The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a new plan from the Australian Labor Party, aiming to slash the cost of installing home battery systems by 30%. If Labor wins the federal election on 3 May 2025, the rebate is set to kick off on 1 July 2025.
For many in the Ballarat region—especially those going off-grid—this sounds like great news. But let’s break down exactly what’s been announced and what’s still not clear.
✅ Who’s Eligible?
Here’s what you’ll need to access the rebate:
- Battery Size: You’ll get the rebate on systems up to 50 kWh. Bigger systems can be installed (up to 100 kWh), but the discount only applies to the first 50 kWh.
- VPP-Ready: Batteries must be capable of joining a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)—basically, they need to be able to share energy with the grid. You don’t have to join a VPP, but the system has to support it.
- Solar Required: The battery must be installed alongside new or existing rooftop solar.
- Timing: The system must be installed on or after 1 July 2025. If you install earlier, you might still qualify—if it’s not activated until the program starts.
- Who Can Apply: Homes, small businesses, and community buildings all qualify.
- One Battery Per Property: You can only claim once per property, but multiple properties can each get the rebate.
- Certified Installers Only: Your system must be installed by an accredited professional using approved equipment.
📄 Official Labor Policy – April 2025
❗ What About STCs and the Rebate?
Labor says the rebate will use the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)—but here’s the catch:
- Right now, battery systems don’t get STCs. Only solar, solar hot water, and heat pumps are eligible under SRES.
- Labor’s plan might expand the scheme to include batteries—but there are no official formulas or details yet.
- Until the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) confirms how this will work, any rebate estimates based on kWh or STCs are just guesses.
🏡 Are Off-Grid Systems Included?
Here’s the big question for Ballarat locals living off the grid:
Can off-grid systems get the rebate?
Right now, there’s no clear answer.
- The policy focuses on batteries that are VPP-capable, which usually means connected to the grid.
- There’s no official mention of whether off-grid battery systems—common around Ballarat and regional Victoria—will be covered.
So at this stage, off-grid eligibility remains uncertain. We’ll need to wait for official guidelines closer to the launch date.
👇 Bottom Line
If you’re planning an off-grid setup or battery upgrade in Ballarat, this rebate could be a huge help—but only if off-grid systems are included.
We’re watching closely for updates and will share details as soon as the government confirms how it’ll work.
In the meantime, if you’re thinking about a battery or full off-grid system, feel free to get in touch—we can help you plan around the coming changes.