Why the Cheaper Home Batteries Program Could Be a Game-Changer for Your Home

The Australian Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a nationwide initiative aiming to reduce the upfront cost of solar battery systems. Starting 1 July 2025, eligible households, small businesses and community organisations will get about a 30% discount on installing battery systems paired with rooftop solar.

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What Is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program & How It Works?

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program works under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Eligible solar batteries (5-100 kWh nominal) installed with existing or new solar PV can receive around 30% off the upfront cost; the discount is based on the usable capacity of the battery.

The program gradually decreases subsidies through to 2030, so getting in earlier gives higher savings.

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Who Is Eligible Under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?

You likely qualify under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program if:

• You are a homeowner, small business, or community organisation.

  
  

• Your battery system is connected to new or existing rooftop solar PV. Pure battery systems without solar are not eligible.

  
  

• The battery and inverter are approved products, and installation is done by an installer accredited under national Australian schemes.

  
  

• The system is commissioned on or after 1 July 2025, meaning the certificate of electrical compliance (or equivalent) is signed on or after that date.

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How Much Savings You Can Expect from the Cheaper Home Batteries Program？

Here’s what this program could save you:

• With a typical battery (say ~11.5 kWh) that might cost around AUD $13,000, you might save about AUD $4,000 under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

  
  

• Over time, by storing solar energy instead of buying from the grid during expensive times, you can lower your electricity bill — savings could range from hundreds to over a thousand dollars a year, depending on usage, solar output, and how much of the battery’s usable capacity you employ.

  
  

• The discount will gradually reduce as battery costs fall (so acting sooner will give you more benefit under the program).

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Key Things to Know Before Using the Cheaper Home Batteries Program

• The discount is based on usable capacity, not just nominal capacity. Always check how much usable storage you’re getting.

  
  

• On-grid battery systems need to be VPP capable (able to connect into a virtual power plant), though you do not necessarily need to participate in a VPP.

  
  

• Installers and products must be accredited/approved under Australian regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, and local/state electrical and safety regulations must be met.

  
  

• You can combine this federal discount with some state/territory battery incentives — if your state offers one and the rules allow stacking.

  
  

• The program runs until about 2030, with discount rates slowly diminishing. The earlier you install, the more discount you are likely to get.

  
  

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Why Now Is a Good Time to Act with the Cheaper Home Batteries Program？

Because battery prices are expected to fall and government discount rates will decline over the years, installing now under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program gives you a better return on investment. Also, with more households adopting solar already, adding a battery helps you store daytime solar generation, reduce reliance on the grid, and prepare for peak demand times. Plus, working with certified installers and approved products ensures safety and compliance, avoiding future issues.