Government Incentives
Table of Contents
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
The $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program will support Australian households and small businesses with a discount on the cost of installing small-scale battery systems. The program aims to:
- Help households to make the most of cheap and clean solar power by storing it for when it is needed,
- Reduce costs for everyone—not just those who install a battery—because it means less expensive gas power generation, poles and wires.
From 1 July 2025, the program will provide around a 30% discount on the upfront cost of installing eligible small-scale battery systems. The discount will be based on the battery’s usable capacity and will gradually decrease until 2030.
The discount will generally be provided via solar and battery retailers and installers. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program will be delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), administered by the Clean Energy Regulator.
The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 will be amended to expand eligibility of the SRES to include batteries.
Intended eligibility for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Intended eligibility criteria have been developed to provide guidance on the likely settings of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Eligibility details will be confirmed in regulations and until then, requirements may change.
Eligible battery systems
Minimum and maximum battery size
- An eligible battery storage system must be in the range of 5 kWh to 100 kWh in nominal capacity. The nominal capacity is the maximum amount of energy a battery can store at full charge.
- The discount will be provided for up to 50 kWh of a battery system’s usable capacity.
- The program is intended to support residential and small-scale battery systems. Electric vehicles are not eligible battery systems for this program.
Battery system composition
- An eligible battery system (as captured in the relevant Australian standard AS/NZS 5139:2019) could include:
- a single battery unit
- a system of modular battery cells connected to serve as one battery unit.
- Additional capacity added to an existing battery system is eligible if:
- the battery system has not previously received a discount under the program; and
- the additional capacity is at least 5 kWh and the total upgraded capacity of the battery does not exceed 100 kWh in nominal capacity.
- Additional capacity that is later added to an existing battery that received a discount under the program would not be eligible.
Accreditation of battery systems
A battery system and the inverter must be listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list
On-grid and off-grid battery systems
- Battery systems supported under the program can be installed either on or off-grid.
- A battery system connected to an electricity grid – including the National Electricity Market – is an on-grid system.
- An off-grid battery system is not connected to an electricity network, defined as being at least one kilometre from a main grid line or where the cost to connect to the grid exceeds $30,000.
VPP capability
- A battery in an on-grid system needs to be capable of being coordinated through a virtual power plant (VPP), but does not need to be connected to a VPP.
- To be VPP capable, a battery system must be able to connect to the electricity grid and respond to signals from third party VPP operators (such as a retailer). This will require an ongoing internet connection.
- Consumers are not required to participate in a VPP.
- Off-grid battery systems would not be required to be capable of connecting to a VPP.
Discount for eligible battery systems
STC calculation
- The number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) that a battery system is eligible for will be in reference to the kilowatt-hours of usable capacity of the battery system. The usable capacity of the battery is the amount of energy that can be discharged from a battery and represents the power that a home or small business can draw from the battery.
- STCs will only be provided for the first 50 kWh of the usable capacity of a battery system.
- The discount rate in 2025 would be represented as 9.3 STCs per kWh of usable capacity, equivalent to around $372 per kWh.
- The number of STCs will decline for battery systems installed in 2026 and later years until the scheme ends in 2030.
- The calculation of STCs will be based on the number of STCs per kWh of installed usable capacity of the battery and the year of installation, as outlined below.
| Year | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
2030
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Estimated value per kWh
|
$372
|
$336
|
$296
|
$260
|
$224
|
$188
|
| STC factor | 9.3 | 8.4 | 7.4 | 6.5 | 5.6 |
4.7
|
- The estimated value per kWh is approximate and based on $40 per STC for a battery installed in the year. This could vary over time in line with reviews of whether the discount remains appropriate.
Number of battery systems
- A single battery system installation at a premises is eligible for support once under the program.
- Additional rebates or incentives from states and territories may be available for batteries. Eligibility or other support will depend on criteria that applies in those schemes.
Installing an eligible battery system
Accreditation of battery installers
- The battery must be installed by a person accredited for battery installations by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)
Supervision of the installation
- The battery installation must be undertaken by or with supervision on site from an accredited battery installer under Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA).
Supervision of the installation
- A battery system may be eligible for support if it is installed on or after 1 July 2025.
- A battery system is considered ‘installed’ when a certificate of electrical compliance or equivalent is signed which confirms that the system complies with relevant state and territory electrical safety regulations.
Installing a battery system with solar PV
- A battery system must be installed with an existing or new solar PV system at a premises.
Battery system installation standard
- Installation of a battery system must comply with the industry developed Best Practice Guide: Battery Storage Equipment.
Consumer protections and additional safety measures
Written statements
- Written statements from the retailer and installer, as required under SRES, must be provided to the system owner. The written statements provide the consumer with information on:
- technical details of the installation, including that safety and accreditation requirements were met
- potential energy savings and payback periods.
Inspections
- The existing program of inspections for solar PV systems, administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, will be expanded to include inspections of battery installations.
- The Clean Energy Regulator is reviewing testing requirements to support the roll out the program.
Compliance with state and territory law and electrical safety regulations
- The battery system and installation must comply with all relevant state and territory law, including electrical safety regulations.
- Documents and supporting statements will be required, relating to the design and installation of the system, including meeting jurisdictional regulatory requirements.
To find out more about the Cheaper Home Batteries Program please contact us.
Understanding solar rebates
Your Complete Guide to Solar Rebates and Incentives in Australia
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you understand everything you need to know about solar rebates—also known as solar incentives—across Australia.
We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions from our customers regarding available rebates and support.
Whether you’re looking to:
Understand the 2025 Federal Government Solar Rebate
Explore current subsidies offered by your State Government
Calculate your potential savings in 2025
Check your eligibility for rebates
—you’ll find all the answers right here. Let’s get started!
What Is the Federal Solar Rebate?
If you’re planning to install solar panels at home, you’ve likely come across the term “solar rebate.” The good news is that you may be eligible for two types of incentives—Federal and State Government—depending on your location.
Although commonly referred to as “rebates,” these incentives aren’t technically direct payments made to you by the government.
Instead, the rebate is applied at the point of sale. It’s assigned to your chosen solar installer, who deducts the rebate amount from the total cost of your solar system—making your upfront investment more affordable.
How much is the federal rebate worth?
In 2025, Australian homeowners can still access substantial savings through the Federal Government’s solar rebate program—potentially amounting to thousands of dollars.
But how much can you actually save?
The exact rebate amount varies based on a few key factors, including your geographic location and, most significantly, the size of your solar system. Simply put, the larger the system you install, the greater the rebate you’ll receive.
For example, under the 2025 Federal Government Solar Rebate, a 6.6kW system (suitable for the average family home) installed in Brisbane, QLD (Zone 3) qualifies for a rebate of approximately $2,160.
State-level solar rebates & grants
In addition to the generous Federal Government solar rebate, you may also benefit from state-based incentives—depending on where you live. Some states are currently offering additional subsidies to further reduce the cost of installing solar at your home.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Eligible households can take advantage of the Solar for Low Income Program, which offers a subsidy covering up to 50% of the total cost of a solar system, capped at $2,500.
In addition, participants can access a three-year interest-free loan to help pay off the remaining balance, making solar more accessible and affordable for low-income families.
New South Wales (NSW)
Under the Solar for Low Income Program, eligible participants can receive a subsidy of up to 50% of the total solar system cost, capped at $2,500. To make the transition even more affordable, a three-year interest-free loan is also available to cover the remaining amount.
Queensland (QLD)
The Queensland Government is in the process of finalising the details of its upcoming Battery Booster Program, aimed at supporting homeowners who wish to install solar battery systems.
While full program information is yet to be released, it’s confirmed that households with a combined income of less than $180,000 will be eligible for this rebate.
Other states and territories
Currently, South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), the Northern Territory (NT), and Western Australia (WA) do not offer any additional state-level rebates or grants for solar power. However, homeowners in these states are still eligible for the Federal Government solar incentive, making it more affordable to invest in renewable energy solutions.
Do you qualify for the solar rebate?
Yes, in most cases, you’re likely eligible!
To qualify for solar rebates, your installation must meet a few key criteria:
The solar panels and inverter must be approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
All components must comply with Australian standards.
A CEC Accredited Installer must complete the installation, following the CEC’s strict design and installation guidelines.
At Solar Start, we make it simple to compare quotes from trusted, CEC Accredited Solar Installers.
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Frequently Ask Qestions
How long have you been in business?
We have been in business for over 20 years.
Can you provide references or a portfolio of your past work?
Yes, we can provide references and a portfolio of our past work upon request.
How do you determine the cost of a project?
The cost of a project is determined by several factors including the size and complexity of the project, materials used, and labor costs. We provide a detailed estimate before any work begins.
Do you have any certifications or accreditations?
Yes, we are licensed and insured and have received several certifications and accreditations.
How do you handle change orders?
Change orders are handled on a case-by-case basis, and any changes to the original scope of work will be discussed and approved by all parties before proceeding.
How do you handle project delays or complications?
We have a team in place to handle any delays or complications that may arise during a project. We work closely with our clients to find solutions and keep them informed throughout the process.
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Ready to save on energy bills and take control of your power? At Solar Start, we make it easy to switch with zero upfront costs, expert installation, and systems tailored to your needs.
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At Solar Start, we make the switch to clean, renewable energy easier than ever. With our zero upfront cost solar and battery solutions.