First announced in April, the Federal Labor Government has committed to a significant policy change shifting towards home batteries for Solar systems, further incentivising Australians to reduce their reliance on the grid and start saving with a Solar and battery system.
Following the results of the weekend's federal election, we now expect this policy to come into effect from July 1, as previously outlined by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen. Read on below for all our insights.
The Federal Government estimates that with a battery, you’ll save up to 90% on a full value electricity bill, meaning you could access:
At an estimated $37 per STC, that equates to approximately $344 per kWh of usable capacity
A 15.6 kWh battery could receive a rebate of around $5,367
We've got more details fresh off the press about the Federal Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Arm yourself with the ability to tackle the most accessible battery rebate the country has ever seen with everything you need to know in this episode!
All the details, plus:
Listen here!
Or, listen to our first episode breaking down the rebate here.
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program will offer eligible households and small businesses a significant rebate on battery installations. Combined with interest-free loans in some states, it’s the most accessible and affordable time to invest in a battery system.
Officially begins 1 July 2025
Rebate is based on usable battery capacity, not the labelled capacity
Open to any homeowner or small business installing solar or already equipped with solar
To qualify, your Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) must be dated on or after 1 July 2025
Rebate applies to the first 50 kWh of usable battery storage
Not means tested
In 2025:
Eligible systems receive 9.3 small-scale technology certificates (STCs) per kWh
At an estimated $37 per STC, that equates to approximately $344 per kWh of usable capacity
A 15.6 kWh battery could receive a rebate of around $5,367
In Victoria, this can be paired with the $8,800 interest-free Solar Victoria loan, reducing upfront costs to as low as $500
Note: The STC rate will reduce by around 10 per cent each year through to 2030.
To qualify, a battery system must:
Be VPP-capable (Virtual Power Plant ready), even if you don’t intend to join one
Be installed by an accredited installer through Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)
Be installed alongside an existing or new solar system
Be listed on the Clean Energy Council’s approved product list
The rebate value decreases year-on-year until 2030
Current interest-free loans and incentives may change or reduce over time
Planning now allows you to lock in maximum value and ensure your system is installed and compliant in time
Plan for future energy use
As homes electrify - adding EVs, induction cooktops, HVAC systems and heat pumps - daily electricity consumption can almost double.
Size appropriately
Don’t just size your battery for today’s usage. Oversizing now can avoid future upgrade costs, and installation costs don’t scale linearly with battery size.
Understand usable capacity
Rebates and system performance are based on usable capacity. Always ask for this figure in quotes.
Choose quality with support
Opt for reputable brands with strong local warranties. Fast, local support can make a real difference down the line.
Work with someone who will model your home
Every household is different. A good installer should be able to model your current and future energy use, not offer a one-size-fits-all approach.
ZECO Energy has been supporting Australians in their shift to renewable energy for over a decade. Our team is already helping customers prepare for the upcoming rebate by offering:
Rebate-Ready Quotes so you can lock in your eligibility ahead of July 2025
No-obligation property assessments to model your energy usage and recommend the right system
Tailored advice for homes already on the path to electrification, or those just beginning
End-to-end service including product recommendations, installation, and support
We’re here to make the transition easier, with solutions built for real-life use and future-proofed for what’s to come.
We’re now offering battery system consultations and energy audits for customers interested in the new rebate.
Email: hello@zeco.au
Phone: (03) 4050 9326
Website: www.zecoenergy.com.au
Let us help you take control of your energy future.
There has never been a better time to save even more and electrify your entire home with the incentives on offer.
- Ian Lilley, Director at ZECOFor all the specifics, head to the Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy and Water's page detailing the exact policy wording to arm yourself with the best knowledge.
We'll help you every step of the way!