Australia’s renewable energy landscape is set to transform with the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a $2.3 billion initiative by the Albanese Labor Government, launching July 1, 2025. This federal solar battery rebate aims to make home battery storage affordable, helping households and small businesses cut energy bills while supporting Australia’s goal of 82% renewable energy by 2030. Here’s everything you need to know about this game-changing program.
What is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers a 30% upfront discount on home battery installations, providing rebates of approximately $372 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for systems between 5kWh and 50kWh. For a typical 11.5kWh battery, this could mean savings of around $4,000. Eligible installations since April 6, 2025, qualify for rebates, provided systems aren’t switched on before the official start date. The program, administered through the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), targets 1 million home batteries by 2030, boosting energy independence and grid stability.
Who is Eligible for the Solar Battery Rebate?
The program is open to all Australian households, small businesses, and community facilities, with no income threshold. Key eligibility criteria include:
- Installation by a Clean Energy Council (CEC)-accredited installer.
- Batteries must be Virtual Power Plant (VPP)-capable for grid-connected systems.
- Compatibility with new or existing solar panel systems.
This inclusivity ensures broad access to affordable solar battery storage, particularly for Australia’s 4 million solar-equipped homes.
Benefits of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program
- Significant Cost Savings: Households with solar panels and a battery could save up to $2,300 annually, reducing energy bills by up to 90%. Even those without solar can save $1,100 yearly by adding a battery.
- Energy Independence: Store excess solar energy for use during peak times or blackouts, reducing reliance on the grid.
- Environmental Impact: By supporting renewable energy storage, the program helps lower emissions and promotes a cleaner future.
- National Savings: The initiative is projected to save $1.3 billion in wholesale electricity costs by 2030, benefiting all Australians.
Why the Cheaper Home Batteries Program Matters
Australia leads the world in rooftop solar, and batteries are the next frontier. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program not only makes solar storage accessible but also aligns with state rebates, like NSW’s $1,600–$2,800 scheme, WA’s $7,500 rebate, Victoria’s $8,800 Interest Free Loan & Tasmania’s $10,000 Interest Free Loan. By combining federal and state incentives, households can maximize savings and accelerate the shift to renewables.