Why Solar
See my rebate

Solar battery prices in Australia 2026

What Australians are paying for home battery storage: installed prices by size and brand, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate and the state schemes that stack on it, what pushes a quote up or down, and how long a battery takes to pay for itself.

Updated September 2026

Short answer: home batteries in Australia cost about $664 to $1,488 per kWh of usable capacity, installed, before the federal rebate. That is the range across the 9 models in our price table, for the battery and its installation. A hybrid inverter, where one is needed, is extra.

As a complete system, a 10 kWh battery typically costs $10,000 to $15,000 installed. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate on 10 kWh is $2,584, which leaves $7,416 to $12,416. A 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall 3 costs $15,000 to $17,000 installed, or $11,542 to $13,542 after the federal rebate. In Western Australia a state battery rebate comes off as well; elsewhere, most households get the federal rebate alone.

Check your battery rebate

See how much the federal rebate takes off your battery, and talk the quote through with a solar expert before you sign.

See my rebate

Solar battery prices by size

Capacity moves the price more than anything else. These are typical fully installed prices for a complete battery system, including a hybrid inverter where the battery needs one, on a standard single-storey home with a straightforward switchboard. The federal rebate column is the Cheaper Home Batteries rebate on that capacity, and the last price column is what is left before any state rebate.

  • 5 kWh

    Installed price
    $6,000-$8,500
    Federal rebate
    $1,292
    After federal rebate
    $4,708-$7,208
    Best suited to
    One or two people, light overnight use
    Typical brands
    Fox ESS, BYD Battery-Box, GoodWe Lynx

  • 10 kWh

    Installed price
    $10,000-$15,000
    Federal rebate
    $2,584
    After federal rebate
    $7,416-$12,416
    Best suited to
    Three or four people, a typical evening peak
    Typical brands
    Fox ESS, Alpha ESS, Sungrow SBR, GoodWe Lynx

  • 13.5 kWh

    Installed price
    $13,500-$18,500
    Federal rebate
    $3,458
    After federal rebate
    $10,042-$15,042
    Best suited to
    Four or five people, or overnight EV charging
    Typical brands
    Tesla Powerwall 3, Sungrow SBR, BYD HVM

  • 15 kWh

    Installed price
    $15,000-$20,000
    Federal rebate
    $3,762
    After federal rebate
    $11,238-$16,238
    Best suited to
    High-use homes, some EV charging
    Typical brands
    Alpha ESS, Sigenergy, BYD HVM

  • 20 kWh

    Installed price
    $19,500-$26,500
    Federal rebate
    $4,522
    After federal rebate
    $14,978-$21,978
    Best suited to
    Large households, two EVs, whole-home backup
    Typical brands
    Sigenergy, Alpha ESS, stacked BYD HVM

Indicative installed prices from installer quotes seen across Australia in 2026, including GST. Switchboard upgrades, two-storey installs, long cable runs and regional travel add cost. A battery added to an existing solar system can cost a little more than one installed with new panels, depending on inverter compatibility.

The price per kWh falls as batteries get bigger. The first few kWh carry the fixed costs (the inverter, mounting, wiring and commissioning) whatever the battery size, so a 10 kWh battery costs well under twice a 5 kWh one. The rebate works the other way above 14 kWh. It pays the full rate on the first 14 kWh and less on every kWh after that, so a 20 kWh battery earns $4,522 against $2,584 for 10 kWh, well short of double.

On a 10 kWh system, the federal rebate covers about 17 to 26% of the installed price, depending on where in the range your quote lands. The rebate is a fixed amount for a given capacity, so a cheaper quote gets a bigger share of its price covered.

Not sure what size you need?

Answer a few quick questions and we'll point you to the right battery size for your home.

Find my ideal battery size

Solar battery prices by brand

Brand is the next biggest lever on what you pay. The market has a clear structure: value-priced brands such as Fox ESS and Alpha ESS at the lower end, Sungrow, BYD and Sigenergy in the middle, and Tesla and Enphase at the top, where you pay for integrated design, long warranties and established Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs.

The table tracks the models quoted most often across the Why Solar installer network. Prices are for the battery installed, including GST and battery-specific electrical work, before the federal rebate. They do not include a new hybrid inverter where one is needed; the inverter column says when that applies.

  • Tesla Powerwall 3

    Usable capacity
    13.5 kWh
    Installed price
    $15,000-$17,000
    Price per kWh
    $1,111-$1,259
    After federal rebate
    $11,542-$13,542
    Warranty
    10 years
    Coupling
    AC
    Inverter
    Built in, with a Backup Gateway
    Notes
    Works with any existing solar system. Stacks up to four units.

  • Sungrow SBR 9.6

    Usable capacity
    9.6 kWh
    Installed price
    $7,500-$9,000
    Price per kWh
    $781-$938
    After federal rebate
    $5,030-$6,530
    Warranty
    10 years
    Coupling
    DC
    Inverter
    Needs a Sungrow SH hybrid inverter
    Notes
    Modular in 3.2 kWh steps.

  • Sungrow SBR 12.8

    Usable capacity
    12.8 kWh
    Installed price
    $8,500-$10,500
    Price per kWh
    $664-$820Lowest
    After federal rebate
    $5,194-$7,194
    Warranty
    10 years
    Coupling
    DC
    Inverter
    Needs a Sungrow SH hybrid inverter
    Notes
    The same modular platform, better value per kWh at the larger size.

  • BYD Battery-Box HVM 11.0

    Usable capacity
    11 kWh
    Installed price
    $8,500-$11,500
    Price per kWh
    $773-$1,045
    After federal rebate
    $5,688-$8,688
    Warranty
    10 years
    Coupling
    DC
    Inverter
    Needs a compatible hybrid, such as Fronius Gen24
    Notes
    Modular in 2.76 kWh steps.

  • BYD Battery-Box HVM 13.8

    Usable capacity
    13.8 kWh
    Installed price
    $11,000-$14,000
    Price per kWh
    $797-$1,014
    After federal rebate
    $7,466-$10,466
    Warranty
    10 years
    Coupling
    DC
    Inverter
    Needs a compatible hybrid, such as Fronius Gen24
    Notes
    The larger configuration of the same platform.

  • Enphase IQ Battery 10T

    Usable capacity
    10.08 kWh
    Installed price
    $14,000-$15,000
    Price per kWh
    $1,389-$1,488
    After federal rebate
    $11,416-$12,416
    Warranty
    15 yearsLongest
    Coupling
    AC
    Inverter
    Built in, for Enphase IQ8 microinverter systems
    Notes
    The longest warranty in the table.

  • SolarEdge Home Battery

    Usable capacity
    9.7 kWh
    Installed price
    $10,000-$13,000
    Price per kWh
    $1,031-$1,340
    After federal rebate
    $7,530-$10,530
    Warranty
    10 years
    Coupling
    DC
    Inverter
    Needs a SolarEdge Home Hub inverter
    Notes
    Stacks to three units.

  • Alpha ESS SMILE 10.1

    Usable capacity
    10.1 kWh
    Installed price
    $8,000-$11,000
    Price per kWh
    $792-$1,089
    After federal rebate
    $5,416-$8,416
    Warranty
    10 years
    Coupling
    DC
    Inverter
    Works with GoodWe and selected hybrid inverters
    Notes
    A longer track record in Australia than most.

  • Sigenergy SigenStor 10

    Usable capacity
    10 kWh
    Installed price
    $10,500-$13,500
    Price per kWh
    $1,050-$1,350
    After federal rebate
    $7,916-$10,916
    Warranty
    10 years
    Coupling
    DC
    Inverter
    Built in: inverter and battery in one stack
    Notes
    Optional EV charger module.
AC-coupled
Has its own inverter. Works with any existing solar system.
DC-coupled
Shares a hybrid inverter with the panels. More efficient, but tied to that inverter.
LFP
Lithium iron phosphate. Safer and longer lasting, now standard across every brand in the table.

A few things stand out. The Sungrow SBR 12.8 is the cheapest per kWh in the table at $664 to $820, but like every Sungrow SBR it needs a Sungrow SH hybrid inverter, so it suits a new system or a home that already has one. Sungrow is one of the most established inverter brands in Australian homes, and the SBR battery benefits from the same support network.

Tesla Powerwall 3 works out at $1,111 to $1,259 per kWh. It is the only battery here with a full solar inverter built in, so if you would otherwise be replacing an ageing inverter, much of the premium disappears. It is also the simplest retrofit to an existing system, whatever inverter brand you have.

The Enphase IQ Battery 10T costs the most per kWh ($1,389 to $1,488) and carries the longest warranty in the table at 15 years. BYD's Battery-Box HVM pairs with Fronius Gen24 inverters and grows in small modules. Sigenergy is newer to Australia but has drawn attention for a modular stack that combines the inverter and battery, with competitive pricing at larger sizes.

Fox ESS and GoodWe are not in the table because they are usually quoted as a complete hybrid inverter and battery package rather than a battery on its own. Fox ESS has become one of the most competitively priced complete systems on the market and is approved under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Alpha ESS has a longer track record in Australia and a well regarded support network. Complete packages from these brands generally land in the lower half of the 10 kWh range in the size table. For a closer look at the models themselves, see our battery comparison and the best solar batteries in Australia.

Get a free battery quote

Matched with a vetted local installer in minutes. No pushy sales, no spam.

See my rebate

The federal battery rebate and what it is worth

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program started on 1 July 2025. It runs through the Clean Energy Regulator's small-scale scheme and works like the solar rebate: your battery creates certificates, and your installer takes their value off the quote at the point of sale. You do not lodge a claim yourself.

Since 1 May 2026 the rebate has been tiered by capacity. Each kWh of usable capacity creates 6.8 certificates at the full rate, and at a certificate price of $38 that is about $258/kWh on the first 14 kWh. Capacity from 14 to 28 kWh earns 60% of that, about $155/kWh, and capacity from 28 to 50 kWh earns 15%, about $39/kWh. Nothing above 50 kWh counts. The practical effect is that household-sized batteries keep most of the discount, while very large batteries get a smaller one per kWh.

To qualify, the battery has to be on the approved product list, be able to join a Virtual Power Plant, and be installed by an accredited installer. Most batteries sold in Australia are on the list.

  • 5 kWh

    Certificates
    34
    Federal rebate
    $1,292
    Average per kWh
    $258
    How it is counted
    All at the full rate

  • 10 kWh

    Certificates
    68
    Federal rebate
    $2,584
    Average per kWh
    $258
    How it is counted
    All at the full rate

  • 13.5 kWh

    Certificates
    91
    Federal rebate
    $3,458
    Average per kWh
    $256
    How it is counted
    All at the full rate

  • 14 kWh

    Certificates
    95
    Federal rebate
    $3,610
    Average per kWh
    $258
    How it is counted
    The last kWh at the full rate

  • 15 kWh

    Certificates
    99
    Federal rebate
    $3,762
    Average per kWh
    $251
    How it is counted
    1 kWh at 60% of the full rate

  • 20 kWh

    Certificates
    119
    Federal rebate
    $4,522
    Average per kWh
    $226
    How it is counted
    6 kWh at 60% of the full rate

  • 28 kWh

    Certificates
    152
    Federal rebate
    $5,776
    Average per kWh
    $206
    How it is counted
    14 kWh at 60% of the full rate, the last before it drops to 15%

The rebate steps down on 1 January 2027, when the full-rate factor drops from 6.8 to 5.7 certificates per kWh, about $217/kWh, and then again every six months until 2030. The same battery earns less each time, and the rate that applies is the one in force when the battery is installed, not when it was quoted. Ask your installer which rate a quote assumes, and read our guide to the federal solar battery rebate for the full schedule.

Check the rebate is on the quote

Ask for the federal battery rebate as its own line. Some quotes roll it into the total, which makes two quotes hard to compare. A clear quote shows:

  1. 1The battery price before the rebate
  2. 2The federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate, as a deduction
  3. 3Any state rebate, as a separate deduction
  4. 4Installation labour and any extra electrical work
  5. 5The total you pay

State battery rebates that stack on the federal rebate

State schemes are separate from the federal program, and where one applies you can claim both. Most states no longer pay an upfront battery rebate to a typical household, and the schemes that remain come with conditions, most often joining a Virtual Power Plant.

  • New South Wales

    What stacks on the federal rebate
    Peak Demand Reduction Scheme VPP incentive, $400 to $1,500
    The conditions
    The battery has to join an approved Virtual Power Plant, and the top of the range needs a bigger battery.
    Upfront on 10 kWh, typical household
    $2,584

  • Victoria

    What stacks on the federal rebate
    No battery rebate: the Solar Homes battery loan has closed. The Solar Homes panel rebate ($1,400) covers panels only.
    The conditions
    Income and property value tests apply to the panel rebate.
    Upfront on 10 kWh, typical household
    $2,584

  • Queensland

    What stacks on the federal rebate
    No state battery rebate
    The conditions
    Strong sun and high tariffs help payback without one.
    Upfront on 10 kWh, typical household
    $2,584

  • South Australia

    What stacks on the federal rebate
    REPS VPP incentive, up to $2,050. City of Adelaide council rebate, up to $1,000.
    The conditions
    REPS is limited to priority applicants and its maximum needs a very large battery. The council rebate covers postcodes 5000 and 5006 only.
    Upfront on 10 kWh, typical household
    $2,584

  • Western Australia

    What stacks on the federal rebate
    WA Residential Battery Scheme: up to $1,300 for Synergy customers or $3,800 for Horizon Power customers
    The conditions
    Joining a Virtual Power Plant is mandatory, and the battery and installer must be on the scheme lists. An interest-free loan of up to $10,000 is also available, repaid in full.
    Upfront on 10 kWh, typical household
    $3,884

  • Australian Capital Territory

    What stacks on the federal rebate
    Home Energy Support Program, up to $5,000 across solar, batteries and other upgrades. Sustainable Household Scheme loans.
    The conditions
    The program is for concession card holders only. The loans are repaid.
    Upfront on 10 kWh, typical household
    $2,584

  • Northern Territory

    What stacks on the federal rebate
    No state battery rebate: the Home and Business Battery Scheme has closed
    The conditions
    The federal rebate is the whole discount.
    Upfront on 10 kWh, typical household
    $2,584

  • Tasmania

    What stacks on the federal rebate
    No state battery rebate
    The conditions
    Lower power prices make payback slower.
    Upfront on 10 kWh, typical household
    $2,584

The last column counts the federal rebate plus a state rebate only where a typical owner-occupier can count on it. Schemes that depend on joining a VPP, need a concession card or cover a few postcodes are not added in.

Western Australia

WA is the only state still paying a broadly available upfront battery rebate. Synergy customers in Perth and the South West get $130 per kWh, capped at 10 kWh, so $1,300 at most. Horizon Power customers in regional and remote WA get $380 per kWh, up to $3,800. A bigger battery does not earn a bigger state rebate. Joining a VPP is a condition, so check what the VPP asks of your battery before you sign. See WA rebates.

New South Wales

NSW has no upfront state battery rebate for every household, but the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme pays an incentive of $400 to $1,500 when your battery joins an approved Virtual Power Plant. The provider applies it as a discount, and the size of the battery sets where you land in the range. See NSW rebates.

Victoria

The Solar Homes battery loan has closed, so there is nothing to stack on a battery in Victoria. The program still takes $1,400 off solar panels for eligible households, subject to income and property value tests, which matters if you are buying panels and a battery together. See VIC rebates.

South Australia

The SA Home Battery Scheme has closed. The REPS VPP incentive pays up to $2,050, but general household funding has run out, it is limited to priority applicants such as concession card holders and tenants, and the maximum needs a battery far larger than a typical home battery. Inside the City of Adelaide council area, the council pays half the installed cost of a battery coupled with solar, up to $1,000. See SA rebates.

Queensland, the ACT, the NT and Tasmania

Queensland has no state battery rebate, so the federal rebate is the whole discount. High tariffs and strong sun help battery payback there regardless. In the ACT, the Home Energy Support Program pays up to $5,000 towards solar, batteries and other upgrades for concession card holders, and the Sustainable Household Scheme offers loans rather than rebates. The Northern Territory's Home and Business Battery Scheme has closed, and Tasmania has no state battery rebate. See the QLD, ACT, NT and TAS rebate pages.

The federal solar rebate is not a cash payment from government. It is a number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) your system creates, which your installer trades and applies to your quote as an upfront discount. The value moves with the certificate market.

All quotes, savings estimates, and rebate calculations provided through our website are indicative only. Final pricing and rebate amounts will be confirmed by your assigned installer following a site assessment. Actual savings may vary based on energy usage, system performance, and electricity rates.

Figures correct as at 2 September 2026.

What a solar and battery system costs

Buying panels and a battery together is usually cheaper than doing them years apart: one site visit, one hybrid inverter and one round of commissioning. Both federal rebates apply, the solar STCs on the panels and the Cheaper Home Batteries rebate on the battery. The table is worked in STC Zone 3, which covers Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra.

  • 6.6kW solar, 5 kWh battery

    Installed price
    $14,000-$17,000
    Federal rebates (Zone 3)
    $3,002
    After federal rebates
    $10,998-$13,998

  • 6.6kW solar, 10 kWh battery

    Installed price
    $18,000-$24,000
    Federal rebates (Zone 3)
    $4,294
    After federal rebates
    $13,706-$19,706

  • 10kW solar, 13.5 kWh battery

    Installed price
    $24,000-$32,000
    Federal rebates (Zone 3)
    $6,080
    After federal rebates
    $17,920-$25,920

Installed prices include panels, a hybrid inverter, the battery and standard installation. The solar rebate is a little higher in the sunnier zones and lower in the cooler south. See solar and battery packages for what each package includes.

What affects your battery quote

Two households in the same suburb with the same battery can get quotes $2,000 to $3,000 apart. Knowing what drives the difference helps you tell a fair quote from an inflated one.
What adds to or takes away from a battery quote
FactorTypical effect on the quote
CapacityThe biggest driver. Each extra kWh costs less than the first few, which carry the fixed costs.
A new hybrid inverterAdds $1,500 to $2,500 when your existing inverter cannot run a DC battery.
Installation complexity$300 to $1,500 for each complication: two storeys, long cable runs, an outdoor enclosure, asbestos work.
Switchboard upgrade$500 to $1,500 if the board is not rated for a battery.
Whole-home backup$500 to $1,500 for a backup gateway and compatible hardware.
Regional or remote locationA travel and logistics surcharge of $500 to $2,000 in some areas.
Adding the battery later$1,000 to $3,000 more than fitting it with new panels.
Brand tierPremium brands cost more for integration, warranty support and VPP programs.

Capacity

More kWh costs more money, in hardware and, to a lesser extent, installation. The relationship is not linear. The first 5 kWh has a high cost per kWh because it carries the inverter, mounting and wiring whatever the battery size, while larger batteries get economies of scale in the hardware itself. That is why a 10 kWh battery typically costs well under twice a 5 kWh one.

AC-coupled retrofit or DC-coupled new install

If you already have panels and a standard string inverter, you can replace the inverter with a compatible hybrid model, which adds $1,500 to $2,500 to the quote, or install an AC-coupled battery such as Tesla Powerwall 3. The Powerwall 3 is often the cheaper retrofit because nothing else needs replacing. DC-coupled systems, where the battery connects through a hybrid inverter, are more efficient and better suited to new solar and battery installs.

Installation complexity

The baseline is a single-storey home with the switchboard next to a good battery location and no upgrades needed. Costs rise when the home is two storeys and cable runs are longer, when the switchboard needs upgrading to take a battery, when there is no suitable indoor wall and a weather-rated outdoor enclosure is needed, or when older eaves or wall linings need asbestos work. Each can add $300 to $1,500.

State and location

Electricians' labour rates vary by state, and installer competition affects margins. South Australia and Victoria have very competitive installer markets, which keeps prices lower. Regional and remote areas often carry a travel and logistics surcharge. Perth generally sits 5 to 10% above Melbourne and Adelaide on battery installs because it has a smaller pool of installers.

New solar or a retrofit

Installing a battery at the same time as new panels is almost always cheaper. The electrician makes one site visit, does one meter reconfiguration and commissions once. Adding the battery later means another visit and possibly a new inverter. If you expect to add a battery in the next two or three years, ask your solar installer to fit a hybrid inverter from the start.

Brand, chemistry and backup

Premium brands cost more for real reasons: better warranty support, longer track records, more active VPP programs and, in Tesla's case, a fully integrated design. Mid-range brands such as Sungrow and Alpha ESS have shown strong reliability over many years in Australia, and their lower prices are often better value. The risk with the cheapest brands is not that they fail straight away, but that warranty support is harder to get if something goes wrong in year five or six. Every battery in our table uses LFP chemistry, which is safer and longer lived than the older NMC type. Full home backup, rather than a few essential circuits, needs a backup gateway and a compatible inverter, so ask for it to be priced separately.

AC-coupled vs DC-coupled: which is cheaper for you?

A DC-coupled battery connects through a hybrid inverter that also runs your panels. Solar energy reaches the battery without an extra conversion, so it is more efficient, and it is the standard choice for a new solar and battery install. An AC-coupled battery has its own inverter and connects to your home's AC wiring, so it can be added to any solar system whatever inverter brand you have. The trade-off is the extra conversion, which loses some energy on the way in and out. Which is cheaper depends on what is already on your roof.

  • New solar install, no existing system

    Better option
    DC-coupled, with a hybrid inverter
    Why
    Higher efficiency, one system, lower total cost

  • Existing solar with a compatible hybrid inverter

    Better option
    DC-coupled, added to the existing inverter
    Why
    No inverter replacement, little disruption

  • Existing solar with a standard string inverter

    Better option
    AC-coupled, such as Tesla Powerwall 3
    Why
    Avoids the $1,500 to $2,500 cost of a new inverter

  • Existing string inverter near the end of its life

    Better option
    A new hybrid inverter and a DC-coupled battery
    Why
    Replaces two ageing parts at once, with better efficiency

  • Mixed brands or a complex, multi-string roof

    Better option
    AC-coupled
    Why
    Works independently of any solar inverter brand

If your inverter is approaching ten years old, price both options. The gap between an AC-coupled retrofit and a new hybrid inverter with a DC battery is often smaller than it first looks once you count the inverter you would otherwise replace in a few years. Our guide to adding a battery to existing solar goes through inverter compatibility in detail.

Are battery prices going up or down?

Battery hardware keeps getting cheaper worldwide, driven by growing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) production in China. In Australia, two policy changes push the other way.

First, China cut the export VAT rebate its manufacturers receive on batteries from 9% to 6% in April 2026. That added roughly 3% to imported component costs and flowed through to installed prices within a month or two. The rest is scheduled to go in January 2027, adding about another 6% at the point of import.

Second, the federal battery rebate is shrinking. The tiered structure from 1 May 2026 cut the rate and gave large batteries a smaller subsidy per kWh. The next step-down on 1 January 2027 cuts it again, to about $217/kWh on the first 14 kWh. On a 10 kWh battery that alone adds about $418 to the price you pay, with hardware costs unchanged.

The net effect: small and mid-size batteries have held their price or eased slightly through 2026, as cheaper hardware offsets the export change. Larger batteries already cost more out of pocket than they did before the tiers began, and both changes land again in January 2027. If you have already decided on a battery, waiting past 1 January 2027 is likely to cost more, not less. We cover the detail in why battery prices are rising in 2027.

Total cost of ownership: look past the sticker price

The installed price is only part of the story. A battery from a brand with strong local warranty support and genuine backup capability can be better value than a cheaper system whose support is a phone number in another country. These are the costs and checks that decide what a battery really costs over ten years.

  • Installed battery

    What to check
    Is the federal rebate shown as its own line?
    Typical range
    $6,000-$26,500 before the rebate

  • Warranty

    What to check
    How many years, and what share of capacity is guaranteed at the end?
    Typical range
    10 to 15 years, usually 60 to 70% of capacity at year 10

  • Inverter compatibility

    What to check
    Does it work with your inverter, or is a swap needed?
    Typical range
    Nothing, or $1,500 to $2,500

  • Switchboard upgrade

    What to check
    Is your switchboard rated for a battery?
    Typical range
    Nothing, or $500 to $1,500

  • Monitoring and app

    What to check
    Is there a usable app, and a fee after the first year?
    Typical range
    Free to $100 a year

  • VPP membership

    What to check
    Can you join a VPP and earn credits?
    Typical range
    $200 to $600 a year in credits

Virtual Power Plant membership is worth factoring in. Several retailers and networks pay battery owners $200 to $600 a year in bill credits or payments for letting the VPP draw small amounts of energy during grid peaks. Tesla, Sungrow and Alpha ESS all have active VPP partnerships in Australia. It makes little difference to day-to-day use but can shorten payback over ten years, and in WA and NSW it is the condition for the state incentive. Compare the options on our virtual power plants page.

How long does a battery take to pay for itself?

Payback comes down to two numbers: what you pay after rebates, and how much each stored kWh saves you. A battery saves the gap between the rate you would pay for grid power in the evening and the feed-in tariff you give up by storing your solar instead of exporting it. The table works that out for each size, at the low and high ends of the price range.

  • 5 kWh

    Saving a year
    $336-$467
    Low-end quote, after rebates
    $4,708
    Payback on the low-end quote
    10 to 14 years
    Top-end quote, after rebates
    $7,208
    Payback on the top-end quote
    15 to 21 years

  • 10 kWh

    Saving a year
    $672-$934
    Low-end quote, after rebates
    $7,416
    Payback on the low-end quote
    8 to 11 years
    Top-end quote, after rebates
    $12,416
    Payback on the top-end quote
    13 to 18 years

  • 13.5 kWh

    Saving a year
    $907-$1,261
    Low-end quote, after rebates
    $10,042
    Payback on the low-end quote
    8 to 11 years
    Top-end quote, after rebates
    $15,042
    Payback on the top-end quote
    12 to 17 years

  • 15 kWh

    Saving a year
    $1,007-$1,402
    Low-end quote, after rebates
    $11,238
    Payback on the low-end quote
    8 to 11 years
    Top-end quote, after rebates
    $16,238
    Payback on the top-end quote
    12 to 16 years

  • 20 kWh

    Saving a year
    $1,343-$1,869
    Low-end quote, after rebates
    $14,978
    Payback on the low-end quote
    8 to 11 years
    Top-end quote, after rebates
    $21,978
    Payback on the top-end quote
    12 to 16 years

  • 10 kWh, Synergy customer in WA (state rebate, VPP required)

    Saving a year
    $672-$934
    Low-end quote, after rebates
    $6,116
    Payback on the low-end quote
    7 to 9 years
    Top-end quote, after rebates
    $11,116
    Payback on the top-end quote
    12 to 17 years

Assumes the battery is charged from solar and 80% of its capacity is used every day, an import rate of 28 to 35c/kWh and a feed-in tariff of 3 to 5c/kWh, so each stored kWh saves 23 to 32c. Prices are the two ends of the size table less the federal rebate, and for the WA row the Synergy rebate too. VPP income, battery wear and tariff changes are not included.

Two things stand out. A 10 kWh battery bought at a fair price pays for itself in 8 to 11 years on these assumptions, inside a typical 10-year warranty. The same battery bought at the top of the range takes 13 to 18 years, which can run past the warranty. The price you pay matters more than the brand you choose.

The saving also assumes you use the battery's full daily cycle. A 15 or 20 kWh battery only earns its keep if your home draws that much between sunset and sunrise, typically with an EV, ducted air conditioning or a pool pump running at night. If you cannot empty it most evenings, a smaller battery pays back sooner. Our guide to what size solar battery you need walks through sizing from your bills.

The biggest single thing that improves payback is a time-of-use tariff with a real evening peak. If your retailer charges a high evening rate and you can cover that load from stored solar, the battery earns more on every cycle. Households on flat tariffs will find payback at the longer end of these ranges. Switching to a time-of-use plan when the battery goes in is worth checking, and the rate difference alone can take two or three years off the payback. You can compare electricity plans for your postcode, and our analysis of whether solar batteries are worth it covers more scenarios.

How to get a fair price on a solar battery

Start with the numbers on this page. Battery pricing varies more than panel pricing, partly because installation is harder to standardise and partly because brand margins differ widely. Knowing the fair range for your size before anyone quotes you is most of the work.

Make sure the quote names the exact battery model, its usable capacity in kWh, the inverter model (or confirms your existing one is compatible), the warranty terms and what installation work is included. A quote that says "10 kWh battery" without a brand or model cannot be compared with anything.

Check the installer is accredited, which the federal battery rebate requires, and that the battery is on the approved product list. Accreditation does not guarantee quality, but it is the baseline.

Ask whether the federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate has already been applied, and whether a state rebate is included or claimed separately. Some state schemes need a separate application that the installer helps with; others come off at the point of sale like the federal rebate.

If you come through Why Solar, you are matched with one Why Solar Approved installer. Before you sign, a solar expert spends fifteen minutes with you going through the rebate, the quote line by line, what to push back on and whether a battery makes sense for your home at all.

A printed solar and battery quote with a pen and a phone on a kitchen table
A written quote, gone through line by line before you sign.

Solar battery price questions

How much does a solar battery cost in Australia in 2026?
A home battery costs about $664 to $1,488 per kWh of usable capacity installed, before the federal rebate. As a complete system that is roughly $6,000 to $8,500 for 5 kWh, $10,000 to $15,000 for 10 kWh, $13,500 to $18,500 for 13.5 kWh and $19,500 to $26,500 for 20 kWh. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate then takes $1,292 off 5 kWh, $2,584 off 10 kWh and $4,522 off 20 kWh. Western Australia adds a state rebate; in most other states the federal rebate is the whole discount for a typical household.
How much should a 10kWh battery cost?
A fair installed price for a 10 kWh battery in 2026 is $10,000 to $15,000 before the federal rebate, including a hybrid inverter where one is needed. The federal rebate on 10 kWh is $2,584 (68 certificates at $38 each), which brings it to $7,416 to $12,416. The battery on its own costs less: $7,500 to $9,000 for a Sungrow SBR 9.6 kWh or $8,000 to $11,000 for an Alpha ESS SMILE 10.1 kWh, before a compatible hybrid inverter. A quote well above the top of the range deserves a line by line look.
How much does a 13.5 kWh solar battery cost?
A 13.5 kWh battery typically costs $13,500 to $18,500 installed before the federal rebate. The rebate on 13.5 kWh is $3,458, all at the full rate because it is under 14 kWh, which leaves $10,042 to $15,042. Tesla Powerwall 3, the best known 13.5 kWh battery, costs $15,000 to $17,000 installed, or $11,542 to $13,542 after the federal rebate, and includes its own solar inverter. Similar sized options such as the Sungrow SBR 12.8 kWh and BYD Battery-Box HVM 13.8 kWh cost less for the battery itself but need a compatible hybrid inverter.
How long will a 10kWh battery last?
There are two answers. On one charge, a 10 kWh battery runs a typical evening load of 1 to 2 kW for about 5 to 10 hours, enough for the evening peak and much of the night. Heavy loads shorten that: ducted air conditioning drawing 3 kW would empty it in about 3 hours. Over its life, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, now standard across the major brands, carries a 10-year warranty that guarantees 60 to 70% of its capacity at the end, and most last 12 to 15 years before falling to 60%. Planning to replace it around year 12 is realistic.
Is it worth getting battery storage with solar?
For many households, yes, but it depends on what you pay and how you use power. On the assumptions in our payback table, a 10 kWh battery bought at the low end of the price range pays for itself in 8 to 11 years after the federal rebate, inside a typical 10-year warranty. Bought at the top of the range, it takes 13 to 18 years. A battery makes most sense if you use a lot of power in the evening, are on a time-of-use tariff with a high evening rate, get a low feed-in tariff, charge an EV at night, want backup in blackouts, or live in Western Australia where the state rebate cuts the price further. It makes least sense on a flat tariff with little evening use.
How much does a solar and battery system cost?
A typical 6.6kW solar system with a 10 kWh battery costs $18,000 to $24,000 installed, including a hybrid inverter. Federal rebates on that system, the solar STCs in STC Zone 3 plus the battery rebate, come to about $4,294, leaving $13,706 to $19,706. A smaller 6.6kW and 5 kWh system costs $14,000 to $17,000 installed ($10,998 to $13,998 after federal rebates), and a 10kW system with a 13.5 kWh battery costs $24,000 to $32,000 ($17,920 to $25,920 after federal rebates). The solar part of the rebate moves a little with your STC zone.
What is the cheapest solar battery in Australia?
Per kWh, the Sungrow SBR 12.8 is the cheapest battery in our price table at $664 to $820 per kWh installed, before the federal rebate. Needs a Sungrow SH hybrid inverter, so it suits a new system or a home that already has one. If you have a different inverter and do not want to replace it, Tesla Powerwall 3 ($1,111 to $1,259 per kWh) is the most practical option, because it brings its own inverter and works with any existing system. Fox ESS and GoodWe complete packages are also among the lowest priced systems.
What size solar battery do I need?
For most Australian households using 20 to 30 kWh a day, a 10 kWh battery covers the usual evening draw after the solar stops. With heavy overnight use from an EV, a pool or ducted air conditioning, look at 13.5 to 20 kWh. Households using under 15 kWh a day can often manage with 5 kWh. The right size is the one you can empty most evenings, and your installer should model your actual usage before recommending one.
How much is the federal battery rebate?
The Cheaper Home Batteries rebate is about $258/kWh on the first 14 kWh of usable capacity, $155/kWh from 14 to 28 kWh and $39/kWh from 28 to 50 kWh, at a certificate price of $38. That is $2,584 on a 10 kWh battery, $3,458 on 13.5 kWh and $4,522 on 20 kWh. Your installer takes it off the quote. It steps down on 1 January 2027 to about $217/kWh on the first 14 kWh, and again every six months until 2030.
Do state rebates stack on top of the federal battery rebate?
Yes. Where a state scheme applies you can claim both. Western Australia pays up to $1,300 for Synergy customers and up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers, with Virtual Power Plant membership required. NSW households can get the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme incentive, $400 to $1,500, when the battery joins an approved Virtual Power Plant. South Australia's REPS incentive is limited to priority applicants. The Victorian battery loan has closed, though the Solar Homes rebate still takes $1,400 off panels for eligible households. Queensland, the NT and Tasmania have no state battery rebate, and the ACT's help is for concession card holders.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
Yes. If your system has a hybrid inverter, common on systems installed since about 2021, a compatible battery can be added with little disruption. With an older string inverter you have two options: replace it with a hybrid inverter, which adds $1,500 to $2,500, or fit an AC-coupled battery such as Tesla Powerwall 3, which connects on its own. AC-coupled is usually the simpler retrofit. A new hybrid makes more sense if your inverter is near the end of its life anyway.
What is the difference between AC-coupled and DC-coupled batteries?
A DC-coupled battery connects through a hybrid inverter that also runs your solar panels, so solar energy reaches the battery without an extra conversion. It is more efficient and is the standard choice for a new solar and battery install. An AC-coupled battery, such as Tesla Powerwall 3 added to an existing system, has its own inverter and connects to your home wiring, so it works with any solar system regardless of inverter brand. It is usually the faster, less disruptive retrofit, but the extra conversion step loses some energy on the way in and out.
Will solar battery prices go up or down?
The price you pay is more likely to rise than fall into 2027. China cut its export VAT rebate on batteries from 9% to 6% in April 2026 and plans to remove the rest in January 2027, which adds to import costs. The federal battery rebate also steps down on 1 January 2027, to about $217/kWh on the first 14 kWh, which on its own adds about $418 to the price of a 10 kWh battery. Cheaper hardware offsets some of this, most of all for small and mid-size batteries.

Where these figures come from

  • Installer pricing and quotes from accredited installers across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA, 2026
  • DCCEEW: Cheaper Home Batteries Program rates, eligibility and the step-down schedule
  • Clean Energy Regulator: the battery product list and rebate processing
  • Solar Victoria: the Solar Homes panel rebate and the closed battery loan
  • SA Government: the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)
  • WA Government: the Residential Battery Scheme
  • NSW Government: the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme
  • Australian PV Institute (APVI): residential battery installation benchmarks
  • Battery supplier price sheets and installer wholesale data

Related guides

See your battery price after the rebate

Prices vary by installer and location. One Why Solar Approved installer gives you one free written quote with your exact cost after the federal rebate, and a solar expert spends fifteen minutes going through it with you before you sign.

The federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate is still active. It steps down on 1 January 2027.

See my rebate

Free, no obligation, takes 60 seconds.

Up to $8,000+ in solar and battery rebates · Federal rebates step down in 80 daysSee how we calculate this