Labor’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program

The Australian government is launching a massive $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, set to begin on July 1, 2025. This initiative aims to assist homeowners by significantly reducing the cost of installing solar battery storage systems. Households can purchase batteries immediately, provided they activate them after the July 1 start date, to qualify for rebates. The scheme helps Australians harness their rooftop solar energy more effectively, storing surplus energy during daylight to use at night, lowering electricity bills.

Who Qualifies for the Rebate?

The rebate isn't limited by income—any household, small business, or community organisation with solar panels or planning to install them can participate. Specifically, the rebate offers a 30% discount on battery costs (capped at systems up to 50 kWh). For example, purchasing a battery priced at $10,000 would yield around a $3,000 discount. Additionally, households can combine this federal rebate with existing state-based incentives, effectively increasing their savings.

However, the program has attracted criticism because renters and lower-income groups, who may not have suitable rooftops or the upfront capital to install solar, feel left out. Although the Greens advocated for special schemes for renters, these were not included in the current policy.

Why Consider a Home Battery?

Installing a home battery brings multiple benefits. Primarily, it reduces reliance on the grid by storing daytime solar energy for evening use, dramatically cutting electricity bills. Government analyses indicate that a home with solar and a battery could reduce energy bills by up to $2,300 per year, with an existing solar setup potentially saving around $1,100 annually.

Furthermore, batteries provide critical backup during power outages. Recent extreme weather events highlighted the importance of having a self-sufficient power source. Nationally, widespread adoption of home batteries could significantly stabilise Australia's electricity grid, reducing the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. A million battery-equipped homes could reduce annual wholesale electricity costs by approximately $1.3 billion, underscoring the transformative potential of this initiative.

Top home battery brands and models

Which batteries are worth considering? A recent SolarQuotes survey of installers highlighted some standout options. Here are some leading models and how the rebate could reduce your costs. Each battery brand below includes a link for detailed reviews and a button to obtain free online quotes:

These figures are based on a $36 STC price—actual savings can vary slightly. Typically, installation adds around $1,500 to $2,500. Overall, a complete 13–14 kWh battery system typically costs $12–$14K pre-rebate, dropping significantly after the federal (and possibly state) rebates, potentially landing between $7K and $10K net.

This new federal program makes batteries significantly more affordable, potentially reshaping energy use for millions of Australians. Although issues of fairness and access for renters remain, the rollout represents a landmark step toward lower bills, cleaner energy, and a more stable electricity grid. It's worth running the numbers for your own home to see how much a battery could save you. As one expert put it, this policy could “change Australia” by empowering everyday households to manage their energy more effectively — and that’s a sunny prospect for everyone.

Here is a list of free tools that are useful for buying home solar batteries:

• Solar Batteries Compared
• Battery Savings Calculator
• Federal Battery Rebate Calculator

Article source: What is the home battery subsidy? Who is eligible, when does it start and what are the benefits of a battery?

Article source: The Best Batteries To Buy With Labor’s Rebate (And What You’ll Save)