What’s the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
Starting 1 July 2025, the Australian Government rolled out the Cheaper Home Batteries Program—a $2.3 billion initiative designed to make clean energy storage more accessible. Under this program, households, small businesses, and community facilities can access a 30% discount on the upfront cost of installing eligible small-scale solar battery systems (5 kWh to 50 kWh capacity).
The incentive will be delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and will gradually taper off until 2030, encouraging early adoption. The Government's target is ambitious: to install over one million new batteries by 2030.
Why This Matters
For Households
- Big Savings:
- Existing solar owners could reduce their energy bills by up to AUD 2,600 per year.
- Those who add both solar and batteries may save as much as AUD 6,000 annually—potentially reducing a typical family's electricity costs by up to 90%.
- Energy Independence: Store your daytime solar power for use in the evenings, reducing reliance on fluctuating grid prices.
- Long-Term Payback: Even after rebates taper, battery technology is becoming cheaper—meaning today’s investment sets households up for future-proof energy savings.
For the Grid & Climate
- Grid Resilience: Batteries smooth out peak demand (like summer evenings when air-conditioners spike use).
- Reduced Emissions: More storage means less reliance on coal and gas during high-demand periods.
- Support for Renewables: Solar is already Australia's most popular renewable; batteries are the missing link to make it reliable around the clock. (Discounted batteries for households through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program)
Who’s Eligible & Key Details
- Eligible Recipients: Households, small businesses, and community facilities (with existing or new solar).
- Battery Criteria:
- Usable capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh (rebates apply up to 50 kWh).
- Must be CEC-accredited, Virtual Power Plant (VPP)-capable, and installed by an SAA-accredited installer.
- One Rebate Per Site: Only one rebate per household or per business meter.
- Program Delivery: Rebates will be applied at the point of sale via accredited retailers/installers.
State Programs & Stacking Incentives
Australia already has several state-level incentives for batteries, and these can often be combined with the federal program for greater savings:
- Victoria: Solar Homes Program battery rebate (up to $2,950).
- South Australia: Virtual Power Plant schemes offering discounted batteries.
- New South Wales: Empowering Homes program with zero-interest loans.
- Queensland: A solar battery rebate pilot was announced for 2024.
Households should check federal + state programs together to maximise benefits.
What It Means for Industry
- Solar Retailers & Installers: Expect strong demand growth, requiring scale-up of certified workforce.
- Battery Manufacturers: Australia could become a priority market, driving competition and lowering prices further.
- Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): As more households join VPPs, grid operators can tap into distributed storage, reducing blackouts and stabilizing supply.
How to Apply
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program represents more than just cost savings—it's a landmark shift in how Australians generate, store, and use energy.
For households:
- Check eligibility – Do you have solar, or are you planning a new installation?
- Select accredited products and installers – compliance ensures safety and eligibility for rebates.
- Explore VPPs – Join a network to earn bill credits or payments for sharing stored energy back to the grid.
For businesses:
- Batteries can reduce overhead costs and enhance sustainability credentials—essential in ESG reporting and achieving carbon targets.
Explore More with GreenCharge
To help households and businesses make the most of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, we've launched our new dedicated platform — GreenCharge.
Here, you'll find clear guidance on eligibility, accredited products, and how to maximise your savings by combining federal and state rebates. We've shared this blog across our wider network to raise awareness, but GreenCharge is the go-to hub for the latest tools, resources, and expert insights tailored to Australians ready to take the next step in their clean energy journey.
Final thought
This program is not just about cleaner energy—it's about empowering Australians to take control of their energy future. With falling technology costs, generous incentives, and growing climate urgency, now is the perfect time to invest in solar batteries.
By 2030, a million homes and businesses could be powered by stored solar energy—reducing bills, easing grid strain, and driving Australia closer to its net-zero goals.
