The $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program is now available to help more people install batteries.

Australia is a world leader in rooftop solar with more than 4 million rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, before the program, only one in 40 households had installed batteries. The high upfront cost of batteries means installing batteries is out of reach for many households and businesses.

Australian households, businesses and community organisations can now get a discount of around 30% on the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery systems (5 kWh to 100 kWh). 

The discount is:

• available for batteries connected to new or existing solar PV systems
• funded by the government to ensure no extra costs are passed on to consumers
• based on the battery’s usable capacity and the number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) the battery is eligible for under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)(external link)
• going to be reviewed at least annually and will gradually decrease until 2030, in line with reducing battery prices.

Eligibility for the discount is subject to requirements in the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Cheaper Home Batteries Program) Regulations 2025 being met.

The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and the government is funding the discount.

The program is:

• helping participating households, businesses and community organisations reduce electricity bills by making the most of cheap and clean solar power by storing it for when it is needed
• lowering costs for everyone - not just those who install a battery – by reducing peak demand and creating a more stable electricity grid
• communicating responsibilities for retailers, installers and consumers to ensure batteries are bought and installed legally, safely and for permanent use.

Read more about the Cheaper Home Batteries Program’s eligibility and our strategy for purchasing small-scale technology certificates.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the program are available in the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Cheaper Home Batteries Program) Regulations 2025 and further explained in the Explanatory Statement.

Accessing the battery discount

Consumers do not need to apply for the discount.

The discount is generally provided through accredited installers/retailers. The discount will be offered as an upfront reduction on the cost of the battery, unless you decide to register for small-scale technology certificates (STCs) yourself via the CER.

The CER provides more information about creating and selling STCs(external link) under the program.

Most people will decide to receive the upfront discount from the retailer/installer as a reduced price. In these instances, you should:

• Carefully research what battery system would best suit your energy needs, including seeking multiple quotes from retailers/installers.
• Make sure information about the value of the program discount, the system warranty, and the anticipated payback period is clearly communicated.
• Select a reputable retailer and installer. Check with family, friends or neighbours. Ensure the battery is approved by the Clean Energy Council and the installer is properly accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia.
• Ensure the accredited installer is on site for the set-up, installation and commissioning of the battery.

More guidance on installing a battery is available on the CER’s website

Expanding the SRES to include battery systems

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) has successfully delivered the widespread uptake of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across Australia.

The government has expanded the SRES to support batteries installations for households, businesses and community facilities. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is an expansion of the SRES.

The SRES is a legislated tried-and-tested scheme with an established regulatory framework. This has supported consumer protection and safety measures for other small-scale renewable energy resources such as rooftop solar PV systems.  

This framework relies on a combination of state and territory safety requirements as well as measures specific to the SRES. This includes:

• the requirement that the products be on the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) approved product lists
• training and accreditation of installers through Solar Accreditation Australia(external link)
• tools to reduce regulatory burden and collect mandatory information
• an inspections program.  

These measures also apply to batteries under the expanded SRES. The CER’s extensive regulatory experience in small-scale renewable technologies ensures they are well-placed to implement the program. 

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program works with other schemes

The program is a national scheme with broad eligibility intended to complement state and territory government battery incentives. Support under state and territory programs will depend on the conditions established by state and territory governments.

This means people could be eligible for support under multiple schemes. Households and businesses should seek advice from their state or territory government to ensure they understand eligibility across schemes and where they are compatible.

Households can also receive discounted finance for home upgrades under the Household Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF). 

Cheaper Home Batteries Program governance arrangements

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCEEW) is partnering with the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) to jointly deliver the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. DCCEEW and the CER have individual accountability and joint responsibilities for delivery of different aspects of the program. 

As the program policy agency, DCCEEW is responsible for:

• purchasing small-scale technology certificates
• ensuring policy and program settings remain appropriate under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) for providing benefits to consumers and to the electricity grid. 

This includes monitoring and adjusting policy settings where required.  

As the program implementation agency, the CER is responsible for:

• implementing and administering the program
• continuing to manage the SRES through a risk-based compliance framework which requires adherence to:
• product technical standards
• accreditation of installers and retailers
• carrying out their ongoing inspections program. 

The agencies govern their interactions through the program’s Interagency Steering Committee. The Interagency Steering Committee’s membership is made up of the Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group who chairs the committee, and the CEO of the CER. 

The Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group as the Senior Responsible Officer for the program is the final decision-making authority. They are supported and advised by the CER on necessary decisions for operational matters. 

DCCEEW and the CER will work closely with Solar Accreditation Australia, the Clean Energy Council, and state and territory electrical safety regulators to make sure our processes, inspections and infrastructure supports their roles in ensuring: 

• products and installations are safe and meet standards for electrical safety
• the people designing, selling and installing solar batteries are qualified and properly accredited.  

Minimising waste 

We are looking at ways to minimise waste where homeowners and businesses seek to replace or update existing solar PV systems and batteries. We recognise that managing end-of-use solar panels is an important part of transitioning to a more circular economy. 

We are currently investigating options to reduce waste from solar PV systems and will consult publicly where appropriate as the work progresses. More information is available on the department’s consultation hub. 

We are working with states and territories on a coordinated, state-led, consistent approach to enhancing waste battery management.