Cheaper Home Batteries Program

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a $7.2 billion Federal Government initiative that helps Australians take control of their energy storage. You can qualify for around 30% off the upfront cost of battery installations, currently up to $3,100 off a typical 10 kWh system. The program runs until 2030, with rebate rates declining every six months from May 2026.

Currently, the government creates 8.4 certificates for every kWh of battery you install. The rebate declines every six months, so now is the best time to install.

You can calculate your rebate savings with our Rebate Calculator.

We recommend you install as soon as you can. While battery costs are expected to drop over time, the rebate reductions and new tiered structure for battery capacity from May 2026 means waiting delivers diminishing returns. The current rebate offers the highest financial benefit, and given anticipated installer capacity constraints, early booking helps avoid potential delays.

Good question. The government says the rebate could be “up to $336 per kWh”, but this is the theoretical maximum if certificates sell for their absolute peak value. In reality, after transaction fees, administration costs, and current market conditions, you’ll receive slightly less. We quote the $336 figure but you should expect the actual amount to be marginally lower once fees are deducted.

You can claim one rebate per property. If you own multiple properties, you can claim the rebate for each address, provided each has its own electricity meter.

Yes, your battery must be paired with either existing or new rooftop solar panels. You cannot claim the rebate for a standalone battery system without solar.

Absolutely! The rebate specifically applies to adding battery storage to existing solar systems. This is actually the most common scenario we see.

Battery systems with a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh are eligible, but the rebate applies to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity. From 1 May 2026, a tiered structure applies: the first 14 kWh receives the full rebate, capacity from 14 to 28 kWh receives 60%, and capacity from 28 to 50 kWh receives 15%.

Your battery must be VPP-capable, but you don’t need to actually join a VPP. The system just needs to have the technical ability to connect if you choose to in the future.

Virtual Power Plant (VPP) sounds fancy. It’s like having your battery join a team with thousands of other batteries across Australia. When the grid needs extra power during peak times, such as heatwaves, your battery can chip in and help out while you get paid for it. However, your battery always stores your solar energy first and only shares excess power when you don’t need it. You don’t have to join a VPP, but your battery needs to be VPP-ready to qualify for the federal rebate. Having that capability is like buying a ute with a tow bar; even if you’re not planning to tow anything tomorrow, it may come in handy someday.

No, there are no income restrictions. The rebate is available to all eligible homeowners, regardless of household income.

The Federal rebate applies to homeowners. Renters may benefit if the property owner applies. Our team can provide advice if you’re renting and want to explore options.

Battery installation must be completed by an installer accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA). Summit + Shore holds full SAA accreditation, so you’re covered.

Not necessarily. We assess your existing solar and electrical infrastructure during our site visit to determine the best integration approach. Most existing systems can accommodate battery storage.

Both the battery system and the inverter must be listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list. We only recommend and install CEC-approved systems that meet all safety and quality standards.

You don’t need to do anything. When you install a battery, the government creates 8.4 certificates for every kWh of capacity. These certificates have cash value that energy companies are required to buy. As your accredited installer, we handle the entire process: we claim the certificates, sell them, and pass the money straight back to you as an instant discount on your invoice. No forms, no waiting, no admin headaches. You see the full savings upfront.

The rebate is applied as an immediate discount on your installation invoice. You see the savings upfront, not as a later refund.

You can install systems larger than 50 kWh, but the rebate only applies to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity. From 1 May 2026, the tiered structure also applies: full rebate on the first 14 kWh, 60% on capacity from 14 to 28 kWh, and 15% on capacity from 28 to 50 kWh. We’ll help you determine the optimal sizing to maximise both your rebate and long-term value.

You can add additional battery capacity to your existing system and receive the rebate for the new batteries, but only if your property hasn’t already claimed any rebate under this program. Once you’ve received the rebate once, no further additions will be eligible for additional rebates at that property.

Government analysis shows that households adding a battery to their existing solar system could save up to $1,100 per year on power bills. A home installing new solar plus battery could save up to $2,300 per year, up to 90% of typical electricity costs.

Battery technology has come a long way. Just a few years ago, batteries often weren’t worth installing because you wouldn’t be cash flow positive. But with massive tech improvements and now the Federal rebate, it’s become a no-brainer for most households. Payback periods are now typically 5-7 years, and many customers find their monthly savings actually exceed their monthly payments when financed. Our Energy Protection Plan monitoring ensures you achieve maximum returns throughout your system’s life.

Yes. We offer flexible financing options to make battery installation more affordable. When combined with the Federal rebate, many customers find their monthly savings offset a significant portion of their repayments and in some cases, savings exceed the payments entirely.

In Western Australia, you can combine the Federal rebate with the WA state battery rebate for total savings of up to $5,000 (Synergy customers) or $7,500 (Horizon Power customers) on a 10 kWh system.

Most other state battery rebates ended on 30 June 2025, when the federal rebate launched. However, some states offer additional incentives, and we’ll let you know as part of our quote.

The rebate is applied upfront as a discount on your invoice. We handle the certificates and admin so you won’t be chasing refunds.

The program runs until 2030, with rebates decreasing each year. However, your battery system will continue to deliver savings for 10-15+ years, regardless of when rebates end.

Battery storage is the foundation of energy independence. Once you have solar and battery, adding EV charging, heat pumps, and electric appliances becomes much more cost-effective and sustainable.

Our Energy Protection Plan provides 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, performance optimisation, and expert guidance throughout your system’s life. We’re your long-term partner in energy independence.

Book your free energy assessment. We’ll analyse your current energy usage, any existing solar performance, and calculate your exact rebate entitlement and potential savings.

From initial assessment to system activation, the process typically takes 2-4 weeks. We’ll provide a clear timeline during your consultation and keep you updated every step of the way.

Our expert team is here to help. Contact us for personalised advice about your specific situation and energy goals. Every home is different, and we tailor solutions to maximise your savings.