The Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program began on 1 July 2025. It helps households, businesses and community organisations reduce the upfront cost of eligible solar battery systems.
The program supports greater use of renewable energy. It also helps Australians store solar electricity for use later in the day.
However, rebate amounts and eligibility rules have changed since the program began.
This guide explains how the program works, who may qualify and how Tasmanian households can benefit.
For more information, explore our guide to the benefits of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
What Is the Battery Rebate in Australia?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides financial support for eligible solar battery installations.
The Australian Government funds the discount through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
How does the rebate work?
Eligible batteries generate Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The number of certificates determines the available discount.
In many cases, the installer or retailer applies the discount to the installation price.
As a result, customers may pay less upfront for an eligible battery system.
However, the discount is not a fixed dollar amount per kilowatt-hour.
Instead, it depends on the battery’s usable capacity, installation date and applicable STC calculation.
What changed in May 2026?
Changes to the program took effect on 1 May 2026.
Under the updated arrangements:
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Eligible battery systems can have a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh.
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STCs apply to the first 50 kWh of usable battery capacity.
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Different capacity bands receive different levels of certificate support.
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Certificate factors decrease over time.
Therefore, the final discount depends on the specific battery installation.
For current information, visit the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Who Is Eligible for the Solar Battery Rebate?
Australian households, businesses and community organisations may qualify for the program.
However, each installation must meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
Property eligibility
The program supports eligible residential and non-residential properties.
Therefore, homeowners and qualifying businesses can both investigate the available discount.
Battery capacity requirements
Eligible systems must have a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh.
However, certificate support only applies to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity.
This distinction matters when comparing larger battery systems.
Solar panel requirements
The battery must connect to a new or existing eligible solar PV system.
A battery installed without solar panels does not qualify under this program.
Installer and equipment requirements
A suitably accredited Solar Accreditation Australia installer must undertake or supervise the battery installation as required.
Additionally, the battery and relevant equipment must meet applicable Clean Energy Council approval requirements.
Licensed electrical professionals must also complete the electrical work in accordance with local regulations.
Virtual Power Plant capability
Eligible on-grid battery systems must have the technical capability to participate in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
However, joining a VPP is not compulsory.
Off-grid battery systems have different VPP capability requirements.
Installation timing
The program began on 1 July 2025.
Eligible installations must meet the relevant installation and certification requirements.
Therefore, customers should confirm the current rules before purchasing a system.
Benefits of the Home Batteries Program
Solar battery storage can provide several benefits for Tasmanian households.
However, the actual financial and energy outcomes depend on the property and system design.
1. Lower upfront installation costs
The government discount can reduce the initial cost of an eligible battery installation.
As a result, battery storage may become more accessible to households considering renewable energy upgrades.
2. Greater use of solar electricity
Solar panels often generate more electricity than a household needs during daylight hours.
A battery can store some of that excess energy.
Then, the household can use the stored electricity later in the day.
This may reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the grid.
3. Reduced reliance on grid electricity
Battery storage can help households use more of their own solar generation.
However, the level of independence depends on battery capacity, electricity consumption and system configuration.
4. Backup power options
Some battery systems can provide backup electricity during grid outages.
However, not every battery installation includes backup capability.
Therefore, customers should confirm this feature before choosing a system.
5. Support for renewable energy
Solar batteries help households use renewable electricity beyond daylight hours.
Additionally, wider battery adoption can support more flexible electricity demand across the network.
Solar Battery Storage in Tasmania
Tasmanian households can access the national Cheaper Home Batteries Program when their installations meet the eligibility requirements.
For many properties, battery storage offers a practical way to use more rooftop solar electricity.
Choosing the right battery size
Battery capacity should reflect your household’s actual electricity needs.
For example, a household with substantial evening consumption may benefit from storing daytime solar generation.
However, a larger battery isn’t automatically the best option.
Instead, consider your solar production, electricity usage and future energy requirements.
Considering Tasmania’s climate
Tasmanian households often use electricity for heating and hot water.
Therefore, seasonal electricity consumption can influence battery performance and potential benefits.
A professional assessment can help identify an appropriate system.
How to Claim the Battery Rebate
The process generally begins with an accredited installer or solar battery retailer.
Step 1: Arrange a consultation
Contact an accredited installer to discuss your electricity usage and battery requirements.
First, review your existing solar system or plans for a new installation.
Then, consider suitable battery options.
Step 2: Request a detailed quote
Your installer should explain the proposed system and its expected benefits.
The quote should also identify the available government discount.
Additionally, ask about equipment warranties, installation requirements and expected financial outcomes.
Step 3: Confirm eligibility
Before proceeding, confirm that the proposed battery and installation meet current program requirements.
Your installer should also explain the relevant accreditation and documentation requirements.
Step 4: Complete the installation
A suitably accredited installer must undertake or supervise the work as required.
The installation must also meet applicable electrical safety standards.
Step 5: Receive the discount
In many cases, the retailer or installer provides the discount upfront.
Alternatively, eligible customers may choose to claim and trade their STCs directly.
However, customers who intend to claim certificates themselves should not assign those rights to their installer.
For more information, read our guide on how to claim the battery rebate.
Take Charge of Your Energy Future
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program can help reduce the upfront cost of eligible solar battery installations.
It also gives households an opportunity to store more of their own solar electricity.
However, choosing the right system requires more than checking the available discount.
Battery capacity, compatibility, installation quality and household electricity use all matter.
At Expert Energy Tasmania, we help households explore suitable solar battery storage solutions in Tasmania.
Our team can explain the available options and help you understand the current program requirements.
Contact Expert Energy Tasmania today to discuss your battery installation and request a free quote.
Program information reviewed: 23 October 2026. Rebate eligibility and certificate values may change. Always confirm current requirements with the Clean Energy Regulator or the Australian Government before proceeding.