About the Cheaper Home Batteries Program
The program discounts home batteries through small-scale technology certificates, which installers turn into a lower price. Since 1 May 2026 the discount is tiered: the first 14 kWh gets the full rate, capacity from 14 to 28 kWh gets 60%, and capacity from 28 to 50 kWh gets 15%. The Clean Energy Regulator says this keeps the discount at around 30% across battery sizes.
The number of certificates per kWh, the STC factor, is 6.8 from 1 May to 31 December 2026, down from 8.4 earlier in 2026. It falls to 5.7 in January 2027, then keeps dropping twice a year to 2.1 by the second half of 2030. The discount is set by the installation date.
The government expanded the program in December 2025, lifting its estimated cost from $2.3 billion to about $7.2 billion over four years. State battery incentives may stack on top.
Who can get it
- Homes, small businesses and community facilities installing a battery connected to solar, new or existing.
- The battery and installer must meet the program's requirements under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
How much you can get
| Battery capacity | Share of the full discount |
|---|---|
| First 14 kWh | 100% |
| Above 14 kWh up to 28 kWh | 60% |
| Above 28 kWh up to 50 kWh | 15% |
How to apply
- Get quotes from installers. The discount is applied to the price through small-scale technology certificates.
- Check the installation date: the discount depends on when the battery is installed, not when you sign.
How it is paid: As an upfront discount on the battery price.
Contact: Clean Energy Regulator. Official information.
Moving or switching retailer?
Concessions applied by your retailer do not always move with you. When you move house or switch, give your card details to the new retailer and check the next bill. See how to claim a concession.
Other national energy help
- Energy Bill Relief Fund: Ended 31 December 2025.
- Energy Supplement: $14.10 a fortnight for a single pensioner.
See every program on our federal rebates page.
Common questions
Around 30% of the battery cost, according to the Clean Energy Regulator. Since 1 May 2026 the full rate applies to the first 14 kWh, with 60% and 15% for capacity above that.
No. The discount is set by the installation date, so a battery installed after the STC factor drops gets the lower amount.
Yes. The program is for batteries connected to solar, whether the solar is new or already installed.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.