Solar Battery Rebate: What You Can Get in Australia
- Key Takeaways
- How Much Is the Solar Battery Rebate in 2026?
- How Does the Federal Government Solar Battery Rebate Work?
- How the Tiered Capacity Model Works
- Who Is Eligible for the Home Battery Rebate?
- State-by-State Breakdown: Current Battery Rebates and Loans in Australia
- When Does the Solar Battery Rebate End?
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Claim Your Solar Battery Rebate
- How Can Home Energy Storage Help Reduce Grid Electricity Use?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Can I Get a Free Solar Battery Through the Rebate?
- Can I Get a Rebate if I Add a Battery to Existing Solar Panels?
- How Much Does a 10kWh Battery Cost After the Rebate?
- Do I Have to Join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to Receive the Rebate?
- Can I Get a Rebate When Expanding an Existing Battery?
A solar battery rebate is available in Australia through federal and, in some cases, state-based incentive programs. Under the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, eligible home batteries connected to new or existing solar can receive an upfront discount of around 30%. Additional state incentives may also be available depending on where you live. This article covers current STC tiers, eligibility requirements, state incentives, and other storage options.
Key Takeaways
The federal solar battery rebate is delivered through STCs, which are commonly assigned to a retailer or installer in exchange for an upfront discount.
Owner-occupiers, landlords, property investors, and small commercial sites can access the federal discount with zero household income means testing.
Federal subsidy settings deliver the strongest per-kWh rebate for the first 14 kWh of usable capacity, with tiered lower rates for capacity up to 50 kWh.
Eligible batteries must meet CEC product requirements and be installed by an SAA-accredited battery installer; VPP capability applies to on-grid systems.
Depending on your state or territory, households may be able to combine the federal STC discount with state rebates, loans or VPP incentives.
How Much Is the Solar Battery Rebate in 2026?
Under the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, eligible batteries can receive an upfront discount of around 30%. For installations from 1 May to 31 December 2026, the STC factor is 6.8 per kWh of usable capacity, with lower rates applying above 14 kWh. The final value varies with battery size, installation timing and how the STCs are assigned or sold.
Battery prices also vary by brand, inverter requirements and installation work. The figures below provide an indicative 2026 cost comparison for Australian households.
Battery Size (Usable Capacity) | Typical Installed Cost (Pre-Rebate)* | Indicative Federal Rebate** | Indicative Net Cost After Rebate*** |
15 kWh | ~$15,000–$19,000 | ~$3,960 | $11,000–$15,000 |
20 kWh | ~$18,800–$23,800 | ~$4,760 | $14,000–$19,000 |
30 kWh | ~$24,200–$28,200 | ~$6,160 | $18,000–$22,000 |
50 kWh | ~$31,000–$37,000 | ~$6,960 | $24,000–$30,000 |
Note: Prices are indicative and based on SolarQuotes. Pre-rebate figures are indicative estimates calculated by adding back the relevant federal STC value. Actual quotes may vary.
For the battery sizes shown above, the indicative federal rebate ranges from about $3,960 for a 15 kWh battery to $6,960 for a 50 kWh battery. A 15–20 kWh system would receive an indicative STC value of around $3,960–$4,760 under the current 2026 settings. Beyond 14 kWh, the additional rebate grows more slowly because lower STC rates apply to the extra capacity.
How Does the Federal Government Solar Battery Rebate Work?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Eligible battery installations generate Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which create the financial support available under the scheme.
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) & STCs
The number of STCs a battery can generate is based on its usable capacity and the settings in place when it is installed. For installations from 1 May to 31 December 2026, the starting rate is 6.8 STCs per kWh before the capacity tiers are applied.
The Australian Government purchases an equivalent volume of certificates created through eligible battery installations as part of the program’s funding arrangement. STCs are also used more broadly under the SRES, with the STC rebate framework covering eligible small-scale renewable energy systems.
The Point-of-Sale Discount Process
Homeowners do not need to register on trading exchanges or wait for government cheques. Instead, your SAA-accredited solar installer calculates the exact certificate count your battery generates, multiplies it by the current trading rate, and subtracts the full dollar value directly from your quote. On installation day, you simply sign an STC assignment form transferring certificate rights to the installer, paying only the remaining out-of-pocket balance.
How the Tiered Capacity Model Works
From 1 May 2026, larger batteries receive progressively lower support for the additional capacity above each threshold:
First 14 kWh: 100% of the applicable STC factor
Above 14 kWh to 28 kWh: 60% of the factor for this portion
Above 28 kWh to 50 kWh: 15% of the factor for this portion
Above 50 kWh: No additional STCs, although eligible systems can have up to 100 kWh of nominal capacity
For example, a 20 kWh battery uses the full rate for the first 14 kWh and the 60% rate for the remaining 6 kWh. Under the May–December 2026 settings, this produces 119 STCs after rounding down.
Who Is Eligible for the Home Battery Rebate?
Qualifying for the home battery rebate involves satisfying clearly defined property, hardware, and trade compliance standards.
Property and Applicant Requirements
The federal program is deliberately broad. Eligible applicants include owner-occupiers, residential landlords, businesses, and community facilities. The property must possess an active National Metering Identifier (NMI) connected to an electricity distribution network, and the battery must be paired with new or existing rooftop solar panels. There are no household income caps, though each premises can only claim one federal battery discount.
Battery Sizing & Technical Standards
To qualify for a solar battery rebate, hardware must meet precise thresholds. The unit must have a nominal nameplate capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh. Furthermore, on-grid battery systems must be technically capable of participating in a VPP, although actual VPP enrolment is not required.
Installation & Compliance Standards
Safety compliance is strictly enforced. The battery model and accompanying inverter must be actively listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Product List. The physical installation must be completed and certified on-site by a technician holding a valid battery endorsement from Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA), adhering fully to Australian battery installation safety standard AS/NZS 5139.
State-by-State Breakdown: Current Battery Rebates and Loans in Australia
In addition to the federal STC scheme, several state governments offer complementary financing or Virtual Power Plant bonuses. Alongside the federal program, some states and territories offer additional rebates, loans or VPP incentives, while several earlier schemes have now closed.
State / Territory | Current Program | Type of Support | Indicative Value | Key Conditions |
New South Wales (NSW) | Home Energy Saver; VPP Incentive | Zero-interest loan; VPP payment | Up to $15,000 loan; VPP incentive varies | Eligible homeowners and landlords; income cap $210,000. VPP payments vary by battery and provider. |
Western Australia (WA) | State rebate; no-interest loan | Up to $1,300 for Synergy or $3,800 for Horizon Power customers; loans up to $10,000 | VPP participation required; $210,000 household income cap applies to loans. | |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Low-interest loan | $2,000–$20,000 at 3%, repayable over up to 10 years | Eligible battery upgrades; up to $20,000 for new applicants from 1 July 2026. | |
Victoria (VIC) | Closed to new applications | No current Solar Homes battery loan | Battery loan closed; eligible systems may still access federal support. | |
Queensland (QLD) | Closed | No current rebate under this scheme | Battery Booster rebates are no longer available. | |
South Australia (SA) | Closed | No current rebate under this scheme | New Home Battery Scheme applications are no longer accepted. | |
Tasmania (TAS) | Closed | No new loans | The scheme closed to new applications on 1 September 2025. | |
Northern Territory (NT) | Home and Business Battery Scheme | Funding fully allocated | No new grants currently available | The $6 million funding allocation has been reached and the scheme is closed to new grants. |
At present, WA offers the clearest additional state rebate, while NSW and the ACT provide financing or VPP-related support for eligible households. Several earlier battery schemes in other states and territories have closed, so the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program remains the main nationwide source of support.
When Does the Solar Battery Rebate End?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is set to run until 2030, alongside the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. The level of support will gradually reduce over time, with the STC factor stepping down every six months and reviewed at least once a year as battery costs change.
Scheduled Six-Monthly STC Reductions
Calendar Period | STC Factor (per usable kWh) | Indicative STC Value at $40/STC* |
May – December 2026 | 6.8 | ~$272 |
January – June 2027 | 5.7 | ~$228 |
July – December 2027 | 5.2 | ~$208 |
January – June 2028 | 4.6 | ~$184 |
July – December 2028 | 4.1 | ~$164 |
January – June 2029 | 3.6 | ~$144 |
July – December 2029 | 3.1 | ~$124 |
January – June 2030 | 2.6 | ~$104 |
July – December 2030 | 2.1 | ~$84 |
Source: DCCEEW
Note: Indicative values use the current $40 STC Clearing House price and are shown before capacity-tier adjustments.
How the Step-Down May Affect Your Rebate
If you install later, the same battery may qualify for fewer STCs as the factor steps down over time. For example, it falls from 6.8 in May–December 2026 to 5.7 in the first half of 2027, which would reduce the indicative rebate for an otherwise identical system.
That said, a lower STC factor does not automatically mean a worse deal. Battery prices, installer quotes and available products can also change, so it is worth looking at the total installed cost rather than the rebate alone.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Claim Your Solar Battery Rebate
Claiming the solar battery rebate mainly comes down to checking eligibility, choosing approved equipment and using an accredited installer. Here’s what to look for at each stage.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility and Battery Requirements
Assess your average daily household electricity consumption using recent utility bills. Confirm your property has an active NMI and that your solar array generates enough excess daytime energy to charge a battery. Size your storage to capture evening peak demand rather than chasing maximum subsidy tiers.
Step 2: Request Itemised Quotes from SAA-Accredited Installers
Obtain at least three quotes from providers holding Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) battery accreditation. Ensure each proposal transparently details battery model, nominal versus usable capacity, gross equipment costs, and the exact STC discount applied.
Step 3: Verify Hardware on the Approved CEC Lists
Confirm that the proposed battery and hybrid inverter are actively listed on the Clean Energy Council's Approved Product List. Check that the hardware is certified as VPP-capable and compliant with AS/NZS 5139 safety clearances.
Step 4: Complete Installation and STC Assignment
An accredited technician must supervise installation on-site. Once commissioned and tested, sign the STC assignment paperwork to transfer certificate creation rights to the installer, paying only the discounted net invoice. Retain your Certificate of Electrical Safety and warranty documents for your records.
How Can Home Energy Storage Help Reduce Grid Electricity Use?
Home energy storage, including portable power stations, can help households use more of their own solar energy instead of relying on the grid later in the day. Stored power can be used when solar output drops or electricity rates are higher, which may help reduce grid purchases and associated costs. The actual savings will depend on household usage, solar generation and tariff structure.
Rebate Eligibility Note: The products below are alternative storage options and are not necessarily eligible for the rebates or incentives discussed above.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station
For households that want to use stored solar for selected everyday appliances, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station offers a flexible way to shift some daytime solar use into the evening. Energy stored during the day can later support appliances such as a fridge, lights or other household devices, potentially reducing the amount of electricity drawn from the grid during those periods.
It provides 2,048Wh of storage, expandable up to 10kWh, with 3,000W AC output and up to 1,000W solar input, giving households room to adjust storage capacity around their everyday energy needs.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery
For households looking to use stored solar across more of the home, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery offers a higher-capacity storage option for shifting daytime solar use into the evening or other higher-use periods. Depending on the home’s electrical setup and installation requirements, the system can be paired with compatible transfer equipment, such as the EcoFlow Transfer Switch, to supply selected household circuits from stored power.
The system starts with 6,144Wh of storage and can expand up to 30kWh, with up to 6,900W AC output. This modular setup gives households more flexibility to match storage capacity with their electricity use and solar generation.
Conclusion
The federal solar battery rebate can reduce the upfront cost of eligible systems by around 30%, although the final value depends on battery capacity, installation timing and STC arrangements. When comparing options, it is worth looking at the total installed cost alongside your solar generation and household energy use.
FAQs
Can I Get a Free Solar Battery Through the Rebate?
No. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program does not provide free batteries. It is designed to reduce the upfront cost of eligible battery systems by around 30%, with the exact discount depending on the battery’s usable capacity, installation date and STC entitlement. The program applies to eligible systems between 5 kWh and 100 kWh nominal capacity, although STCs are only available for the first 50 kWh of usable capacity.
Can I Get a Rebate if I Add a Battery to Existing Solar Panels?
Yes. The existing solar PV system is eligible for batteries and can continue to be supported under the federal programme. The battery must meet the current product, capacity and installation requirements, while the existing solar system must remain compliant with relevant electrical safety rules.
How Much Does a 10kWh Battery Cost After the Rebate?
There is no fixed government-set price for a 10 kWh battery, as the final installed cost varies by brand, inverter setup, switchboard work and site conditions. For installations from 1 May to 31 December 2026, a 10 kWh usable battery uses the full 6.8 STC factor, creating 68 STCs. At the STC Clearing House the price of $40 per certificate represents an indicative certificate value of $2,720.
Do I Have to Join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to Receive the Rebate?
No. You do not have to enrol in a VPP to receive the federal battery discount. For an on-grid battery system, however, the battery and inverter must be technically capable of participating in a VPP. Actual participation remains optional. Off-grid systems do not need to be VPP-capable. If you later choose to join a VPP, the provider may have additional requirements, such as an ongoing internet connection.
Can I Get a Rebate When Expanding an Existing Battery?
Possibly. Additional capacity can qualify if the existing battery system has not already received support under the program. The added capacity must be at least 5 kWh nominal, and the upgraded system must remain within the 100 kWh nominal-capacity limit.
For example, DCCEEW states that adding 6 kWh to an existing 4 kWh system can qualify, while adding only 4 kWh would not meet the minimum additional-capacity requirement. If the existing battery has already received support under the program, later additions to that same system are not eligible for another federal discount.
*Disclaimer: Before reading this guidance, please remember that tax matters can be highly individualized and complex. EcoFlow does not provide any assurances or guarantees concerning potential tax credits associated with our products. Any information in this guidance is solely for educational purposes and shall not be construed as legal advice. We recommend you rely on the expertise of tax professionals for accurate and personalized tax advice.