Secure the Federal Battery Rebate – Even for Homes with Batteries Installed

Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program officially launched on 1 July 2025, delivering a major financial boost to households and small businesses looking to adopt or expand energy storage. Backed by $2.3 billion in federal funding, this initiative is designed to accelerate the shift toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Eligible homeowners can now access up to $350 per usable kilowatt-hour, translating to a 30% discount on approved solar battery systems, whether you’re installing one for the first time or expanding an existing setup.

At Solar Secure, we’ve seen a significant surge in inquiries from customers keen to take advantage of the rebate, especially those who already have solar panels or a smaller battery and are now looking to future-proof their energy needs.

Yes, You Can Expand Your Existing Battery and Still Claim the Rebate

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the new program is eligibility for existing solar battery owners. The good news? You can claim the rebate to add more capacity, as long as:

• The original battery didn’t already receive the federal battery subsidy,
• You’re adding at least 5kWh of new usable capacity,
• And your total system stays under 100kWh nominal capacity.

This opens up exciting options for households that installed smaller systems in recent years, or those who want to join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and need more storage capacity to make it worthwhile.

Solar Secure can help assess your current setup, recommend compatible battery modules for expansion, and ensure the installation complies with rebate requirements.

Don’t Get Caught Out: Timing & Certification Rules

The rebate system hinges on a key administrative detail, when your battery installation is officially certified.

The Certificate of Electrical Compliance must be signed on or after 1 July 2025 for the rebate to apply. If your system was certified even a day earlier, you’ll likely miss out, regardless of whether the battery was turned on or used.

Some important tips:

• You can pre-install hardware, but electrical work and certification must wait until after 1 July.
• Some brands offer software lockouts that prevent the battery from operating until activated, but this isn’t always enough. Installers may still need to prove physical disconnection or delayed certification.
• Solar Secure’s certified teams understand these technicalities and can guide you safely through the process. We’ve helped thousands of customers avoid compliance pitfalls.

What the Rebate Covers (And Doesn’t)

Let’s break down the rebate scope:

Feature	Details
Battery size	5–100kWh (nominal); rebate applies to the first 50kWh usable
New or expanded systems	Both are eligible — provided no previous federal rebate was claimed
Property limit	One rebate per property or meter
Accredited installation required	Installer must be CEC-accredited and use approved products
VPP-ready	System must be VPP capable (participation optional but encouraged)

The federal rebate can often be combined with state schemes. The state and territory incentives work in unison with the federal battery subsidy. Most incentives revolve around interest-free finance.

The NSW government provides a rebate for connecting to a VPP while the WA government provides an additional saving for installing a new battery.

At Solar Secure, we’ll help you stack multiple rebates where possible, saving you thousands more.

Real-World Lessons from the First Month

Our install teams have seen a few common trends since the program’s July launch:

• Modular batteries are in demand, especially those that let you add capacity in 5–10kWh increments. Great options include Tesla, AlphaESS, Neovolt, Sigenergy, Growatt and Sungrow, all available through Solar Secure’s range of approved brands.
• Pre-conditioning is key for battery expansions. New modules often need to be brought to the same charge level as your existing battery. Our technicians manage this process for seamless integration.
• Oversized systems don’t always equal better returns. If your rooftop solar output is low, installing a massive battery could result in poor utilisation. We recommend sizing based on actual energy use, feed-in loss, and VPP participation potential.
• VPPs are the future. With Solar Secure, eligible customers can opt in to partner VPP programs that provide additional bill credits and demand response payments, all while supporting grid reliability.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming the Rebate

1. Check your eligibility:

Already have solar or a battery? No problem, just ensure your previous battery didn’t receive the federal rebate. Your system must be grid-connected and use an approved battery brand.

2. Request a compliant quote:

Get in touch with Solar Secure or another accredited retailer. We’ll inspect your setup, advise on suitable battery brands, and provide a rebate-compliant quote.

3. Secure your rebate allocation:

Your installer applies through the official rebate portal and reserves your rebate, this must be done before installation is certified.

4. Install and certify after July 1:

Work with a professional team who understands the rebate rules. Solar Secure ensures the Certificate of Electrical Compliance is dated correctly, and that all documentation, including geotagged photos is collected.

5. VPP-ready setup:

If you’re joining a VPP, we’ll configure your battery accordingly and help you understand how to track earnings and performance.

6. Enjoy the savings:

The rebate is applied as a discount on your invoice. You pay less upfront, and your battery starts delivering value from day one.

Why Choosing the Right Installer Matters

The rebate program places a lot of responsibility on the installer — from accurate product selection to documentation and compliance.

When selecting a provider, make sure they:

• Are Clean Energy Council–accredited
• Offer approved battery brands like Tesla, AlphaESS, Neovolt, Sungrow, Sigenergy, or Growatt
• Understand the rebate paperwork, deadlines, and photo documentation
• Can offer VPP-ready solutions

Battery System Requirements

• Have a battery size: 5–100 kWh nominal; STCs apply to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity only.
• Must be a new (not second-hand or refurbished) battery.
• Must be installed with a new or existing rooftop solar PV system at the same premises.
• If it is on-grid and VPP-capable: Battery and the inverter it connects to must be VPP-capable at installation (you don’t have to enrol in a VPP). Existing PV inverters onsite don’t have to be VPP-capable.
• Off-grid nuance: • >1 km from the grid: no VPP-capable requirement (CEC-approved products still required). • <1 km from the grid: either provide written evidence grid connection would cost >$30,000 or install VPP-capable battery/inverter.
• Approved products & accreditation: Battery and inverter must be on Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved lists; installation must be supervised on-site by an SAA-accredited installer and comply with state/territory electrical safety rules.

Additional batteries added to existing systems may qualify if:

• The system has not previously claimed the federal rebate
• The additional battery capacity is at least 5 kWh, and the total nominal capacity remains under 100 kWh
• The new and existing batteries together form a compliant system listed on the Clean Energy Council’s approved product list
• The system is re-certified by an SAA-accredited installer to confirm safety and compliance under the latest standards
• Only the new battery modules are eligible for STCs, rebates cannot be claimed on pre-existing capacity

Contact our solar experts on 1300 867 328 - Solar Secure for more options to switch and save.

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