Australia’s energy future is changing fast, and the new national battery rebate is a big part of that shift. With $2.3 billion set aside to support at least 6.2GWh of battery storage, this programme gives households and businesses a serious boost to take control of their energy.
It’s not just about lowering bills (though that’s a big part of it). It’s about creating a smarter, more resilient grid - one where everyday Australians can store, shift, and sell energy in ways that work for them.
Scope and Eligibility Guidelines
The Cheaper Home Batteries Programme uses Australia’s existing renewable energy framework to deliver upfront discounts - around $370 per kilowatt-hour of usable battery capacity. For the average household, that could mean thousands off the upfront cost:
- 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall 3: Approximately $5,000 off
- 12.8 kWh Sungrow SBR HV: Around $4,068 off
- 13 kWh Sigenergy Sigenstore: About $4,320 off
- 13.8 kWh BYD HVM: Roughly $4,608 off
To qualify for these incentives, systems must meet several criteria:
- Battery capacity between 5kWh and 100kWh
- Maximum eligible capacity of 50kWh per installation
- Installation at a home, small business, or community building
- Solar panels must be installed as part of the setup - either already in place or installed at the same time as the battery
- System must be installed by an accredited installer
- Battery must be VPP-capable
Notably, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems are not included in the current framework - though this may change in future iterations of the programme.
Implementation Timeline and Mechanics
The programme officially begins on 1 July 2025 - but in good news, batteries installed from 6 April onwards will still be eligible for the rebate, as long as they aren’t switched on before the start date.
The rebate will be delivered through the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Eligible systems can generate certificates via the REC Registry, which are then sold through the STC clearing house - with the value passed on as an upfront discount.
One important requirement is that batteries must support remote control and communication, also known as being Virtual Power Plant (VPP)-capable. You don’t need to join a VPP to access the rebate, but your system does need to have the right tech in place.
That capability is now fairly standard in most modern systems - and it’s something Amber already supports as part of our platform.
Leading Battery Options
Looking for a battery that makes the most of the new rebate? Here are some of the best we’ve seen for features, flexibility, and value:
1. Sungrow SBR HV
- Notable for its modular design that can be expanded in 3.2 kWh increments
- Strong reputation for reliability and performance
- Excellent value proposition
- Estimated post-rebate cost: $5,432 for 12.8 kWh model (excluding installation)
2. Tesla Powerwall 3
- Industry leader with proven technology
- Fixed 13.5 kWh capacity
- Strong brand recognition and support
- Estimated post-rebate cost: $9,100 (excluding installation)
3. Sigenergy Sigenstore All-In-One
- Innovative all-in-one solution
- Optional 25kW bi-directional DC EV charger for future-proofing
- Newer to the Australian market but gaining traction
- Estimated post-rebate cost: $7,180 for 13 kWh model (excluding installation)
4. BYD HVM
- Excellent compatibility with premium inverters
- Strong technical specifications
- Competitive price point
- Estimated post-rebate cost: $5,992 for 13.8 kWh model (excluding installation)
5. SolarEdge Home Battery
- Can be DC coupled to existing SolarEdge systems with an option to Trade Up
- Fixed 9.7 kWh usable capacity, stackable up to 29.1 kWh per inverter
- Reputation for efficiency, safety, and unlimited cycle warranty
- Estimated post-rebate cost: $5,600 (excluding installation – assumes inverter already on site)
Maximising Value Through System Design
As battery technology continues to evolve, system design becomes crucial for getting the most from your setup. Here are key considerations beyond just the rebate:
Sizing strategy: Rather than simply adding storage, consider your household’s actual usage and solar generation. Oversized batteries may not deliver value, while undersized ones might not meet your needs.
Smart integration: Look for systems that can respond to wholesale electricity prices, not just basic time-of-use settings. Batteries that automate charging and discharging in real time often deliver better outcomes.
Future expansion: If you’re thinking about an EV down the track, it might be worth choosing a system that can scale or integrate with EV charging tech.
Regional Incentive Landscape
The federal battery programme doesn’t exist in isolation. Many states and territories offer complementary schemes that could potentially be combined with the national incentive:
Northern Territory
Home and Business Battery Scheme
- Grant of up to $12,000 for eligible homes and businesses.
New South Wales
Peak Demand Reduction Scheme
- Certificate-based programme offering around $2,000 in additional savings.
- For eligible NSW households, the combination of state and federal incentives could reduce battery costs by nearly 50%.
Victoria
Solar Battery Loan
- Zero-interest loans available, covering up to $8,800.
ACT
Sustainable Household Scheme
- Interest-free loans of up to $15,000 for eligible energy upgrades.
Western Australia
Residential Battery Scheme
- A mix of rebate and loan support totalling up to $17,500.
* Amber currently operates in NSW, Victoria, the ACT, and south-east Queensland.
Your Pre-Rebate Check List
For homeowners looking to make the most of this opportunity and avoid common pitfalls, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Solar first: No solar, no rebate. If you haven’t got panels yet, that’s your first step - and if you’re keen to get sorted, we’ve got solar and battery packages you can chat to us about.
Technical compatibility: Even if you’re not planning to join a Virtual Power Plant right away, your battery still needs to be VPP-capable. Most modern systems are - just double-check before you commit.
Commissioning timing: Only batteries switched on after 1 July are eligible for the rebate. If you’re installing earlier, chat with your installer about holding off on commissioning until the programme kicks in.
Financial planning: Some installers may ask for full payment upfront, with the rebate passed on after installation - so it’s worth planning ahead to keep things smooth and stress-free.
Regional Incentive Integration: Check whether your state’s existing battery programmes can be combined with the federal incentive, as integration rules are still evolving.
Ready to take the next step?
The battery rebate is one of the biggest opportunities we’ve seen to make energy storage more affordable - and more impactful - for Australian households. With the right setup, you could unlock serious savings while supporting a cleaner, more flexible grid.
We’ll keep sharing updates as the programme takes shape. In the meantime, if you’re ready to get started, or just want to understand your options, chat to us about how Amber can help.
