Table of Contents
Short answer
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is an Australian Government program that reduces the upfront cost of installing a battery. Its design target is a discount of around 30%, provided through small-scale technology certificates (STCs), but the actual percentage depends on battery size, the STC price and agent fees. It isn’t a cash payment.
How it works:
- The discount comes through STCs. An eligible battery creates certificates. You assign them to a registered agent, usually through your installer, in exchange for a lower price. The final dollar amount depends on the certificate price and any agent fees.
- Battery size. Systems of 5 kWh to 100 kWh nominal capacity are eligible, but certificates are only created for the first 50 kWh of usable capacity, and support tapers as size increases.
- Approved products and installers. The battery must be on the Clean Energy Council’s approved list and installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer.
- Solar required. The battery must be installed with a new or existing solar PV system.
- Once per premises. Only one battery system per property can receive the discount.
- VPP-ready, not VPP-required. On-grid batteries must be able to join a virtual power plant, but you don’t have to join one.
The discount rate is reducing over time. See Is the federal battery discount reducing? SEA checks your eligibility and shows the discount in your quote.
Want advice for your home or business? Call 1300 732 679 or request a quote and our team will be in touch.
Request a quote
