In the journey toward a more sustainable home, understanding the financial support available to you can make all the difference. At Amber, we're committed to helping Australians transition to cleaner energy solutions that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
One of the most common questions we hear from customers is: "What government incentives are available to help me invest in a home battery, solar system, or electric vehicle?" With different programs across states and territories, varying eligibility requirements, and frequent policy changes, finding clear answers can feel overwhelming.
That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to government subsidies, incentives, and rebates across Australia. We'll demystify the process of investing in clean energy technology, with a special focus on home batteries – the technology that's revolutionising how households store and use energy.
For more on the federal government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program, check out our dedicated blog post here.
WHY CONSIDER A HOME BATTERY?
Home batteries have transformed from a luxury add-on to an increasingly essential component of household energy systems. They let you:
- Store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during evening peak periods
- Reduce your reliance on the grid when prices are highest
- Maintain power during outages (for battery systems with backup capability)
- Participate in virtual power plants (VPPs) that can generate additional income
- Maximise your investment in rooftop solar
For Amber customers, batteries offer even greater benefits. Our wholesale electricity model means you can charge your battery when prices are low and discharge when prices are high – giving you the chance to save significantly more than with a fixed-rate plan.
In South Australia and New South Wales, Amber's team provides personalised support to help you navigate and redeem your state-specific incentives, making the process seamless and straightforward.
MAKING THE MOST OF THE AVAILABLE INCENTIVES
When considering which incentives to pursue, keep in mind:
- Combining incentives can maximise savings – for example, using the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program alongside state-specific battery incentives.
- Timing matters – some programs have limited funding or are scheduled to reduce over time, so acting sooner can secure better benefits.
- Eligibility requirements vary – check the specific criteria for each program before making purchase decisions.
- Amber's wholesale model enhances battery benefits – by charging when prices are low and discharging when prices are high, Amber customers can potentially save more than those on fixed-rate plans.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS GUIDE
We've broken down the available incentives by state and technology type, with clear information on:
- Current battery rebates and subsidies (our primary focus)
- Eligibility requirements and application processes
- Tips for maximising available incentives
- Available solar incentives that can complement battery installations
- Electric vehicle incentives for those considering a comprehensive clean energy approach
Whether you're just starting to explore clean energy options or ready to make the leap to a battery-powered home, this guide will help you understand what support is available in your area and how to access it.
Let's dive into the state-by-state breakdown of what's available to help you power your home more sustainably.
STATE-BY-STATE GUIDE
FEDERAL INCENTIVES
CHEAPER HOME BATTERIES PROGRAM
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched on 1 July 2025 to reduce the upfront cost of installing home battery systems. In December 2025, the government announced a significant expansion of the program – from $2.3 billion to an estimated $7.2 billion over four years – with a target of over 2 million battery installations by 2030.
Households and small businesses can access a rebate for eligible battery systems, with support capped at systems between 5 kWh and 100 kWh in nominal capacity. Systems must be permanently installed and paired with an existing or new rooftop solar system under 100 kW.
Key eligibility points:
- You can receive support for a new battery, or to add capacity to an existing system (the additional capacity must be at least 5 kWh, and total upgraded capacity cannot exceed 100 kWh) – as long as the existing battery hasn't previously received this rebate.
- Only one battery is eligible per address.
- The battery must be VPP-capable (i.e. able to connect to the grid and respond to remote signals), but participation in a VPP is not required.
- The battery and inverter must be listed on the Clean Energy Council's approved product list.
- Installation must be done by a battery installer accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA), and meet all relevant state and territory safety regulations.
- Portable batteries and EVs are not eligible.
The rebate is applied at the point of sale by participating retailers and installers.
Important update from 1 May 2026: The STC factor will shift to a tiered tapering system based on battery capacity:
- 100% for capacity up to 14 kWh
- 60% for capacity between 14–28 kWh
- 15% for capacity between 28–50 kWh
This change significantly affects how much you'll save depending on the size of the system you install, so it's worth factoring into your decision.
SMALL-SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY SCHEME (SRES)
This nationwide program creates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on your solar system's size and location, typically reducing the upfront cost by thousands of dollars. The value of STCs reduces gradually each year until the scheme phases out in 2030.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE INCENTIVES
The federal government's Electric Car Discount provides a fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemption for eligible fully electric vehicles, making EVs more accessible through employer salary packaging arrangements. Note that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) became ineligible for the FBT exemption from 1 April 2025.
The government announced a review of the Electric Car Discount in December 2025, with findings expected by mid-2027. It's worth keeping an eye on this program as policy may evolve.
NEW SOUTH WALES
HOME BATTERY INCENTIVES
NSW offers substantial support for battery installations through the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS), which now focuses entirely on rewarding households that connect their batteries to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Amber for Batteries is one of the eligible VPP programs.
What's available:
- Connecting your battery to a VPP → claim up to ~$970 via the BESS2 rebate
- The BESS1 rebate for new battery purchases ended on 1 July 2025.
How it works:
- The BESS2 rebate provides financial incentives for both new and existing battery owners who connect to an eligible VPP after 1 November 2024 (and meet eligibility criteria).
- The rebate amount depends on your battery's usable capacity in kWh – larger batteries receive larger rebates. Maximum size eligible for a rebate is 28kWh. Anything larger than this is not eligible
- The BESS2 rebate can be combined with the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program for additional savings.
Eligibility requirements:
- You must have solar installed on the property (no battery-only systems).
- Your battery must be between 2 kWh and 28 kWh usable capacity.
- Existing battery owners may be eligible provided they haven't previously claimed and meet all requirements and your battery meets the warranty requirements and is still CEC listed
- Your home must be grid-connected.
Amber advantage: If you're an Amber customer, we'll help make the rebate process simple. Once your battery is connected to Amber's SmartShift technology (our VPP platform), we'll send you everything you need to submit your rebate claim via Mac Trade Services. More info on MAC’s website
SOLAR INCENTIVES
NSW residents can access the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to reduce the upfront cost of solar installation.
VICTORIA
HOME BATTERY INCENTIVES
Victoria's previous interest-free battery loan program through Solar Victoria closed in May 2025 and is no longer accepting applications. For Victorian households, the primary incentive available is now the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program – see the federal section above for full details.
SOLAR INCENTIVES
The Solar Homes Program offers rebates of up to $1,400 for solar panel installations. Note that the number of rebates is limited – check the Solar Victoria website to see availability in the current release.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE INCENTIVES
There are currently no state-specific EV subsidies in Victoria. The Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Subsidy, which provided up to $3,000 for eligible EVs, closed in 2023.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
There are multiple activities under the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS), launched in 2021 by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA). These activities focus on connecting smart devices to demand response aggregators to shift energy usage away from peak times.
HOME BATTERY INCENTIVES
The REPS incentive is available to new or existing batteries in South Australia. How much you're entitled to depends on your battery size in kWh and whether you're a 'priority group' or 'non-priority group' customer (as defined on the ESCOSA website).
Rebates are capped at 28 kWh (i.e. a 40 kWh battery will receive the same rebate as a 28 kWh battery). You can find more details about the program and eligibility here .
Amber advantage: By connecting a new or existing battery to an approved virtual power plant (VPP), Priority Group customers can claim up to $1,929.60 when they join Amber - apply via the Ecovantage website. Non Priority Group customers are not yet able to apply, but can pre-register on the Ecovantage website to be notified when applications open. If you're an Amber customer, our team can help you redeem these incentives, making the whole process straightforward. Read our FAQ for more info on the scheme.
QUEENSLAND
While Queenslanders can benefit from the national SRES solar subsidy, the Battery Booster program has now closed, with rebates no longer available for batteries.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (ACT)
The ACT offers two programs to support battery installations, depending on your circumstances.
HOME BATTERY INCENTIVES
PROGRAM 1: SUSTAINABLE HOUSEHOLD SCHEME
- What's available: Low-interest loans of up to $15,000 for home energy storage. Note: the interest rate on new loans increased to 3% from 1 July 2025 (previously 0%).
- How it works: Successful applicants have up to 10 years to repay the loan, with no upfront costs or fees.
- Eligibility: Available to ACT residents, with standard credit criteria applying.
PROGRAM 2: HOME ENERGY SUPPORT PROGRAM (FOR CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS)
- What's available: Rebates of up to $5,000 for eligible homeowners.
- How it works: 50% of the total cost up to $2,500 for rooftop solar, plus 50% up to $2,500 for other energy-efficient products including batteries.
- Eligibility: Must be an ACT resident with an eligible concession card, own and live in the home, have attended a free workshop, and meet property value thresholds.
Applications can be made directly through the ACT Government or through their partner, Brighte, if combining a rebate with a low-interest loan.
SOLAR INCENTIVES
The same programs that support batteries also support solar installations in the ACT, with the Home Energy Support Program offering specific rebates for rooftop solar.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE INCENTIVES
ACT EV incentives have changed significantly. Stamp duty charges for new and used zero-emission vehicles came into effect from 1 September 2025 (previously exempt). EVs now pay a reduced stamp duty rate rather than zero. The two-year free registration benefit was limited to vehicles purchased between May 2021 and June 2024 and is no longer available for new purchases.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
The transition to clean energy is happening now, and early adopters stand to gain the most from available incentives and ongoing savings.
Already have solar or a battery? Sign up to Amber and start seeing the real-time value of your energy generation and storage.
Considering a new installation? Contact us or visit our batteries page to discuss your options, get connected to an installer in your area, or learn how Amber's wholesale model can enhance your return on investment.
This guide was last updated in April 2026. Government incentives are subject to change, so we recommend checking official government websites for the most current information before making investment decisions.
