About the Cheaper Home Batteries Program

The Australian government's $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program launches 1 July 2025, offering ~30% rebates on small-scale battery system installations for households and small businesses. The program aims to help people store solar power and reduce overall energy costs.

Key eligibility requirements

Battery specifications:

• 5–100 kWh nominal capacity (rebate applies to first 50 kWh of usable capacity)
• Listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list
• Can be on-grid or off-grid
• On-grid batteries must be VPP-capable (but don’t have to be connected)

Installation requirements:

• Installed with an existing or new solar PV system
• Installer must be accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)
• Must meet state/territory electrical safety regulations
• Only one battery system per premises is eligible
• Systems MUST NOT be wired-in or connected to the grid prior to July 1. Ignoring this requirement will make the purchase ineligible for the rebate

Rebate structure

The rebate is delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, using Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs):

• 2025: $372 per kWh (9.3 STCs per kWh)
• Gradually decreases each year until 2030
• 2030: $188 per kWh (4.7 STCs per kWh)

Program administered by the Clean Energy Regulator. STCs are typically processed via retailers/installers.

More information about the program Cheaper Home Batteries Program - DCCEEW

How to claim a battery STC rebate (installers)

1. Confirm your accreditation

• You must be accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)
• Stay current on Clean Energy Council approved product updates and standards

2. Assess site eligibility

• Battery must not be installed or connected to the grid prior to 1 July 2025
• Must be paired with an existing or simultaneous solar PV install

3. Quote correctly

• Apply the STC rebate at the current year’s rate (see above)
• Cap rebate at 50 kWh of usable capacity

4. Install and register

• Comply with all state/territory electrical safety laws
• Use VPP-capable batteries for on-grid systems
• Register the system and claim STCs on the customer’s behalf

5. Avoid ineligibility

• Do not connect the battery early before 1 July 2025
• Ensure paperwork and compliance details are accurate

More information about the program Cheaper Home Batteries Program - DCCEEW

Implications for Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)

• Eligibility requirement: The battery system must be technically capable of participating in a VPP. This includes the ability to be monitored, coordinated, and respond to external signals — typically via an inverter or battery management platform.
• Customer participation is optional: While batteries must be VPP-ready, actual enrolment in a VPP is not mandatory under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. This makes VPP capability a compliance condition, not a service requirement.
• Benefits for your customers: You can position VPPs as an optional value-add. Many retailers and aggregators offercustomers:
  
  
  • Bill credits or usage-based payouts
  • Greater energy independence
  • Participation in grid-wide sustainability efforts
• Installation implications: Installers must ensure the systems they provide meet VPP-readiness standards and that any potential VPP enrolment remains clearly opt-in for customers.

Can I stack other rebates with the federal one?

Eligibility for combining the federal rebate with state schemes varies. Some states prohibit multiple rebates, others haven’t confirmed. Confirm eligibility before quoting customers or promising rebates.

WA Residential Battery Scheme

The WA Residential Battery Scheme will complement the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program for a combined rebate of up to $5,000 for Synergy customers and $7,500 for Horizon Power customers.

NSW Battery Discount

The NSW Government battery discount cannot be combined with the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program. From 1 July 2025, the NSW Government will increase its incentive for customers who connect their battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) from $800 to $1,500. This VPP incentive can be combined with the Australian Government’s new rebate.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Sustainable Household Scheme

This scheme provides low interest loans to help with the costs of energy-efficient upgrades from $2,000 to $15,000. The ACT SHS can be used once the federal rebate is be applied to the purchase price of a battery.

New checks now apply for battery finance

We’re updating our processes to support vendors, and correctly inform customers.

What's changing:

• Customers must acknowledge the risks of proceeding early via a pop-up notification in a battery or solar and battery loan application before submission.
• All battery settlements will be manually reviewed by Brighte.
• Sales invoices must state the status of any expected battery rebate. If the finance amount is not shown net of the rebate, Brighte will seek confirmation from the customer that they remain responsible for full repayment of the Brighte loan, even if the rebate does not proceed.
• Unless a deferral is requested, loan repayments may begin before the battery is commissioned. Brighte will confirm this with the customer prior to settlement.

Information you can share with your customers

Help customers understand the benefits of the upcoming program with this ready-to-use messaging:

• “You could save up to 30% off a new home battery.”
• “Add energy storage to your solar system and reduce your reliance on the grid.”
• “Not only do batteries store your solar, they help power the grid when demand peaks, that’s future-ready tech.”
• “We’re accredited to install under the new federal battery program and can offer finance options if needed to reduce upfront costs.”

Tip: Always clarify that the battery must be installed, and commissioned on or after 1 July 2025 to be eligible. Customers purchasing early must understand this risk.

Have a question?

Call our team on 1300 309 100 or email us at vendorsuccess@brighte.com.au