Australia is charging ahead toward a renewable future—and now homeowners and small businesses can too. Starting 1 July 2025, the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program will offer eligible Australians up to 30% savings on approved solar battery installations.
Whether you’re looking to slash electricity bills, become more energy independent, or make the most of your solar panels, this solar battery rebate in Australia is a game-changer.
1. What Is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a $2.3 billion initiative administered by the Clean Energy
Regulator. It provides rebates via Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to help offset the cost of
installing new battery systems (5–100 kWh nominal capacity). Eligible households and small businesses
can claim rebates against the first 50 kWh of usable capacity, making it easier than ever to add solar
battery storage to an existing or new solar PV setup.
2. Key Eligibility Requirements
Battery Specifications
- Capacity: 5-100 kWh nominal (rebate capped at 50 kWh usable).
- Certification: Must appear on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list.
- Grid Connection: On-grid or off-grid battery systems qualify.
- VPP‑Ready: On-grid batteries must be technically capable of joining a Virtual Power Plant
(VPP), though enrolment is optional.
Installation Prerequisites
- Solar Pairing: Must be installed alongside an existing or new solar PV system.
- Accredited Installer: All installations require accreditation by Solar Accreditation Australia
(SAA). - Safety Compliance: Must meet state and territory electrical safety standards.
- Single System: Only one rebate‑eligible system per premises.
- No Early Connection: Systems must not be wired in or connected to the grid before 1 July 2025
(early connection voids eligibility.)
3. Understanding the Rebate Structure
Rebates are delivered through STCs:
| Year | Rebate (per kWh) | STCs per kWh |
| 2025 | $344* | 9.3 |
| 2026 | Decreasing rate | – |
| … | … | … |
| 2030 | $188 | 4.7 |
Installers and retailers apply these certificates at point of sale, passing savings directly to customers.
4. Step‑by‑Step Guide to Claiming Your STC Rebate
- Confirm Accreditation:
- Ensure your installer holds current SAA accreditation.
- Verify that the chosen battery model remains on the CEC approved list.
- Site Assessment:
- Confirm the battery isn’t connected to the grid before 1 July 2025.
- Ensure it pairs with solar PV (existing or simultaneous install).
- Accurate Quoting:
- Apply the current year’s STC rate.
- Cap rebate calculations at 50 kWh usable.
- Safe Installation & Registration:
- Comply with all local electrical safety regulations.
- Register the system and lodge STC claims on your customer’s behalf.
- Avoid Pitfalls:
- Never connect early.
- Keep all compliance paperwork accurate and up‑to‑date.
5. Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): What Installers Need to Know
Although actual enrolment in a VPP is optional, compliance requires that on-grid batteries be
VPP‑capable; able to respond to external signals via an inverter or battery management platform.
Highlight VPP benefits to customers as a value-add, such as bill credits, greater energy independence, and
contributing to grid stability during peak demand.
6. Stacking Federal and State Incentives
Western Australia – Residential Battery Scheme
- Comply with all local electrical safety regulations.
- Register the system and lodge STC claims on your customer’s behalf.
New South Wales – Battery Discount
- NSW VPP incentive: $1,500 (up from $800) for VPP‑connected batteries.
- Federal and NSW VPP incentives can be combined.
Australian Capital Territory – Sustainable Household Scheme
- Low‑interest loans ($2,000–$15,000) for energy‑efficient upgrades.
- Federal rebate applies first, then ACT loan covers remaining cost.
Tip for Installers: Always confirm state‑specific stacking rules before quoting to avoid
disappointment.
7. New Battery Finance Checks by Paragon Solar Power
To protect customers and vendors, Paragon has updated its battery and solar + battery loan processes:
- Risk Acknowledgment: Customers see a pop‑up warning if proceeding before 1 July 2025.
- Manual Settlement Reviews: All battery finance deals are reviewed pre‑settlement.
- Invoice Transparency: Invoices must specify rebate status; loans may commence repayment
before commissioning unless deferred.
8. Ready‑to‑Use Customer Messaging
Empower your sales and marketing with these proven headlines:
- “You could save up to 30% off a new home battery.”
- “Add energy storage to your solar system and reduce your reliance on the grid.”
- “Not only do batteries store your solar, they help power the grid when demand peaks.”
- “We’re accredited to install under the new federal battery program and offer flexible
finance.”
9. Why Act Now?
With solar panel installation demand at an all‑time high in Australia, the Cheaper Home Batteries
Program is your chance to offer customers both short‑term savings and long‑term value. Be among the
first to market with accredited, VPP‑ready solar battery solutions and watch your leads and your
reputation grow.
Ready to get started?
Contact our team today to schedule your site assessment and secure the maximum rebate under the
Cheaper Home Batteries Program.