Cheaper Home Batteries Program | Cost & Eligibility
Energy costs keep rising and many households and small businesses are keen to reduce their bills while becoming more energyindependent. The federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers a new opportunity to do exactly that. By providing a significant discount when you install a battery system alongside solar panels, the program helps you store solar energy, use less from the grid, and control your power costs. In this blog we’ll explain what the program is, how much you can save, who is eligible, how you access it, and what you should keep in mind. Your business or property may benefit, and the more you know, the better you can decide.
What Is the Australian Government Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a nationwide initiative in Australia aimed at making home battery systems more accessible and affordable for households, small businesses, and community sites. The program operates through the Smallscale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), using small-scale technology certificates (STCs) to support the adoption of battery systems.
If you already have rooftop solar, you now have a chance to add battery storage at much lower cost. If you run a small business with solar, this program makes the next step (adding a battery) more financially viable. For those who prefer flexibility beyond fixed home systems, a portable power station offers an alternative way to store and use solar energy anywhere. It provides dependable power during travel, camping, or outages, keeping essential devices like phones, laptops, and small appliances running off-grid.
Cost & Savings: How Much Could You Save?
Under the program, discounts are applied through government-purchased Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on the battery’s capacity. This built-in rebate lowers the upfront price at purchase. Depending on the system size and market factors, homeowners can expect a noticeable reduction in installation costs—often amounting to several thousand dollars in savings.
Ongoing Savings
Beyond upfront benefits, the battery system can reduce your reliance on grid electricity, store solar energy for use after sunset, and help cut peaktime purchases. The government estimates such systems could save households around $700 to $1,600 per year, with the battery component itself contributing roughly $300 to $900 of that (Source: energy.gov.au)
A high-capacity system like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery can further enhance these savings by maximizing solar self-consumption and providing reliable backup power during outages.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery
Longer-Term Impact & Grid Benefits
What the Discount Looks Like
The discount is approximately 30% off the upfront cost of an eligible battery system.
It applies to batteries with a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh.
The discount is based on the usable capacity (the actual energy you can discharge) of the battery, up to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity.
TimeSensitive Discount & Tapering
One important point: the discount level is expected to gradually decline between 2025 and 2030, aligning with falling battery costs and the phasing of the scheme. That means early adopters may gain the most benefit.
Battery rebates help homeowners save on renewable energy solutions by reducing upfront costs. Programs like this make sustainable energy more affordable while promoting cleaner, more efficient electricity usage.
What Is Cheaper Home Batteries Program Eligibility Criteria
It’s important to know whether your business or property qualifies. The eligibility rules are fairly straightforward, but there are important details.
Key Eligibility Criteria
The battery system must have nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh.
It must be installed on or after 1 July 2025 (or certificated on that date) to qualify.
The battery must be installed alongside a new or existing solar PV system on the same premises. Batteries installed without solar are not eligible.
The system must use an installer accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) and the battery/inverter must be listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list.
For gridconnected systems the inverter must be VPPcapable (Virtual Power Plant capable). But participation in a VPP is not required.
For offgrid properties, some rules differ (for instance VPP capability may not be required if grid connection is distant or uneconomic).
Only one battery system per electricity meter (NMI) is eligible. If you upgrade or add capacity, the system must not have previously claimed a discount and must stay within capacity limits.
How to Access Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
Accessing the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Businesses, homeowners, and service providers can benefit from the program by planning carefully and acting early. Here’s how to approach it:
Step 1: Assessment
Review your current solar setup (do you have solar? What size?).
Estimate your energy usage: how much solar you generate, how much you use, when you use it.
Get quotes from multiple installers: battery + installation cost, expected savings, payback time.
Ask each installer how the discount is applied and whether eligibility criteria are satisfied.
Step 2: Choose system + installer
Select a battery system (capacity, brand, warranty) that fits your needs (e.g., business evening load, property usage).
Confirm the installer is SAAaccredited and the battery is CECapproved.
Ensure the quote shows the upfront cost before discount, then shows the discount applied (so you know how much you are paying).
Confirm whether the battery is VPPcapable (if gridconnected) and check any additional cost or terms associated with VPP readiness.
Step 3: Installation & certification
Installation must occur and deliver a certificate of electrical compliance (or equivalent) on or after 1 July 2025.
The installer must submit or provide the required written statements (retailer, designer, installer) confirming eligibility.
Make sure all local/state electrical rules are met.
Step 4: Discount applied / claim
The discount will typically be applied at point of sale by your retailer/installer, reducing your invoice.
Keep all documentation: installer contract, certificate of compliance, product details, proof of solar and battery pairing.
After installation, monitor your bills and usage to ensure the system performs as expected.
Step 5: Monitor benefits
For business operations: shift energyuse to times when battery storage is available (e.g., evening peaks).
Review how much grid energy you import, how much solar you store/use, and whether the payback is on track.
For property owners: highlight your battery + solar setup in marketing or property listings (appeals to tenants/customers who care about sustainability).
Best generator for home backup can complement batteries to ensure essential appliances remain powered during outages and support business or family operations.
What to Consider Before Installing a Battery System
Align with Usage and System Size
Just because the discount applies up to 50 kWh usable capacity doesn’t mean you should always buy the largest battery available. Consider:
Your solar PV generation patterns (existing or planned)
Your evening and nighttime electricity usage
Whether your current solar system size supports a larger battery efficiently
Choose a Credible Product & Installer
Ensure the battery model is on the Clean Energy Council approved list and the installer is SAAaccredited. Skimping here risks safety, compliance and future eligibility.
Understand Payback and Savings
Even with the rebate, a battery system is a significant investment. It makes sense to run a simple payback model: estimate the battery’s cost after discount, estimate how much of your solar energy you’ll store and use (rather than exporting), estimate your bill savings, then compute how many years to break even.
Timing Matters
Because the discount level will taper over time, and battery technology and costs will continue to evolve, early installation may yield better benefit. Also coordinate with your solar installer if you’re installing both solar and battery, to maximize compatibility and minimize disruption.
Stay Abreast of State/Territory Incentives
Consider Grid Export, Feed in Tariffs and Business case
Some households may still find that low feedin tariffs or low evening usage may affect the value proposition of a battery. The rebate helps, but consumer behavior (when you run appliances, how much solar excess you generate) still matters.
Alongside installing batteries, simple energy-saving measures can further lower your bills and improve efficiency. Save electricity by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off unused devices, and leveraging smart home systems. This reduces bills while maintaining comfort.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery
Conclusion
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program helps Australians save money on home batteries. It gives about 30% off the cost when paired with solar panels. This saves on electricity bills and lets homes use more of their own energy. The program also supports a cleaner and more stable power grid. To get the best results, choose the right battery size and use an accredited installer. Check that your system meets all eligibility rules. Acting early helps you get more savings. Overall, the program makes it easier and cheaper to have energy security and lower bills at home.
FAQs
What Size Battery Is Ideal For My Household Or Small Business?
Battery size depends on electricity use, solar generation, and peak demand. Households typically use smaller systems, while small businesses with higher evening loads may choose larger systems. Eligible batteries range from 5 kWh to 100 kWh, so select a size that meets your needs and consult a Clean Energy Council-accredited installer.
Does The Program Apply To Off-Grid Properties Or Only Grid-Connected Systems?
The program applies to both grid-connected and off-grid properties with solar PV. Off-grid systems may not require VPP capability but must still meet safety standards and use an accredited installer. The discount helps store solar energy for use when the grid is unavailable.
Can I Upgrade An Existing Battery And Still Receive The Discount?
Yes, upgrades are eligible if the battery is 5–100 kWh, installed after 1 July 2025, paired with solar, and hasn’t previously claimed the discount at the same meter. It must also be installed by an accredited installer to qualify for the upfront rebate.