,000 | $3,000 |
See Your Battery Rebate Amount
Enter your postcode to see your estimated rebate amount.
Current battery rates end May 1, 2026 · 63 days remaining
Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
Solar Battery Rebate Eligibility
Full eligibility criteria is available on the DCCEEW website.
check_circleYou're Eligible If:
- checkYou have solar panels or are installing solar with the battery
- checkBattery is 5–100 kWh nominal capacity, CEC-approved
- checkInstalled by a SAA-accredited installer
- checkOn-grid batteries must be VPP-capable (able to participate in a virtual power plant)
- checkHouseholds, businesses and community organisations eligible
cancelNot Eligible:
- closeBattery-only systems without solar PV
- closeBatteries under 5 kWh or over 100 kWh nominal capacity
- closeDIY installations (must use SAA-accredited installer)
- closeNon-CEC-approved battery systems
- closePortable batteries and electric vehicles
What does "VPP-capable" mean? To qualify for the rebate, on-grid batteries must be able to participate in a virtual power plant. This means the battery can receive remote signals to export stored energy during grid demand events. All major brands (Tesla, BYD, Sungrow, Enphase, Alpha ESS) meet this requirement. Being VPP-capable doesn't mean you have to join a VPP, but it gives you the option to earn $300–$1,000+ per year from VPP participation on top of your regular savings.
How to Claim the Solar Battery Rebate
Get a Quote
Request a free quote from Why Solar. We'll assess your home and recommend the best battery.
Confirm Eligibility
We verify your eligibility for the federal battery rebate and any applicable state programs.
Rebate Applied
The rebate is applied as a point-of-sale discount. You see the reduced price on your quote.
Installation
Our SAA-accredited team installs your battery. We handle all paperwork and compliance.
Solar Battery Rebate FAQ
helpWhat is the solar battery rebate?
The solar battery rebate is officially called the "Cheaper Home Batteries" program. It provides approximately 30% off eligible battery storage systems (5-100 kWh) installed with new or existing solar PV. Households, businesses and community organisations are all eligible. The program runs through 2030 with $7.2 billion in funding, but the rebate structure changes on May 1, 2026 when tiered rates reduce benefits for batteries over 14kWh.
helpHow much can I save with the Cheaper Home Batteries program?
The program offers approximately $300 per kWh before May 1, 2026. For a typical 10kWh battery, this means savings of around $3,000. A 13.5kWh Tesla Powerwall 3 receives $4,000-$5,000. After May 1, 2026, tiered rates apply: first 14kWh gets 100% of STC factor, 14-28kWh gets 60%, and 28-50kWh gets just 15%.
helpWho is eligible for the solar battery rebate?
Households, businesses and community organisations are all eligible. You need: a new or existing solar PV system (under 100 kW), a CEC-approved battery between 5-100 kWh nominal capacity, and installation by a SAA-accredited installer. On-grid batteries must be VPP-capable (able to participate in a virtual power plant). All major battery brands meet this requirement. There is no means test and the rebate is available per property.
helpCan I stack the federal battery rebate with state rebates?
Yes! The federal battery rebate can be combined with state programs. NSW residents can combine it with VPP PDRS incentives (up to $1,500). WA residents can stack with the state battery rebate ($1,300-$3,800). SA residents can add REPS VPP rebates (up to $2,050). Note: many state battery programs closed in 2024-2025.
helpWhen does the Cheaper Home Batteries program end?
The program runs through 2030 with $7.2 billion in funding (expanded from $2.3B in December 2025). However, the rebate structure changes on May 1, 2026 to tiered rates that reduce benefits for larger batteries. Installing before May 1, 2026 locks in higher rebates for batteries over 14kWh.
helpHow do I apply for the solar battery rebate?
You do not need to apply directly. The rebate is applied as a point-of-sale discount through accredited installers. Your installer either offers an upfront reduction on the battery cost or a rebate after installation. Alternatively, you can claim the discount directly by creating and trading STCs through the REC Registry.
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The next step
If you have any questions about the information in this guide, feel free to get in touch:
Email: hello@whysolar.com.au
Tel: +61 455 221 921
If you're considering a home battery system, Bec and the team can help you get quotes from trusted, pre-vetted local installers:
Written by
Bec RamirezAussie Mum & Energy Expert
Helping families navigate the 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.
Learn more about Bec Ramirez