Battery rebates 2026: what you get before 1 January

How the federal discount is worked out

STCs = usable kWh × STC factor, with the factor tapered by size: first 14 kWh at 100%, 14 to 28 kWh at 60%, 28 to 50 kWh at 15%. Nothing above 50 kWh usable.

Rounded down to whole STCs. The discount is delivered through these certificates; its dollar value depends on the STC price on the day, so we show certificate counts only.

The install-date rule

A battery is considered installed, and able to create STCs, from the date a certificate of electrical compliance (or its state equivalent) is issued. Signing, paying or booking before 31 December does not lock in the 6.8 rate. The date on the electrician's compliance certificate does.

How you get it

You don't need to apply to the government for the federal battery discount. It's usually arranged through your installer or retailer and applied upfront to your quote using small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Alternatively, you can choose to create and sell the STCs yourself through the REC Registry.

The discount covers eligible battery systems with a nominal capacity of 5 to 100 kWh, connected to new or existing solar. Only one battery system per premises can claim STCs.

To qualify, the battery must be on the CEC approved list, installed by an SAA-accredited installer with battery endorsement, be VPP-capable if it is grid-connected, and stay installed until the end of its warranty or the end of 2030, whichever is later. Being VPP-capable doesn't mean you have to join a virtual power plant to receive the federal discount.

NSW

VPP incentive (Peak Demand Reduction Scheme). An upfront payment for connecting a battery of 2 to 50 kWh to a virtual power plant through a provider that offers the incentive. It is claimed once per NMI, needs a demand-response contract signed by the account holder, and can be combined with the federal discount. The amount varies by VPP provider. Since 12 October 2026 the contract no longer has to run for at least 12 months.

The previous NSW battery installation discount ended on 1 July 2025, although some older pages may still mention it. A separate NSW Batteries for Businesses incentive became available on 1 September 2026 for eligible business battery installations.

Finance. NSW Government Home Energy Saver loan: approved installer; zero-interest finance up to $15,000 through Brighte, subject to approval (Australian Credit Licence 508217). No upfront or monthly fees; late-payment fees, terms and conditions apply. From 9 am on 10 November 2026, new applications are limited to a combined taxable household income of up to $150,000 (previously $210,000).

South Australia

Home Battery Scheme: closed. The SA Home Battery Scheme is closed and new applications are not being accepted. A VPP activity is also available under the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) for connecting a battery to an approved VPP; it is accessed through REPS activity providers, so check your eligibility with them. The federal discount applies in SA on the same terms.

What this means for price

Home batteries from $6,999 to about $15,999

base prices after rebates, inc GST, as at October 2026

What affects the price: battery size, brand and inverter, whether you already have solar, backup wiring, and any additional work at your home.

Base price for a standard install, after government rebates, inc GST, as at October 2026. Additional work such as switchboard upgrades, three-phase changes or complex installs is reviewed and quoted separately.

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