The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program takes around 30% off a battery installed with solar. The discount steps down on 1 January 2027. Estimate yours in a minute, then compare quotes from accredited installers with no obligation.
The rules changed on 1 May 2026. Here is the short version, straight from the government sources.
The discount comes through small-scale technology certificates (STCs). Your installer normally applies it to your quote. Batteries of 5–100 kWh, installed with solar PV, can qualify.
Since 1 May 2026, you get the full STC factor for the first 14 kWh, 60% for 14–28 kWh, and 15% for 28–50 kWh. Bigger batteries get less per kWh.
The factor is 6.8 per kWh until 31 Dec 2026, then 5.7 (Jan–Jun 2027) and 5.2 (Jul–Dec 2027). The install date decides what you get.
The battery must be on the Clean Energy Council approved list and installed (or supervised on site) by an SAA-accredited installer. Grid-connected systems must be VPP-capable.
A battery saves the gap between your import tariff and feed-in tariff on the energy you shift. Evening-heavy households usually benefit most.
Some states and territories run their own energy programs too. Ask your installer what applies at your address.
These services connect you with installers or sell batteries directly. Getting 2–3 quotes is the single best way to avoid overpaying.
The numbers that matter, with sources. Prices change often, so treat them as a guide and confirm at checkout.
| Service | What it does | Cost to you | Independent rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Choice | Compares installer quotes online | Free | 4.8/5 ProductReview (332); 4.8 Trustpilot (149) | Homeowners wanting several quotes |
| VoltX Energy | Designs and supplies home batteries | Quote | Not enough reviews found | Battery-only upgrades |
| Solar Sumo | Matches you with installers | Free | Not enough reviews found | Commercial and residential solar |
Including the stuff the ads leave out, taken from owner reviews and our research.
Enter your battery size and install date. We estimate your STC discount, a typical installed price from the Nov 2026 market index, and a rough payback.
Open the rebate calculator →Check how many kWh you use from about 4pm to bedtime. That is roughly what a battery can shift.
Ask each installer for the battery model, usable kWh, inverter, warranty and the STC discount on the quote.
Confirm the battery is on the CEC approved list and the installer is SAA-accredited.
A one-page checklist of the questions that stop you overpaying, plus a reminder before the discount steps down on 1 Jan 2027.
We checked prices, ratings and rules on 14 Nov 2026 using the sources below. We summarise reviews; we never write or edit them.