Switching to solar battery storage is a smart move for many Australian households and small businesses. But with the government’s new Cheaper Home Batteries Program launching soon, it’s about to become even more accessible. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to access the program, what the eligibility requirements are, how the new discounts work, and how you can compare solar plans to secure the best possible deal—with confidence and transparency at every step.
Whether you’re solar-savvy or just starting to research home battery systems, you’ll find everything you need to make an informed decision for your home, budget, and future energy savings.
What is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a government initiative designed to cut the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery storage systems in Australian homes and small businesses. Rolling out from 1 July 2025, this program offers around a 30% discount on eligible battery systems, directly reducing barriers to energy independence and helping balance the nation’s power grid.
Core objectives of the program
- Reduce upfront costs: The government fully covers the discount, so you won’t pay extra through energy retailers.
- Support grid stability: Widespread battery adoption helps distribute electricity more efficiently, making energy more reliable and affordable for everyone.
- Accelerate renewable energy: Encourages more Australians to maximise their solar usage and store excess energy for later use.
Who is eligible for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Eligibility is based on current policy from the Clean Energy Regulator and Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. While technical details may evolve, here’s an overview of the proposed criteria as of May 2025:
- Eligible systems: You can claim the rebate for one small-scale battery system per property, between 5 kWh and 100 kWh in nominal (total) capacity. Only the first 50 kWh of usable capacity are eligible for certificates and discounts.
- New or existing solar: Batteries must be paired with either a new or existing solar PV system.
- Certified installations: Installations count as complete when a certificate of electrical compliance (or equivalent) is signed, confirming the system meets all state and territory safety standards.
- Approved products and installers: The battery must be on the Clean Energy Council’s approved product list and installed by an expert with Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) battery accreditation.
You can quickly check the current eligibility requirements and receive updates directly by signing up for the government’s official solar battery mailing list.
Important timing notes
- Do not install early: If your battery is installed and tested before 1 July 2025, it will not qualify for the new discount.
- Systems installed after 1 July 2025: Ensure the system is tested and certified as capable of storing or discharging energy on or after 1 July 2025, as recorded on your certificate of electrical compliance.
How does the discount work
The government discount is provided upfront, based on the number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) your battery system generates. The process is seamless for most homeowners and is designed to keep things simple and ACCC-compliant.
How the discount is calculated
- The discount is tied to your battery’s usable capacity (up to 50 kWh).
- The government directly purchases the STCs generated, so there are no costs passed on to you or your energy retailer.
- You’ll usually assign your right to create STCs to your retailer or a registered agent. They’ll reduce the system price by the certificate’s value, minus their administration fees.
Why STCs
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are a central part of Australia’s renewable energy incentives. When you install eligible solar or battery systems, each STC holds a market value and can be traded to reduce your upfront system cost.
For batteries, the government will fund the equivalent value of the STCs rather than passing costs through your energy bill. This keeps solar power compare, compare solar plans, and solar battery options highly competitive and transparent.
No hidden costs
The Australian Government’s approach ensures:
- No extra costs for you or other households via energy providers.
- The full discount is funded by the government.
- Pricing remains competitive—as you’ll see when you compare solar batteries and solar plans.
Note: No hidden costs passed on by the government. However, check all provider quotes for installation, admin, or maintenance fees.
Step by step How to access the Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Here’s how you can make the most of this program and transition to battery storage with confidence:
1. Assess if a solar battery is right for your needs
- Review your electricity usage. Batteries make the most impact for households with high self-consumption.
- Consider if you already have a solar PV system. If not, explore bundled deals for panels and batteries together.
- Use reputable sources like energy.gov.au and the Clean Energy Council for guidance.
2. Check the current eligibility requirements
- Stay up to date by reviewing the official program page.
- Only systems installed from 1 July 2025 can qualify.
- Both the product and the installer must be government-accredited.
3. Compare solar batteries, solar power systems, and solar plans
- Use platforms like Econnex to compare solar panels, battery systems, and retail solar plans side-by-side.
- Request at least three quotes to ensure you’re seeing competitive prices, product details, and warranty offers.
- Ensure every quote clearly details the upfront discount from the Cheaper Home Batteries Program and any STC assignment arrangements.
Tips for comparing offers
- Check whether the quoted battery is on the Clean Energy Council approved list.
- Confirm the installer holds Solar Accreditation Australia battery accreditation.
- Ask for documentation upfront on compliance with safety regulations and clarity about costs after discounts.
4. Choose your battery and arrange installation
- After comparing options and selecting your preferred solution, finalise the contract with your chosen retailer and installer.
- Approve the assignment of STCs (usually handled by your installer or retailer).
- Schedule installation to occur on or after 1 July 2025.
- Ensure you receive a certificate of electrical compliance.
5. Maintain safety and compliance
- All batteries must be installed according to state and territory electrical regulations and safety standards.
- Only use installers with the correct accreditation.
- After installation, the Clean Energy Regulator may conduct inspections to ensure compliance.
6. Explore ongoing benefits and further savings
- Integrate your battery into a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) for the potential to earn further credits by sharing stored power with the grid.
- Review government or state-level incentives that may stack with the federal program, such as local VPP trials or time-of-use tariff rebates.
- Optimise your usage habits to maximise self-consumption and long-term savings.
Frequently asked questions about the Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Is the discount available nationwide
Yes, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program is national and supported by the federal government, though all installations must comply with local regulations.
Do I need to buy both solar panels and a battery
You can install a battery with an existing solar PV system or combine both in a bundled package. Always compare your options to get the best deal.
Will the 30 percent discount apply to all battery sizes
The discount is based on the usable capacity of the battery up to 50 kWh, so the percentage benefit may vary depending on the system you choose.
How long will the program last
The upfront discount will gradually decrease until 2030. Acting early can help you lock in more substantial support.
What if I want to upgrade my battery in the future
The program currently covers one battery system per property. If battery technology advances or your needs grow, future upgrades would need to be assessed under whatever programs and eligibility exist at that time.
Can I choose any brand of battery
Only batteries on the Clean Energy Council approved list qualify for the discount. This ensures your system meets high safety and performance standards.
Data transparency and your consumer rights
All pricing and claims in this article are sourced from the Clean Energy Regulator, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the official program regulatory documentation.
- Get product and installer accreditation checks directly from the Clean Energy Council and SAA.
- Reference consumer protection guidance from the ACCC for your rights and dispute resolution.
- All STC pricing and market information can be found at the Clean Energy Regulator.
Maximising your savings by comparing solar plans and battery offers
Whether you are upgrading an existing setup or starting from scratch, the fastest way to ensure you are getting the greatest value is to compare solar plans, solar panels and battery systems in one place. Not all deals are created equal. Factors like warranty, charge-discharge efficiency, lifetime costs, and installer quality can make a major difference to your energy savings over time.
Platforms like Econnex allow you to:
- Compare features, prices, and brands side-by-side in seconds
- Filter options to match your home size, budget, and usage
- Access exclusive deals and support from reputable Australian providers
Next steps for future-ready home energy
Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program is set to unlock both immediate discounts and long-term savings for households and small businesses. Take these next steps to get started:
- Sign up for updates from the government about program changes and deadlines.
- Gather your home energy bills and assess your current solar and battery needs.
- Visit Econnex to compare solar panels, solar power, and battery systems using trusted comparison tools that put transparency and savings first.
- Book a consultation with accredited installers to review your shortlist and understand the physical and safety requirements in your area.
- Make a decision with clear information in hand, and enjoy both the financial and environmental benefits of clean, reliable home energy storage.
Start comparing solar plans and battery deals now
Unlock a brighter, more affordable future for your home. Head to Econnex to compare solar, battery and energy plans—with clarity and confidence.
Disclaimer: All offers are subject to eligibility and terms of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Discounts are based on the market value of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and vary by system capacity and installation date. Always compare multiple quotes and review provider terms before committing.
