What is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?

The Australian Federal Government introduced the Cheaper Home Batteries Program on July 1, 2025, to encourage more homeowners to install a battery system and reduce their reliance on the grid. Home batteries allow you to store excess solar power to use later, such as at night or during blackouts.

The Program operates through the same Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) that drove the uptake of rooftop solar, and is a key strategy in Australia’s transition to a cleaner energy future. 

In this article, we will explore what incentives are available, key eligibility criteria and how Solahart will help you every step of the way.

How Much Can You Save?

You could receive a discount of around 30% on the upfront cost of a home battery.* The actual amount depends on the usable battery capacity (between 5kWh and 50kWh).

For example, if you install a 10kWh battery, you could get about $3,720 off the upfront price. 

Eligibility Criteria 

There are some key criteria to keep in mind for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Battery size:

A battery must be in the range of 5kWh to 50kWh in usable capacity to be eligible. Systems up to 100kWh are included, but are only eligible for STCs for the first 50kWh.

New battery system:

An eligible battery under this program could include a single battery or system of modular batteries connected to serve as a single unit.

Adding capacity to an existing system:

You can claim STCs if you have an existing battery and are adding additional capacity, only if:

• You haven’t previously received a discount under this program.
• The total upgrade is between 5kWh and 100kWh in capacity.

Which Batteries Are Eligible?

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has a list of approved batteries that are eligible under this program. These batteries have been tested to ensure they meet the required electrical safety and quality standards. Solahart includes the following brands in our range: 

• GoodWe
• Enphase
• Tesla
• SolarEdge

What is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)?

A VPP is a network of solar batteries connected to share excess stored power during times of peak demand. Energy stored in individual homes adds up to large amounts when put together, which helps manage energy flow and reduce pressure on the grid when demand is high.

This is operated remotely by the provider. For more information on VPP, speak to your local Solahart Dealer.

Installation and Compliance.

• To be eligible for the program, the battery needs to be VPP-capable, although joining a VPP is optional. The battery must be installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)-accredited installer.
• It must include a Certificate of Electrical Compliance dated on or after July 1, 2025.

Get Smart with Solahart

At Solahart, we’ve been helping Australians harness the power of the sun for over 70 years. As a trusted leader in solar energy solutions, your local Solahart Dealer will: 

• Guide you through every step of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
• Help you select the right battery system for your needs from our comprehensive range.
• Implement the incentive discount, and ensure a compliant, professional installation.
• Provide ongoing support after your battery is installed.

Rebates are expected to decrease gradually each year until 2030, so be sure to get in early. Contact Solahart today on 1300 721 984 or enter your details below for more information or a free in-home energy consultation. 

Disclaimer:

*Australian Government incentive: From 1 July 2025, incentives for batteries are available to eligible households under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). For further details, including full eligibility criteria, see https://cer.gov.au/batteries. Western Australia: From 1 July 2025, battery rebates are available under the WA Residential Battery Scheme to eligible Synergy and Horizon Power customers in Western Australia. Households are required to participate in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) in order to receive this rebate. For further details, including full eligibility criteria, see www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/wa-residential-battery-scheme. The WA Scheme is complimentary to the Federal Government’s battery rebate under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. New South Wales: The amount shown above is not a deduction from this Quotation. Rather, it is an estimate of an incentive that eligible NSW homeowners may be able to receive under the NSW Government’s Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS). The BESS2 incentive requires connection of an eligible home battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Interested homeowners should contact their desired VPP operator to receive an accurate estimate and to access the incentive. For further details, including full eligibility criteria, see www.energy.nsw.gov.au/nsw-plans-and-progress/regulation-and-policy/energy-security-safeguard/residential-solar-battery-demand-response-eligibility.