BATTERY REBATES
Solar battery rebates for NSW homes in 2026
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program takes thousands of dollars off the price of a home battery, and NSW households can add an extra incentive for joining a virtual power plant. Here's how the rebates work now, after the changes on 1 May 2026.
CHEAPER HOME BATTERIES PROGRAM
How the federal battery rebate works
The rebate is a discount on your battery's price, not a payment you claim later. Your battery creates small-scale technology certificates (STCs) based on its usable capacity, and we take their value off your quote upfront.
A discount, not a claim
We assign the certificates and take the discount straight off your price, so there are no forms to lodge and nothing to wait for.
Homes and businesses
Homes and small businesses can both use it. The battery can go in with new solar or be added to the solar you already have.
Approved gear and installers
The battery must be on the approved list and able to join a virtual power plant, and it must be installed by an accredited installer with a battery endorsement.
WHAT CHANGED ON 1 MAY 2026
The rebate is now tiered by battery size
Since 1 May 2026 every kWh of usable capacity still earns certificates, but the rate drops as the battery gets bigger. Batteries up to 100 kWh are eligible, with support on the first 50 kWh.
100%
of the full rate for the first 14 kWh
60%
for each kWh from 14 up to 28 kWh
15%
for each kWh from 28 up to 50 kWh
For most homes this means the best value comes from a battery sized to how you actually use power, which is how we design them anyway. A bigger battery still attracts a rebate, just a smaller one for the extra capacity.
TIMING MATTERS
The rebate drops every six months
The number of certificates per kWh is set by the date your battery is installed, not the date you sign. For batteries installed from May to December 2026 the rate is 6.8 certificates per kWh. On 1 January 2027 it drops to 5.7, and it keeps stepping down each January and July until the program ends in 2030.
We'll always tell you which rate your install date falls under, so there are no surprises.
6.8
certificates per kWh for batteries installed by 31 December 2026
Then 5.7 from January 2027 and 5.2 from July 2027
NSW INCENTIVE
Extra for joining a virtual power plant
In NSW you can also get a one off payment for connecting your battery to a virtual power plant (VPP) through the NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. It can be combined with the federal rebate.
The amount depends on your battery size and certificate prices at the time, so we confirm it on your quote. Joining a VPP is your choice, and we'll explain how it works before you decide.
The old NSW battery installation incentive is no longer available, so be wary of quotes that still include it.
What is a virtual power plant?
A VPP links home batteries together so an energy company can draw on a small amount of stored power when the grid is under pressure. You keep using your battery as normal and usually earn credits in return.
What you need
A battery that is approved and VPP capable, solar on the property, a grid connection and a VPP provider that accepts your battery.
NSW INTEREST FREE LOAN
Pay the rest over time at 0% interest
Eligible NSW households can borrow $2,000 to $15,000 at 0% interest through the NSW Government's Home Energy Saver program, with up to 10 years to repay. Your rebates come off first and the loan can cover what's left. We can set it up for you through Brighte.
HOW TO GET YOUR REBATE
Four steps to a battery
1. Get in touch
Book a quick chat or ask for a quote. Tell us what you want from a battery: lower bills, backup power or both.
2. We look at your usage
We go through your recent power bills and plans, like an EV or a growing family, to size the battery properly.
3. Your quote shows the rebate
You get a clear quote with the federal discount already taken off, plus any NSW incentive that applies.
4. We install and do the paperwork
Our accredited installers fit and commission the battery, and we handle the certificates and grid paperwork.
BATTERY REBATE QUESTIONS
Common questions
How much will the battery rebate save me?
It depends on your battery's usable capacity, your install date and the market price of certificates. The first 14 kWh earns the full rate, the next 14 kWh earns 60% and capacity from 28 to 50 kWh earns 15%. We show the exact dollar discount on your quote.
Can I get the rebate if I already have solar?
Yes. The battery can be installed with a new solar system or added to the solar you already have.
Is there a minimum or maximum battery size?
The battery needs a nominal capacity of at least 5 kWh and no more than 100 kWh. The rebate applies to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity.
Do I have to join a virtual power plant?
No. Your battery must be capable of joining a VPP to get the federal rebate, but you only need to join one if you want the NSW VPP incentive.
When does the battery rebate end?
The program runs until the end of 2030. The rate steps down every January and July until then, so the same battery gets a smaller rebate the later it's installed.
Can businesses get the battery rebate?
Yes. Homes and businesses can both use it, with one eligible battery per property.
Can I use the rebate and the NSW interest free loan together?
Yes. Your rebates are applied first and the NSW Home Energy Saver loan can cover the remaining cost, up to $15,000 for eligible households.
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