Frequently Asked Questions

Not for new standard applicants. It is now a 3% fixed loan. Zero-interest finance is still available to approved Home Energy Support participants.

Yes. An eligible battery can be added to an existing solar system and receive the federal battery discount. The amount depends on its usable capacity, installation date and the applicable capacity tiers. Your existing solar and electrical setup must also meet the program’s requirements.

Sometimes. Federal discounts and state or territory incentives have separate eligibility rules, and some can be combined. For example, eligible NSW customers may combine the federal battery discount with a separate VPP participation incentive. We’ll check which rebates or finance programs apply to your property before preparing your quote.

The rebate is set by the install date, not the quote date. If a rate steps down before you are installed, the rebate changes with it. We tell you before install and explain the difference, rather than leaving an old figure on the paperwork.

No. It comes off your invoice. You never receive it separately or wait for it.

The STC rebate steps down each year and ends on 31 December 2030, so now’s the time to maximise your benefit.

Yes. If your installation meets the eligibility requirements, you can receive both the federal solar STC discount and the federal battery discount. Some state or territory incentives may also be available, subject to their own rules. We’ll check what applies to your property and show the eligible discounts in your quote.

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It’s a federal government program, but we handle all the paperwork and apply the rebate upfront to reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Your membership includes the Summit + Shore App, 24/7 connected-system monitoring with daily review by our team, priority support, an annual performance review and health check, and one annual call-out with no call-out fee. You also receive warranty-claim management, discounted panel cleaning and compliance testing where applicable. Any separately chargeable labour, materials or equipment will be quoted for your approval before work proceeds.

No. There’s no minimum paid membership term or exit fee. After your free trial, your plan automatically continues at $33 per month including GST, billed monthly in advance. To cancel, email support@summitandshore.com. If your email is received before the trial ends, no subscription fees will be charged. After the trial, cancellation takes effect at the end of your current paid billing period; your benefits continue until then and you won’t be charged for the next period..

We’ll detect most issues remotely, often before you notice. Monitoring and supported alerts help us identify system issues. If you notice a fault, raise a ticket through the Summit + Shore App and a person from our team will get back to you within 24 hours. We’ll investigate and help coordinate warranty support or an on-site visit where needed. Any chargeable work will be quoted for your approval first.

There may be a short interruption (usually under an hour) while we connect your system.

Most installations take one day. Larger systems can take two or three days. We’ll confirm what to expect for your system and walk you through how it works before we leave.

Yes. You can transfer the plan to your new house once we’ve completed an Energy Health Check.

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.

Yes. We follow SAA standards and use non-invasive testing methods, so there’s no risk of damage to panels, batteries, or wiring.

No. Most of the assessment is non-intrusive. If a temporary shutdown is needed, it’s brief and scheduled with you.

We don’t use subcontractors. With our in-house technicians, premium components, and our ongoing Energy Protection Plan, we ensure your system performs at its best long after installation. Our goal is long-term savings, resilience, and peace of mind.

Yes. Many customers choose to continue with our Energy Protection Plan for ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and proactive care, keeping performance high and problems low.

The assessment itself isn’t part of your manufacturer’s warranty, but it can help identify warranty-eligible faults early, saving you money and ensuring claims are made while coverage is active.

You’ll get a comprehensive performance report, outlining issues found, improvements made, and clear recommendations for maximising efficiency and savings.

Yes. We assess and optimise systems regardless of the original installer or equipment brand. Our team is experienced across all major technologies.

Most assessments take 2 to 3 hours on site, depending on system size and complexity. You’ll receive a clear report and tailored recommendations afterwards.

Most systems benefit from assessment. Whether your system is new, established, or ageing, a health check ensures it’s performing at its best, identifies hidden issues, and uncovers opportunities for greater savings.

A 10-year-old system is ideal for assessment. Technology has advanced significantly, and many systems can be enhanced with new inverters, additional capacity, or reconfiguration. We’ll help you decide whether upgrading or replacing delivers better value.

Yes. Batteries require specialised assessment to manage charge cycles, software updates, and integration efficiency. This maximises lifespan and ensures reliable performance.

Definitely. High energy users benefit most from consumption analysis and load shifting. Large households, home offices, or properties with pools often see substantial savings when usage is optimised.

Yes. A health check ensures your current system can support an EV charger. Assessing capacity and configuration first prevents costly mistakes and enables smooth, efficient expansion.

Not at all. Established systems often show the greatest potential for improvement. Inverter settings can be updated, batteries optimised, and integration with EVs or other new technologies enabled.

Yes. Recent installations benefit from performance verification and early optimisation. Even well-installed systems can be fine-tuned, and early checks help identify warranty issues while coverage is active.

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.

Installation is usually scheduled within 4–6 weeks, subject to site inspection, equipment availability and network approvals. If your electricity meter needs replacing or reconfiguring, that work may take up to a further 30 days after installation. We’ll confirm your timeline and keep you updated if anything changes.

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.

Our Energy Protection Plan provides 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, performance optimisation, and expert guidance throughout your system’s life. Your active membership includes an annual performance review and health check, plus one annual call-out with no call-out fee. We’re your long-term partner in energy independence.

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.

The program is scheduled to run through 2030. The next battery rebate reduction is on 1 January 2027, followed by further scheduled reductions every six months. Your battery can continue to provide benefits after the program ends, depending on its condition, performance and how you use it.

State and territory programs vary. In NSW, the former battery-installation incentive is no longer available, but eligible customers may receive a separate incentive for connecting their battery to a VPP. Other locations have different rebates or finance options. We’ll check current eligibility when preparing your quote.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

We handle the rebate paperwork and certificate process with your authorisation. The rebate calculation depends on usable battery capacity, installation date and the applicable capacity tiers. Once your system is installed and running, our lead electrician will guide you through approving the completed installation in GreenDeal by SMS or email. We apply the eligible rebate as an upfront discount on your installation invoice and show the calculation in your quote.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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. Under the current tiered structure: the first 14 kWh receives the full rebate rate, capacity from 14 to 28 kWh receives 60%, and capacity from 28 to 50 kWh receives 15%.

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.

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.

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 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.

For eligible batteries installed from 1 May to 31 December 2026, the base factor is 6.8 small-scale technology certificates (STCs) per kWh of usable capacity. The first 14 kWh receives 100% of that factor, the next 14 kWh receives 60%, and capacity above 28 kWh, up to 50 kWh, receives 15%. Your dollar discount depends on the STC value and applicable fees. The next scheduled reduction is on 1 January 2027.

You can calculate your rebate savings with our Rebate Calculator.

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a federal government initiative that reduces the upfront cost of eligible batteries connected to new or existing solar. Support is designed to provide around 30% off installation costs, but the actual discount depends on usable battery capacity, installation date, the capacity tiers and STC value. The program is scheduled to run through 2030, with the next rebate reduction on 1 January 2027 and further scheduled reductions every six months after that.

If you sell your home you can take your plan with you to your new home at no extra cost. You can also transfer your plan to the new homeowner if you like.