Australia is a world leader in rooftop solar, yet millions of homes still send their excess power back to the grid for minimal return. The Australian Government has launched the Cheaper Home Batteries Program to solve this, making battery storage affordable for every eligible household and small business nationwide.
Starting July 1, 2025, this scheme offers a substantial upfront discount of around 30% on the cost of installing a new, eligible small-scale battery system. The program is a major expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), built on the successful model that made rooftop solar accessible across the country.
By installing a battery through this program, you gain more than just a lower upfront cost. You gain control over your energy:
To ensure your investment is safe, high-quality, and qualifies for the generous government discount, all installations must meet strict criteria set by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER).
| Category | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Who is Eligible? | Australian households, small businesses, and community facilities. |
| Solar Connection | The battery must be paired with a new or existing rooftop Solar PV system. Standalone batteries are not eligible. |
| Battery Size | The system must have a nominal (total) capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh. The Federal discount is applied to the usable capacity, capped at 50 kWh. |
| Quality & Safety | The battery and inverter must be new and listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Product List. This ensures they meet rigorous Australian safety and quality standards. |
| Installer Accreditation | Your system must be installed and commissioned by an installer accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA). This guarantees the highest level of professional installation and compliance. |
| System Limit | Only one battery installation is eligible for the discount at any single residential address (National Metering Identifier). |
| Future Readiness | For on-grid systems, the battery must be Virtual Power Plant (VPP) capable (i.e., able to connect to the internet and receive remote signals). Joining a VPP is optional but highly recommended for maximum savings. |
| Timing | The installation must be completed and certified on or after 1 July 2025. |