Federal battery rebate
The federal battery rebate, explained
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program may take roughly 30% off an eligible home battery and can stack with state incentives. Here’s how it works, what changed in 2026, and how to check what may apply to you.
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program is open and continues beyond 2026, but the discount steps down over time and the calculation changed from 1 May 2026. It does not end on that date — the rate reduces and is now tiered by battery size. Verify the current rate before installing.
What the federal battery rebate is
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched on 1 July 2025. It lowers the upfront cost of an eligible home or small-business battery and is delivered as a point-of-sale discount through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) — the same mechanism as the long-running solar STC discount. It’s designed to cover roughly 30% of the battery cost.
What changed on 1 May 2026
Following very strong uptake, the Government expanded the program’s funding and adjusted the discount. The key changes: the per-kWh value steps down (indicatively from roughly ~$300 toward ~$244 per kWh, and reducing further over time), and the rebate is now tiered so larger batteries earn proportionally less. The program is scheduled to continue toward 2030.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it may suit | Homes and small businesses adding a battery to new or existing solar |
| Indicative value | ~30% off; roughly ~$244–$311 per usable kWh depending on timing (stepping down) |
| Delivery | Upfront discount via STCs, applied by your installer |
| Key conditions | Battery generally must be paired with solar and be VPP-capable; installed by an accredited installer |
| Stacking | Can usually combine with state incentives (e.g. WA scheme, NSW VPP, SA REPS) |
Indicative only. STC values change and the rate steps down over time — confirm the current figure with an accredited installer before you commit.
Can I combine it with state incentives?
Often yes. The federal discount is designed to sit alongside state programs — for example the WA Residential Battery Scheme, a NSW VPP connection incentive, or the SA REPS VPP incentive. Each has its own rules.
How Energy Rebate Check works
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Enter your postcode and property type to see the programs and upgrades that may apply in your area.
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Send your details for an eligibility review. It takes under a minute and there's no obligation.
We review what may suit you
Your enquiry is reviewed by Efficient Energy Group, the business behind this site, against current scheme pathways.
We're in touch about next steps
If it looks worth pursuing, we explain the possible next steps for your property.
Energy Rebate Check is an independent enquiry service. We review your details and help you understand the options — we don’t approve rebates, and eligibility is always confirmed under current scheme rules.
Related pages
FAQ
Common questions
Yes — the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, launched July 2025, provides an upfront discount on eligible home and small-business batteries via STCs, designed to cover around 30% of the cost.
No. It continues beyond that date, but the rate steps down and became tiered by battery size from 1 May 2026, with further reductions over time toward 2030.
Indicatively around 30% off, roughly $244–$311 per usable kWh depending on timing, applied as an upfront discount. It steps down over time — confirm the current figure before installing.
Generally yes — the battery usually needs to be paired with new or existing solar and be VPP-capable.
Often yes — it's designed to stack with state programs like the WA scheme, NSW VPP incentive or SA REPS. Each has its own eligibility rules.
Check what you may be eligible for
Enter your postcode to see what may apply in your area, then submit a quick enquiry for review.
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