Featured in And the winner is – 12-2025-01-2026

What makes batteries cheaper?

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program came into effect on July 1. The AUD 2.3 billion ($1.5 billion) policy offers a discount of up to 30% on upfront residential battery cost in its first year, delivered through the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) – the same program that has subsidized sub-100 kW solar systems in Australia since 2001.

By

Jonathan Gifford

05 Dec 2025

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen. | Image: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

The subsidy is tied to the battery’s capacity and will decrease each financial year (e.g., dropping to 25% on July 1, 2026). Discounts apply only to batteries certified by the Clean Energy Council and installed by accredited installers. The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator. Australia backs residential batteries Between 2005 and 2025, …

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