The Australian Government is launching a national initiative to reduce the upfront cost of installing home battery systems. Known as the Cheaper Home Batteries program, it aims to make energy storage more accessible to households and small businesses, helping more Australians lower their electricity bills and improve energy security. 

At Omega Solar and Batteries, we’re keeping a close eye on developments to ensure our customers are well-prepared when the scheme begins. 

Key Facts: Australia’s National Battery Rebate 

• Program Launch: Begins 1 July 2025 
• Rebate Value: Approximately $370 per usable kilowatt-hour of battery capacity 
• Typical Savings: An estimated $4,000 reduction on systems around 11.5 to 13.5 kWh 
• Who Can Apply: Homeowners, small businesses, and community organisations 
• Works with State Schemes: Can be used alongside existing state rebates 
• Income Not a Factor: Open to all property owners who meet installation requirements 
• Early Installations: Systems installed before July may qualify if commissioned after the start date 

What Is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program? 

The Cheaper Home Batteries program is a federally backed initiative expected to support tens of thousands of battery installations over the next four years.  It’s part of the Government’s broader Future Made in Australia strategy to reduce power bills, strengthen grid reliability, and accelerate the shift to renewable energy. 

Instead of relying on fluctuating certificate markets, the program will offer direct upfront rebates based on battery size, making battery storage far more affordable and transparent. 

The scheme will be delivered by accredited battery providers, with clear installation, compliance, and commissioning requirements. 

Eligibility Criteria for the Cheaper Home Batteries Rebate 

The rebate is available to homeowners, small businesses, and community facilities installing eligible battery systems for on-grid or off-grid use. The program is not means-tested, meaning any property owner can apply, provided the following conditions are met: 

• Battery capacity must be between 5 kWh and 50 kWh, with total site capacity not exceeding 100 kWh 
• Can be paired with either a new or existing solar PV system 
• Each premises is eligible for the rebate once only 
• Systems must be commissioned on or after 1 July 2025, even if installation begins earlier 
• Battery must appear on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list 
• Installation must be completed or supervised by an accredited installer under Solar Accreditation Australia 
• Battery must be technically capable of participating in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), allowing it to support the grid if needed 

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of distributed batteries that can be coordinated to provide services to the electricity grid, such as supplying power during peak demand. While joining a VPP is not mandatory, having VPP-ready equipment is part of the technical requirement for this program. 

How Will Households Access the Rebate? 

The rebate will be applied as an upfront discount, reducing the total cost of your battery installation from the outset. The process is designed to be simple and stress-free: 

• The discount will be included directly in your quote 
• We will handle all rebate processing and compliance on your behalf 
• There is no need for you to apply separately or manage any paperwork 
• While the program will operate through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and involve the creation of battery STCs, this will all be managed by our team, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for eligible installations. 

How Much Can You Save? 

The rebate is expected to provide up to $370 per usable kilowatt-hour (kWh) of installed battery capacity. For a typical system sized between 11.5 and 13.5 kWh, this could result in an upfront discount of approximately $3,800 to $5,000. 

This equates to an estimated 30% reduction in total battery system cost, depending on the battery brand, system size, and installation requirements. 

Additional support may be available for low-income households, with further details to be confirmed closer to the program’s launch on 1 July 2025. 

Can I Install a Battery Now and Still Qualify? 

If you install a system before 1 July 2025, you may still qualify for the rebate as long as the system is not turned on until after the start date. Commissioning (the date the system is switched on and connected) is what determines eligibility. 

We recommend speaking with our team to ensure all compliance steps and documentation are in place if you’re considering an early install. 

How Long Will the Program Run? 

The Cheaper Home Batteries scheme is expected to run until the end of 2030. However, the value of the rebate will decline over time to reflect falling battery prices. 

• The subsidy per kWh is expected to taper by about 30% between 2025 and 2030 
• For example, support may drop from $370/kWh in 2025 to approximately $185/kWh by 2030 
• This mirrors how support for rooftop solar was gradually reduced as costs came down 
• The subsidy will be reviewed yearly, based on uptake and battery pricing, to ensure the right balance between affordability and market growth 

This gradual phase-down ensures the program remains financially responsible while continuing to drive battery adoption. 

What Happens Next? 

The Government will finalise the full program details—including provider accreditation, system eligibility, and application process—in the lead-up to 1 July 2025. 

As an experienced battery installer on the Gold Coast, Omega Solar and Batteries is preparing to become an accredited provider under the scheme. 

We will keep all registered customers updated as new information becomes available. 

Get Ready Now: Register Your Interest 

If you’re considering a battery for your home or business, now is the perfect time to plan. We can help assess your current system, design a compliant battery setup, and make sure you’re fully prepared to claim the rebate when it begins. 

Contact Omega Solar and Batteries today to register your interest and be among the first to benefit from the Cheaper Home Batteries rebate starting 1 July 2025.