Unlock Cheaper Home Batteries for Your Business
Discover how the Australian Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program can help your small business save on energy costs and contribute to a greener future. This guide helps you understand eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Program Snapshot
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a federal initiative designed to make battery storage more affordable for households and small businesses. Here are the key takeaways to quickly understand what the program offers and its main goals
What is it?
A federal program offering an upfront discount on new battery storage systems.
Program Start
July 1, 2025. Certificate of Electrical Compliance (CoC) must be signed on or after this date.
Who is Eligible?
Homeowners (owner-occupiers, landlords), small businesses, and community facilities.
Main Benifit
Approx. 30% upfront discount (up to $372/kWh in 2025, capped at 50kWh usable capacity).
Key Goal
Maximize solar self-consumption, reduce energy bills, and enhance grid stability.
Small Business Focus
No strict turnover/employee definition; eligibility is primarily property and system-based.
Interactive Eligibility Guide
Answer a few questions to get a preliminary idea of whether your small business might be eligible for the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program. This is a guide only and not a guarantee of eligibility. Always verify with official sources and your installer.
Key System & Installation Requirements
To qualify for the rebate, your battery system and its installation must meet specific criteria. This section outlines the essential technical and procedural requirements for small businesses. Ensure you discuss these thoroughly with your accredited installer
- Accredited Installer: Installation by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer.
- Safety Standards: Must comply with all state/territory electrical safety and installation standards.
- Critical CoC Date: Certificate of Electrical Compliance (CoC) must be signed on or after July 1, 2025. Installation can start earlier, but the system must not be commissioned (switched on) before this date.
- Off-Grid Eligibility: Eligible if property is >1km from grid or connection cost is >$30,000.
- Adding Capacity: Possible for existing systems if additional capacity is >=5kWh, total nominal capacity <=100kWh, and no prior rebate under this program for the existing system.
- One Rebate per NMI: Generally, one rebate per National Meter Identifier (electricity meter). Multiple properties with separate NMIs can each claim.
- Regulations Subject to Change: Program regulations are being finalized and may change before July 1, 2025. Always check the latest official information.
- Capacity: Nominal (total) capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh. Rebate applies to the first 50 kWh of *usable* capacity.
- New Installations Only: Must be a new battery; second-hand or refurbished systems are ineligible.
- Solar Connection: Must be installed with a new or existing rooftop solar PV system. Cannot be a standalone battery.
- VPP Capability: On-grid systems must be Virtual Power Plant (VPP) capable. Actual VPP participation is optional.
- Product Approval: Battery unit and inverter must be on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list.
- EVs Excluded: Electric vehicles (EVs) and their batteries are not eligible, even with V2G.
Federal Program VS. Other Incentives
It's important to understand how the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program differs from other government energy incentives, especially concerning "small business" definitions and mechanisms. This program can often be combined with state/territory incentives.
| Program Name | Type | “Small Business” Criteria | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program | Upfront Discount (STCs) | Property/System based (no explicit business size definition) | From July 1, 2025 |
| ATO Small Business Energy Incentive | Bonus Tax Deduction | Aggregated annual turnover < $50 million | July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 (Expired for new expenditure) |
| Federal Energy Bill Relief Fund | Bill Credit | Active ABN, business tariff, annual electricity use < 40 MWh | From July 1, 2023 (extended) |
Key takeaway: The Cheaper Home Batteries Program’s eligibility for “small businesses” is distinct. It doesn’t rely on turnover or employee count like some other federal or state programs. This means your business might qualify even if it doesn’t meet criteria for other “small business” incentives. Always check specific program rules.
Stacking Incentives: This federal battery rebate is designed to be combined with eligible state and territory battery rebates or loans. Research your local state programs (e.g., in Victoria, ACT, NT) as they often have their own definitions and can provide additional savings.
Key Recommendations for Small Businesses
To make the most of the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program and your investment in battery storage, consider these strategic steps. Proactive planning and due diligence are crucial for maximizing benefits and ensuring a smooth process.
️ Act Early
Plan installation for on/after July 1, 2025, to get the highest rebate value, as it declines annually.
️ Use Accredited Professionals
Engage SAA-accredited installers and use CEC-approved products for safety, quality, and eligibility.
✅ Verify Compliance
Ensure your CoC is dated correctly (on/after July 1, 2025) and all documentation is in order.
Check State Incentives
Research and combine with any available state/territory battery rebates or loans for extra savings.
Consider VPP Capability
Ensure on-grid systems are VPP capable for future opportunities, even if participation is initially optional.
Consult Experts
Talk to reputable installers or energy consultants for tailored advice on system sizing and navigating incentives.
© Velocity Solar. Information based on publicly available data regarding the Australian Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Always consult official government sources and qualified professionals for the most current and specific advice. This tool provides guidance and estimates, not financial or legal advice.
