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Australia is no stranger to sunshine, and with over 4 million rooftop solar systems already installed nationwide, we’re leading the world in solar uptake, too. Solar panels have become a familiar sight on homes and businesses, and now the next big leap for clean, reliable energy is starting to gain momentum; home battery storage. 

The Federal Government has announced plans for a significant new program that could make home batteries far more affordable. The “Cheaper Home Batteries” initiative, set to launch in July (pending re-election of the current government), aims to reduce the upfront cost of installing a home battery by up to 30%. For hundreds of thousands of Australians, particularly those who already have solar, this could be a real  game-changer.

What’s the Battery Rebate All About?

Under the proposed plan, the government would invest $2.3 billion in  a bid to make home batteries more accessible. The rebate would apply to eligible battery systems installed with new or existing solar and would be delivered through the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)—the same system that supports the current solar rebate.

Eligible systems between 5 and 50 kilowatt-hours in size (which covers the average home) could qualify for a rebate of around $4,000 off the total price. And the best part? The rebate would stack on top of any existing state-based incentives, helping even more Australians bring clean energy home, for less.

But the benefits don’t stop at cost savings.

Why Batteries Matter More Than Ever

If you already have solar, you’ll know how frustrating it can be to export excess energy to the grid during the day (often for just a few cents per kilowatt-hour) only to buy it back at peak prices later, like in the evening. A battery stores that solar power so you can use it when it matters most: at night, during outages, or when energy demand (and costs) are high.

With a battery in place, households can significantly reduce their reliance on the grid, boost their energy independence, and gain more control over their electricity usage. In some cases, homes with solar and battery systems can cut their energy bills by hundreds, even thousands, of dollars per year.  And with extreme weather (like our mate Alfred) and grid instability becoming more frequent, the ability to keep the lights (and fridges, and devices) on during a blackout is more than just convenient, it’s peace of mind.

A Bonus Opportunity

To be eligible for the rebate, batteries must be “VPP-ready”—meaning they’re technically capable of participating in a Virtual Power Plant. These programs allow your battery to support the wider grid by feeding in stored energy during times of high demand. In return, you can receive additional payments or incentives, making your battery work even harder for you.

There’s no requirement to actually join a VPP if you’re not interested but having the option opens doors for future savings, flexibility, and participation in a smarter, more connected energy network.

What Makes Now the Right Time?

The idea of battery storage isn’t new but for many years, the price tag has kept it out of reach for a lot of us. That’s starting to change. Between falling battery prices, rising energy costs, and improved technology, storage is becoming more and more viable every year.  This proposed rebate only adds momentum. Businesses and homeowners can now expect shorter payback periods and better overall returns.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a battery, this upcoming rebate could make it the right time to take the next step.  And if you're building a new home or upgrading your solar system, installing a battery alongside could maximise your investment, and your energy savings, for many years to come.

How First Choice Solar Can Help

First Choice Solar is well known for giving our customers clear, honest advice, especially when it comes to incentives and government programs. With nearly 15 years of experience and almost 15,000 systems installed, we know how to match the right battery system to your needs, and ensure it qualifies for all available rebates.

We’ll walk you through the details, help you crunch the numbers, and explain how this new rebate (if passed) might apply to your home or business. And because we’re local, we understand the energy conditions and programs specific to Queensland and Northern NSW, including how to combine this new federal rebate with any state-based support still available.

Plus, all new systems we install are now covered by our extended 15-year workmanship guarantee—so you can be confident that your investment is built to last.

Looking Ahead

Clean energy is evolving quickly, and battery storage is at the heart of that evolution. The proposed Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a clear step in the right direction, helping households take charge of their power bills, reduce their environmental impact, and contribute to a more resilient national energy system.

If you'd like to understand what a battery system could mean for your home or business, feel free to reach out. We're ready to help you plan ahead for a future that's cleaner, smarter, and powered by the sun.