Battery Rebate 2025 in Australia: What You Need to Know
- What Is the Battery Subsidy in Australia?
- Who Is Eligible for the Solar Battery Rebate?
- How to Apply for the Federal Government Solar Battery Rebate?
- How Much Can You Save with a Home Battery Rebate?
- Can You Stack the Federal Battery Rebate with State Incentives?
- Benefits of Installing Solar Batteries at Home
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Thinking of installing a solar battery at home? With rising electricity prices and more Australians going solar, the 2025 battery rebate is arriving at just the right time. This government-backed incentive is designed to make battery storage more affordable, so you can store your own solar power and use it when it matters most.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything: what the rebate is, who can claim it, how to apply, and how much you might save. You’ll also find out if you can combine federal and state rebates for extra benefits. Let's get into the details.
What Is the Battery Subsidy in Australia?
Australia’s new battery subsidy, officially called the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, is a national scheme starting on 1 July 2025 to support the uptake of solar battery storage. It offers an upfront discount of around 30%, based on approximately $372 per usable kilowatt-hour. Over time, the rebate will gradually reduce each year until the program concludes in 2030.
The program is delivered through an expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), the same framework that supports rooftop solar rebates. The subsidy applies to VPP-ready batteries installed alongside new or existing solar systems, with eligibility extending to homes, small businesses, and community facilities.
With energy prices fluctuating and solar feed-in tariffs declining, this national battery subsidy offers a more affordable path for Australians looking to store solar power and take greater control over their electricity use.
Who Is Eligible for the Solar Battery Rebate?
The Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program aims to make solar battery storage more accessible. Here's a breakdown of who can benefit from this initiative:
Homeowners: Including both owner-occupiers and landlords. Owners can claim a rebate for each eligible property with its own NMI.
Small Businesses: Commercial entities seeking to reduce energy costs.
Community Facilities: Such as libraries, community centers, etc.
There are some other requirements for the solar battery rebate. To qualify for the rebate, the battery system must:
Capacity: Have a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh, with the rebate applicable to up to 50 kWh of usable capacity.
Condition: Be new (not second-hand or refurbished).
Solar Integration: Be connected to a new or existing rooftop solar system.
VPP Capability: For on-grid systems, be capable of participating in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), though actual participation is optional.
Product Approval: Include a battery and an inverter listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list.
Accreditation: Installation must be performed by an installer accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA).
Note: Off-grid systems are also eligible if they are located at least 1 km from a main grid line or would incur a grid connection cost exceeding $30,000. Electric vehicle batteries and EV charging systems are not covered under this program.
How to Apply for the Federal Government Solar Battery Rebate?
If you're planning to install a solar battery and want to claim the federal rebate, there are a few key steps to follow.
Step 1. Compare Quotes from Accredited Installers
Reach out to a few local solar and battery installers and ask for quotes. Only work with installers accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA), as they are authorised to apply for the federal rebate. Ask each installer if the rebate is already factored into the quote, and confirm their availability.
Step 2. Choose an Eligible Battery
Not every battery on the market qualifies for the rebate. Ensure the model you're selecting is listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list and is compatible with your solar system and inverter. Your installer can advise on suitable models that meet rebate criteria and your household’s energy needs.
Step 3. Complete the Paperwork Before Installation
Your installer will provide you with:
A rebate nomination form
A detailed quote including the rebate
Any documents needed to confirm your eligibility
Make sure everything is signed and submitted before the installation begins, as discounts can’t be applied after the fact.
Step 4. Schedule and Install Your Battery System
Once paperwork is in order, book a date with your chosen installer. The system must be installed by a licensed and accredited professional. After installation, your installer will:
Connect the battery to the grid (if applicable)
Submit required documents to your electricity retailer
Add your system to the Distributed Energy Resources Register
They’ll also show you how to use the system and provide support during the warranty period.
How Much Can You Save with a Home Battery Rebate?
The federal battery rebate offers around $372 per usable kilowatt-hour, which translates to about $4,000 off a standard 11.5kWh battery system before admin fees. After those fees, real-world savings usually fall between $330 and $370 per kWh, depending on the market price of small-scale technology certificates (STCs). If you’re eligible for a state rebate as well, the combined savings can be even higher.
How much you save on energy bills depends on your usage and how well your system is set up. When paired with solar panels, a battery can cut your power bills by up to 90%, especially if you use most of your energy during peak evening hours or join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program.
Can You Stack the Federal Battery Rebate with State Incentives?
Yes. The federal battery rebate under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program can be combined with eligible state-based battery incentives.
In New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, existing state programs like:
NSW Empowering Homes program
VIC Solar Battery Interest-Free Loan
WA Home Battery Scheme
NT Battery Scheme
For example, for a 10kWh battery system, eligible households in Western Australia could save up to $11,500 or more by combining the WA Home Battery Scheme with the federal solar battery rebate, depending on the battery size and system setup. Always check the latest eligibility rules with your installer or state energy agency before applying.
Benefits of Installing Solar Batteries at Home
With electricity prices on the rise and solar systems becoming more common, adding a battery is one of the smartest ways to take control of your energy use. Here are some key benefits of installing a solar battery at home:
1. Lower Power Bills: Store excess solar power during the day and use it at night, reducing your reliance on the grid.
2. Better Use of Solar: Instead of exporting excess solar at low feed-in rates, batteries let you use more of the energy you generate.
3. Protection During Outages: A battery acts as a reliable home backup generator, keeping your essentials running when the grid goes down.
4. Support for a Cleaner Grid: When paired with a Virtual Power Plant, your battery can help reduce peak demand and lower emissions.
5. Increased Energy Independence: Reduce your exposure to retail price hikes by managing your own power supply more effectively.
If you’re not yet ready to install a full battery storage system, a portable solar generator can be a more flexible starting point. It’s ideal for powering small setups, essential appliances, or even off-grid use, without committing to a fixed home installation.
A good example is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station. Delivering 4000W of continuous output (7200W peak) and expandable from 4kWh up to 12kWh with extra batteries, it powers essentials from refrigerators to power tools and features industry-leading MultiCharge technology (up to 6500W) for full recharges in under two hours. Fast UPS switching (<10ms) protects sensitive electronics, and app-based energy monitoring maximizes savings by ensuring you’re always using stored solar before drawing from the grid.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
Conclusion
The 2025 battery rebate is a great opportunity for Australians looking to get more out of their solar system. With thousands in upfront savings and the ability to combine federal and state incentives, adding a battery is now much more affordable. It’s a smart move if you want to lower your energy bills, stay powered during outages, or just rely less on the grid. And if you're starting small, EcoFlow has easy-to-use solutions to help you take that first step with confidence.
FAQs
When does the battery rebate program start in Australia?
The federal battery rebate begins on 1 July 2025. Early adopters are likely to get higher rebate values as the scheme may decrease support over time.
How much is the battery rebate in NSW?
In New South Wales, eligible homeowners and businesses can receive up to $4,000 off the cost of installing a solar battery. On top of that, a Virtual Power Plant incentive of $250 to $400 is available and can be claimed twice within six years, offering further savings.
How much to install a solar battery?
A standard 10kWh home battery system in Australia costs between $10,000 and $15,000 before rebates. Prices vary by brand, capacity, and installer. The rebate can reduce this cost by several thousand dollars.