TL;DR
- New rebate active: From July 2025, the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides around 30% off solar battery installation costs.
- Who can apply: Available to homeowners, businesses, and community organisations.
- Eligibility: Batteries must be CEC-approved and installed by accredited professionals.
- Savings: Rebates can cut thousands off upfront costs, shorten payback to 3–5 years, and reduce bills by up to $2,300 per year.
- Act early: The rebate decreases each year until 2030.
Installing solar batteries allows Victorian households to store extra solar power during the day and use it at night. This reduces energy bills and cuts reliance on the grid. The main challenge has always been the high upfront cost.
Government rebates help make solar battery installation more affordable. Victoria previously offered support through the Solar Homes Program, which has now closed. From July 2025, the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program is available, lowering the cost of installing solar batteries for homeowners, businesses, and community organisations.
Here’s what you need to know about the current rebates, how the program works, and the potential savings.
The Current Incentive: Federal “Cheaper Home Batteries” Program
On 1 July 2025, the Australian Government launched the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a nationwide rebate designed to slash battery installation costs.
Here’s what it offers:
- Discount Value: Roughly 30% off the upfront cost, equal to about $350 per usable kWh of battery capacity.
- Battery Size Eligibility: Applies to systems between 5 kWh and 100 kWh of usable storage. However, the rebate only covers the first 50 kWh — enough for most households and small businesses.
- Who Can Apply: Available to homeowners, small businesses, and community facilities. Unlike past state programs, there’s no income or means testing.
- Timeline: The rebate is available now, but it will decrease every year until 2030, making early adoption the most cost-effective choice.
This new program essentially takes the place of the discontinued Victorian scheme and is far more generous in scale, covering a much larger portion of the upfront cost.
How the Federal Rebate Works
The rebate operates through Australia’s existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), the same framework that subsidises rooftop solar panels.
Mechanics of the Scheme
- Each battery earns a set number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on its usable storage capacity.
- The installer calculates the rebate at the time of purchase and applies the discount directly to the invoice.
- Homeowners don’t need to manage the certificates themselves — the installer claims them on your behalf.
Eligibility Rules
To qualify, your battery system must:
- Be installed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer.
- Be listed on the CEC approved product list.
- Be paired with either a new or existing rooftop solar system.
Value of the Rebate
The program offers approximately 9.3 STCs per kWh of usable battery capacity, which translates into real savings:
- A 10 kWh battery may receive about $3,500 in discounts.
- A 13 kWh battery could attract rebates worth around $4,500.
- Larger batteries will see even more value, though capped at 50 kWh.
How Much Can You Save?
The key question most Victorians ask is simple: “How much money will this really save me?”
Upfront Savings
A mid-sized solar battery (11–13 kWh) typically costs between $10,000 and $13,000 before rebates. With the federal program, you could see $3,500 to $4,500 knocked off the purchase price instantly.
That means you might pay closer to $7,000–$9,000, making batteries more affordable than ever.
Annual Bill Reductions
Households with a correctly sized solar and battery system can expect to save $1,100 to $2,300 per year on electricity bills. The exact savings depend on your energy use, tariff structure, and whether you participate in programs like Virtual Power Plants (VPPs).
Payback Period
With the rebate in place, the payback period shortens significantly. Independent modelling suggests some households could recover their investment in as little as three to five years, compared to seven to ten years without the rebate.
Benefits of Installing a Solar Battery Under the Rebate
Greater Energy Independence
Instead of exporting excess solar at low feed-in tariff rates, you can store it and use it later when power is more expensive.
Protection Against Rising Energy Prices
With energy costs climbing, batteries help stabilise household bills and reduce reliance on volatile grid prices.
Increased Self-Consumption
Feed-in tariffs in Victoria have dropped to as little as 3.3¢ per kWh, making it far more valuable to use your own stored energy.
Emergency Backup Power
Many battery systems offer backup functionality, providing power during blackouts or outages — a growing concern in areas with unstable grids.
Environmental Benefits
By maximising solar energy use, households reduce dependence on coal-based electricity by installing solar panels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Tips for Victorians Considering a Solar Battery
- Act Early. The rebate value will decline every year until 2030, so the sooner you install, the more you save.
- Work With Accredited Installers. Always use a CEC-accredited installer. This ensures your system qualifies for the rebate and meets safety standards.
- Compare Multiple Quotes. Battery prices and installation costs can vary widely. Get at least three quotes and compare warranties, product quality, and service guarantees.
- Beware of Scams. The launch of rebates often attracts fraudulent operators. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and check installer accreditation.
- Consider Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). Some retailers allow you to join a VPP, where your battery supports the grid in exchange for bill credits or payments. This can further improve the payback period.
Future Outlook for Solar Batteries in Victoria
Looking ahead, here’s what Victorians should expect:
- Federal rebate tapering: Discounts will decrease annually until the scheme ends in 2030.
- Potential new state incentives: While none are currently active, future Victorian government energy policies may bring back additional support.
- Growing grid importance: As feed-in tariffs continue to fall, solar batteries will become the standard for getting the most value out of solar.
- Community batteries: Expect to see local councils and energy providers trial shared storage solutions that could complement household batteries.
Install Your Solar Battery With Top Glaze Today!
Ready to lower your power bills and maximise your solar system? Top Glaze Roofing Systems installs high-quality solar batteries from accredited brands, ensuring you qualify for the latest government rebate.
Call 1800 88 77 98 or email info@topglaze.com.au now to book your installation and start saving with a reliable solar battery system.
