A Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Battery Rebates in Australia
With electricity prices rising and more Australians adopting renewable energy, home battery storage has become an attractive solution. To help make battery systems more affordable, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program was launched as a national initiative, offering rebates that significantly reduce the upfront cost of approved home battery installations.
Here’s how the program works—broken down into five easy steps so you can start saving on power and increasing your energy independence.
1. ✅ Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, you’ll need to ensure you meet the program’s basic eligibility requirements. These may vary slightly depending on your state or territory, but in general, you must:
- Own or occupy the property where the battery will be installed
- Have an existing rooftop solar system (or install one alongside the battery)
- Use the battery for residential, not commercial, purposes
- Be connected to the main electricity grid
- Meet any income or property value criteria that may apply
Some states also prioritise low-income households or regions with high grid congestion.
Tip: It’s best to consult your local energy authority or battery rebate portal to confirm the specific criteria for your area.
2. 🔋 Choose an Approved Battery System
Not all batteries are covered under the program. You must choose from a list of approved battery models, which ensures systems meet strict safety, performance, and warranty standards.
These approved models typically include:
- Tesla Powerwall
- Sonnen Battery
- REA POWERBANK
- Alpha ESS
- BYD and Redback Technologies
Systems must also be compatible with your solar system and come with a minimum performance warranty (usually 10 years).
Tip: Check if the battery is Virtual Power Plant (VPP) ready, as this may increase your rebate in some areas.
3. 🛠️ Install with an Accredited Installer
The installation must be completed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited battery installer or a state-approved supplier under the program.
This ensures:
- Compliance with Australian safety standards
- Eligibility for the rebate
- Warranty protection
- Grid compatibility
Your chosen installer should also guide you through the product selection and application process. Many will even offer a quote with the rebate already deducted.
Tip: Always ask for a detailed quote and double-check that it includes the battery, inverter (if required), and all labour/connection costs.
4. 📝 Submit Your Application
Once your quote is finalised, and the system is confirmed as eligible, it’s time to submit your application. The process typically involves:
- Providing proof of identity and property ownership
- Uploading a copy of your quote
- Verifying installer accreditation
- Confirming system details and eligibility
Applications are usually made through a state government portal, and in some cases, your installer can submit it on your behalf.
Important: You must submit your application before installation begins, unless otherwise stated by your state authority.
5. 💰 Receive Your Rebate
Once your system is installed, inspected, and approved, the rebate will be processed.
In most cases, the rebate is:
- Deducted upfront from the cost of your system, so you pay less from day one
- Or paid directly to your installer, who passes the saving on to you
- In some cases, you may receive a rebate refund after installation (depending on state-specific rules)
Rebate amounts vary, but most programs offer between $2,500 and $4,000, or a percentage (e.g., up to 30%) of the battery cost.
Tip: Keep all receipts and paperwork for warranty and future energy plan eligibility (like VPPs or time-of-use tariffs).
Final Word
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program makes it easier and more affordable to take control of your energy use and reduce reliance on the grid. Whether you want to protect yourself from blackouts, maximise your solar investment, or just cut energy bills, now is a great time to invest in battery storage.