Ultimate Guide to Solar Battery Rebate VIC 2025
- What Is the VIC Gov Solar Battery Rebate?
- What Happens Now That Victoria’s Loan Scheme Has Closed?
- What's the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
- Eligibility for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program
- How Much Can You Save with the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
- What Is the Application Process for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Considering a solar battery installation in Victoria? Some rebates and incentives can significantly lower the upfront cost of your solar battery system. Although Victoria’s original battery loan scheme has ended, the introduction of the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program means there are still great ways to save. In this guide, we’ll break down what the solar battery rebate VIC now looks like, how much you could save, and the steps to apply, so you can plan with confidence. Let’s get into it.
What Is the VIC Gov Solar Battery Rebate?
The VIC solar battery rebate has played a big role in helping households add battery storage to their solar systems. Originally, the Victorian Government offered both rebates and interest-free loans under its $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program. The battery loan component, which provided up to $8,800 interest-free, helped thousands of homeowners store solar power for use after sunset or during outages.
Since the scheme launched in July 2023, more than 20,000 battery systems have been supported through various funding streams. It made solar-plus-storage more achievable for everyday households and was set to continue until 30 June 2025. However, that date has effectively been brought forward, with Solar Victoria confirming it is no longer accepting new applications.
What Happens Now That Victoria’s Loan Scheme Has Closed?
Solar Victoria has officially closed applications for its interest-free battery loan program, ahead of its planned end date in June 2025. The program had already exceeded its target of 4,500 loans, helping thousands of households add solar storage and cut their power bills.
While the early closure has sparked concern, particularly from the Victorian Greens, who say low-income households now face bigger hurdles, it’s also a sign of strong demand for home battery systems. The program’s rapid uptake shows that more Victorians are ready to embrace clean, reliable energy.
That said, good-quality battery systems still come with upfront costs around $13,000 or more. Without a state-backed loan, this remains out of reach for many households, especially those in rentals or shared housing.
But there’s another pathway opening soon.
What's the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
Launching on 1 July 2025, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program is set to become the country’s largest battery incentive to date.
It offers an upfront rebate worth about $330 for every kilowatt-hour of usable battery capacity, around 30% of the total system cost. So, if you're installing a 10 kWh battery, you could receive roughly $3,300 off the price.
The rebate applies to systems sized between 5 kWh and 100 kWh, making it suitable for a wide range of homes, small businesses, and even off-grid setups. Up to 50 kWh of capacity per site is eligible, so larger households can benefit too.
The program will be delivered through the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and managed by the Clean Energy Regulator, making it easier to integrate into existing solar upgrades.
With this support in place, many Victorians who missed out on the state loan may still have a strong incentive to move ahead with battery storage and lower their long-term energy bills in the process.
Eligibility for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is designed to be widely accessible, supporting more Australians in adding battery storage to their solar setups. Here's a clear breakdown of VIC solar battery rebate eligibility for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program:
Homeowners, Businesses & Community Groups: Anyone who owns a home, runs a small business, or manages a community facility can apply. There’s no means test, and rebates are available per property; owners of multiple eligible sites can apply separately, as long as each has its own electricity meter (NMI).
Battery System Criteria: To qualify, the battery must be new (not second-hand or refurbished) and have a usable capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh. The rebate covers up to 50 kWh per site. Batteries and inverters must be on the Clean Energy Council’s approved list.
Compatible with New or Existing Solar: You can apply if you're adding a battery to an existing solar panel system or installing both at once. Off-grid systems also qualify, so long as you’re more than 1 km from the grid or the connection cost exceeds $30,000.
VPP-Capable for On-Grid Homes: On-grid systems must be Virtual Power Plant (VPP)-capable, meaning the battery can respond to energy market signals. You don’t have to join a VPP, but your system needs to be technically ready.
Accredited Installation: Installations must be carried out by a Solar Accreditation Australia-certified installer. You’ll also need a Certificate of Electrical Safety dated on or after 1 July 2025.
How Much Can You Save with the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers a significant rebate, around $330 for every usable kilowatt-hour of battery capacity in 2025. That means if you’re installing a 10 kWh battery, you could get about $3,300 off the total price.
The rebate amount isn’t fixed forever. It gradually reduces each year until 2030, dropping slightly as the number of renewable energy certificates per kWh (called STCs) steps down. For example, in 2026, the rebate will be closer to $302/kWh, and by 2027, around $266/kWh.
Adding a battery to your solar system to function as a solar generator can also trim your power bills significantly. Depending on your solar usage and energy plan, a 10 kWh system could help you save between $700 and $1,500 a year. Over time, those savings add up. With the rebate in place, many households now see a payback period of about 8 years, much better than the 10+ years it often took without support.
If you’re not ready for a full fixed installation, but still want to enjoy meaningful energy savings, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station is a smart solution. With a built-in 4 kWh LFP battery, it can store solar energy during the day and run essential appliances at night, helping cut daily grid use by up to 22%. If you add one or two extra batteries, this system scales up to 12 kWh, increasing potential savings to 44% or even 66% daily, depending on your setup.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
What Is the Application Process for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program has a clear application process designed to help households access rebates easily. If you're looking to cut energy costs with solar storage, here's what you need to know to get your application underway.
Step 1: Find an accredited installer
First, choose a Solar Accreditation Australia–accredited installer. They’ll confirm your eligibility, explain your options, and make sure your chosen battery system is approved under the Clean Energy Council’s product list.
Step 2: Choose your battery system
Select a battery with a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh. The rebate applies to up to 50 kWh of usable capacity. You can pair it with an existing solar system or install it alongside a new one.
Step 3: Get a formal quote
Your installer will provide a quote that includes the rebate, which is applied upfront using Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). This way, you’ll see the discounted price straight away—no need to claim anything back later.
Step 4: Installation and compliance
Once you accept the quote, your installer will carry out the installation according to national and local safety standards. Afterward, they’ll issue a Certificate of Electrical Compliance to finalise the job.
Step 5: Rebate is claimed behind the scenes
Your installer or a registered agent will handle the STC claim—around 9.3 STCs per kWh in 2025. These certificates are redeemed to cover the rebate portion, so you only pay the reduced cost.
Note: Program rules and technical requirements may evolve. To stay updated, you can subscribe to updates directly from the Clean Energy Regulator ahead of the program’s launch on 1 July 2025.
Conclusion
The early end of Victoria’s loan scheme may be disappointing, but the new federal solar battery rebate VIC offers a strong alternative for those ready to invest in energy storage. With the right setup, you can cut both upfront costs and long-term bills. And for those looking for reliable, scalable storage without the complexity, EcoFlow continues to offer practical solutions that suit a wide range of energy needs.
FAQs
Is the VIC solar battery rebate still available in 2025?
Yes, a solar battery rebate is still available in Victoria in 2025, but not through the state government. The original Solar Victoria loan and rebate programs have officially closed. Instead, households can now access support through the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
This rebate is applied upfront via Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), helping reduce the cost of eligible battery systems. So while the VIC-specific scheme has ended, federal incentives still offer meaningful savings for battery installations across the state.
Can renters access the solar battery rebate in Victoria?
Under the new federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, renters can potentially benefit if their landlord agrees to the installation. The rebate is applied per property, not per person, and requires that the system meets specific eligibility criteria. This means that with cooperation from the property owner, renters may still access the rebate and enjoy the benefits of battery storage.
Is there a federal rebate for solar batteries?
Yes, there is a federal rebate for solar batteries in Australia. Starting from 1 July 2025, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program will offer an upfront rebate of around 30% off eligible battery systems. The rebate applies to up to 50 kWh of usable battery capacity and is delivered through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which reduce the cost automatically at the time of installation. This program is available nationwide and supports households, small businesses, and community facilities with or without existing solar systems.