The home solar battery rebate is coming soon. Here's what you need to know
The Advertiser14-05-2025
Bruno Kaser just missed out on the federal government's home battery subsidy, but he's looking forward to seeing the first electricity bill since he had one installed.
From July 1 households will be eligible for up to 30 per cent off the installed cost of a home battery under a Labor election commitment.
Mr Kaser had old rooftop solar panels replaced just before the April 6 announcement and bought a battery at the same time.
But the 72-year-old, who is semi retired and lives in North Warrandyte north east of Melbourne, was philosophical about missing out on the subsidy.
"I think it's silly not to use solar when you can," he said.
"My main reason was it's just better for the environment.
"And the battery was because quite often the grid drops out here. So hopefully I have a bit of battery as a backup."
According to the Clean Energy Regulator, there are 4.1 million small-scale solar installations across the country, making Australia the world's leader in rooftop solar.
Mr Kaser's installer, Solar Battery Group, has been putting in 40 batteries a day since the government's re-election on May 3.
"Since Labor won the election a week ago, we've already seen a 40 per cent increase in our web traffic," the company's chief executive, James Hetherington, said.
"We've seen a 60 per cent increase in sales just in the last five business days."
The discount is not means tested and will apply to any new home battery, but can only be used once, according to the Smart Energy Council.
As long as people don't switch on a new battery before the beginning of July, they will still be eligible for the rebate, but installers will likely charge the full rate up front and provide cash back when it formally kicks in.
The government expects it to drive a surge in home battery installations, taking the roughly 186,000 units now installed across Australia to one million by 2030.
The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and does not require any changes to legislation.
For customers, it functions as a discount at the point of sale, with expected savings of $4000 on a typical 11.5kWh battery.
That means the installer claims the money direct from the government and the household automatically receives the discount.
The $2.3 billion cheaper home batteries program will reduce the cost of a typical installed battery by about 30 per cent.
According to government modelling, a household with existing rooftop solar could save up to $1100 on their power bill each year, while a household putting in new solar combined with a battery system could save up to $2300 annually.
Around 77 batteries were available to consumers in Australia, according to a Smart Energy Council report from 2024.
The 5-6kWh battery would suit the needs of about 90 per cent of households and prices started at $5000 for these.
"The cheaper home battery program will usher in one of the biggest changes in the energy sector since the introduction of solar," council chief executive John Grimes said.
Some small businesses and community facilities will also be able to access the government subsidy.
James Hetherington from Solar Battery Group recommended households check their installer was signed up to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NET Code).
This is voluntary industry code of conduct designed to protect consumers.
"There are government codes out there that protect the consumer from aggressive selling tactics, overselling and under-delivering," he said.
Solar Citizens, which has been lobbying for a home battery subsidy scheme since 2022, said people should also shop around using a service like Solar Quotes.
"We direct people to an organisation called Solar Quotes who provide three reputable quotes for you," chief executive Heidi Lee Douglas said.
She also said anyone interested in getting a home battery should act soon.
"I'm going to move quite quickly, just in case the NSW government withdraw their rebate," Ms Lee Douglas said.
"We really want to show the government that we want people to adopt this and take advantage of it."
The advocacy group now wanted the government to extend the subsidy to apartment buildings.
"We've done a lot of research on electrifying apartments and apartments can act as great solar sponges in city landscapes," Ms Douglas said.
The federal home battery discount is "stackable", which means it can be claimed in addition to any assistance offered under state-based schemes.
Although it's not yet clear if - or how - these loans, grants and subsidies will change as the federal rebate is rolled out.
Existing programs include:
Bruno Kaser just missed out on the federal government's home battery subsidy, but he's looking forward to seeing the first electricity bill since he had one installed.
From July 1 households will be eligible for up to 30 per cent off the installed cost of a home battery under a Labor election commitment.
Mr Kaser had old rooftop solar panels replaced just before the April 6 announcement and bought a battery at the same time.
But the 72-year-old, who is semi retired and lives in North Warrandyte north east of Melbourne, was philosophical about missing out on the subsidy.
"I think it's silly not to use solar when you can," he said.
"My main reason was it's just better for the environment.
"And the battery was because quite often the grid drops out here. So hopefully I have a bit of battery as a backup."
According to the Clean Energy Regulator, there are 4.1 million small-scale solar installations across the country, making Australia the world's leader in rooftop solar.
Mr Kaser's installer, Solar Battery Group, has been putting in 40 batteries a day since the government's re-election on May 3.
"Since Labor won the election a week ago, we've already seen a 40 per cent increase in our web traffic," the company's chief executive, James Hetherington, said.
"We've seen a 60 per cent increase in sales just in the last five business days."
The discount is not means tested and will apply to any new home battery, but can only be used once, according to the Smart Energy Council.
As long as people don't switch on a new battery before the beginning of July, they will still be eligible for the rebate, but installers will likely charge the full rate up front and provide cash back when it formally kicks in.
The government expects it to drive a surge in home battery installations, taking the roughly 186,000 units now installed across Australia to one million by 2030.
The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and does not require any changes to legislation.
For customers, it functions as a discount at the point of sale, with expected savings of $4000 on a typical 11.5kWh battery.
That means the installer claims the money direct from the government and the household automatically receives the discount.
The $2.3 billion cheaper home batteries program will reduce the cost of a typical installed battery by about 30 per cent.
According to government modelling, a household with existing rooftop solar could save up to $1100 on their power bill each year, while a household putting in new solar combined with a battery system could save up to $2300 annually.
Around 77 batteries were available to consumers in Australia, according to a Smart Energy Council report from 2024.
The 5-6kWh battery would suit the needs of about 90 per cent of households and prices started at $5000 for these.
"The cheaper home battery program will usher in one of the biggest changes in the energy sector since the introduction of solar," council chief executive John Grimes said.
Some small businesses and community facilities will also be able to access the government subsidy.
James Hetherington from Solar Battery Group recommended households check their installer was signed up to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NET Code).
This is voluntary industry code of conduct designed to protect consumers.
"There are government codes out there that protect the consumer from aggressive selling tactics, overselling and under-delivering," he said.
Solar Citizens, which has been lobbying for a home battery subsidy scheme since 2022, said people should also shop around using a service like Solar Quotes.
"We direct people to an organisation called Solar Quotes who provide three reputable quotes for you," chief executive Heidi Lee Douglas said.
She also said anyone interested in getting a home battery should act soon.
"I'm going to move quite quickly, just in case the NSW government withdraw their rebate," Ms Lee Douglas said.
"We really want to show the government that we want people to adopt this and take advantage of it."
The advocacy group now wanted the government to extend the subsidy to apartment buildings.
"We've done a lot of research on electrifying apartments and apartments can act as great solar sponges in city landscapes," Ms Douglas said.
The federal home battery discount is "stackable", which means it can be claimed in addition to any assistance offered under state-based schemes.
Although it's not yet clear if - or how - these loans, grants and subsidies will change as the federal rebate is rolled out.
Existing programs include:
Bruno Kaser just missed out on the federal government's home battery subsidy, but he's looking forward to seeing the first electricity bill since he had one installed.
From July 1 households will be eligible for up to 30 per cent off the installed cost of a home battery under a Labor election commitment.
Mr Kaser had old rooftop solar panels replaced just before the April 6 announcement and bought a battery at the same time.
But the 72-year-old, who is semi retired and lives in North Warrandyte north east of Melbourne, was philosophical about missing out on the subsidy.
"I think it's silly not to use solar when you can," he said.
"My main reason was it's just better for the environment.
"And the battery was because quite often the grid drops out here. So hopefully I have a bit of battery as a backup."
According to the Clean Energy Regulator, there are 4.1 million small-scale solar installations across the country, making Australia the world's leader in rooftop solar.
Mr Kaser's installer, Solar Battery Group, has been putting in 40 batteries a day since the government's re-election on May 3.
"Since Labor won the election a week ago, we've already seen a 40 per cent increase in our web traffic," the company's chief executive, James Hetherington, said.
"We've seen a 60 per cent increase in sales just in the last five business days."
The discount is not means tested and will apply to any new home battery, but can only be used once, according to the Smart Energy Council.
As long as people don't switch on a new battery before the beginning of July, they will still be eligible for the rebate, but installers will likely charge the full rate up front and provide cash back when it formally kicks in.
The government expects it to drive a surge in home battery installations, taking the roughly 186,000 units now installed across Australia to one million by 2030.
The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and does not require any changes to legislation.
For customers, it functions as a discount at the point of sale, with expected savings of $4000 on a typical 11.5kWh battery.
That means the installer claims the money direct from the government and the household automatically receives the discount.
The $2.3 billion cheaper home batteries program will reduce the cost of a typical installed battery by about 30 per cent.
According to government modelling, a household with existing rooftop solar could save up to $1100 on their power bill each year, while a household putting in new solar combined with a battery system could save up to $2300 annually.
Around 77 batteries were available to consumers in Australia, according to a Smart Energy Council report from 2024.
The 5-6kWh battery would suit the needs of about 90 per cent of households and prices started at $5000 for these.
"The cheaper home battery program will usher in one of the biggest changes in the energy sector since the introduction of solar," council chief executive John Grimes said.
Some small businesses and community facilities will also be able to access the government subsidy.
James Hetherington from Solar Battery Group recommended households check their installer was signed up to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NET Code).
This is voluntary industry code of conduct designed to protect consumers.
"There are government codes out there that protect the consumer from aggressive selling tactics, overselling and under-delivering," he said.
Solar Citizens, which has been lobbying for a home battery subsidy scheme since 2022, said people should also shop around using a service like Solar Quotes.
"We direct people to an organisation called Solar Quotes who provide three reputable quotes for you," chief executive Heidi Lee Douglas said.
She also said anyone interested in getting a home battery should act soon.
"I'm going to move quite quickly, just in case the NSW government withdraw their rebate," Ms Lee Douglas said.
"We really want to show the government that we want people to adopt this and take advantage of it."
The advocacy group now wanted the government to extend the subsidy to apartment buildings.
"We've done a lot of research on electrifying apartments and apartments can act as great solar sponges in city landscapes," Ms Douglas said.
The federal home battery discount is "stackable", which means it can be claimed in addition to any assistance offered under state-based schemes.
Although it's not yet clear if - or how - these loans, grants and subsidies will change as the federal rebate is rolled out.
Existing programs include:
Bruno Kaser just missed out on the federal government's home battery subsidy, but he's looking forward to seeing the first electricity bill since he had one installed.
From July 1 households will be eligible for up to 30 per cent off the installed cost of a home battery under a Labor election commitment.
Mr Kaser had old rooftop solar panels replaced just before the April 6 announcement and bought a battery at the same time.
But the 72-year-old, who is semi retired and lives in North Warrandyte north east of Melbourne, was philosophical about missing out on the subsidy.
"I think it's silly not to use solar when you can," he said.
"My main reason was it's just better for the environment.
"And the battery was because quite often the grid drops out here. So hopefully I have a bit of battery as a backup."
According to the Clean Energy Regulator, there are 4.1 million small-scale solar installations across the country, making Australia the world's leader in rooftop solar.
Mr Kaser's installer, Solar Battery Group, has been putting in 40 batteries a day since the government's re-election on May 3.
"Since Labor won the election a week ago, we've already seen a 40 per cent increase in our web traffic," the company's chief executive, James Hetherington, said.
"We've seen a 60 per cent increase in sales just in the last five business days."
The discount is not means tested and will apply to any new home battery, but can only be used once, according to the Smart Energy Council.
As long as people don't switch on a new battery before the beginning of July, they will still be eligible for the rebate, but installers will likely charge the full rate up front and provide cash back when it formally kicks in.
The government expects it to drive a surge in home battery installations, taking the roughly 186,000 units now installed across Australia to one million by 2030.
The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and does not require any changes to legislation.
For customers, it functions as a discount at the point of sale, with expected savings of $4000 on a typical 11.5kWh battery.
That means the installer claims the money direct from the government and the household automatically receives the discount.
The $2.3 billion cheaper home batteries program will reduce the cost of a typical installed battery by about 30 per cent.
According to government modelling, a household with existing rooftop solar could save up to $1100 on their power bill each year, while a household putting in new solar combined with a battery system could save up to $2300 annually.
Around 77 batteries were available to consumers in Australia, according to a Smart Energy Council report from 2024.
The 5-6kWh battery would suit the needs of about 90 per cent of households and prices started at $5000 for these.
"The cheaper home battery program will usher in one of the biggest changes in the energy sector since the introduction of solar," council chief executive John Grimes said.
Some small businesses and community facilities will also be able to access the government subsidy.
James Hetherington from Solar Battery Group recommended households check their installer was signed up to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NET Code).
This is voluntary industry code of conduct designed to protect consumers.
"There are government codes out there that protect the consumer from aggressive selling tactics, overselling and under-delivering," he said.
Solar Citizens, which has been lobbying for a home battery subsidy scheme since 2022, said people should also shop around using a service like Solar Quotes.
"We direct people to an organisation called Solar Quotes who provide three reputable quotes for you," chief executive Heidi Lee Douglas said.
She also said anyone interested in getting a home battery should act soon.
"I'm going to move quite quickly, just in case the NSW government withdraw their rebate," Ms Lee Douglas said.
"We really want to show the government that we want people to adopt this and take advantage of it."
The advocacy group now wanted the government to extend the subsidy to apartment buildings.
"We've done a lot of research on electrifying apartments and apartments can act as great solar sponges in city landscapes," Ms Douglas said.
The federal home battery discount is "stackable", which means it can be claimed in addition to any assistance offered under state-based schemes.
Although it's not yet clear if - or how - these loans, grants and subsidies will change as the federal rebate is rolled out.
Existing programs include:
From July 1 households will be eligible for up to 30 per cent off the installed cost of a home battery under a Labor election commitment.
Mr Kaser had old rooftop solar panels replaced just before the April 6 announcement and bought a battery at the same time.
But the 72-year-old, who is semi retired and lives in North Warrandyte north east of Melbourne, was philosophical about missing out on the subsidy.
"I think it's silly not to use solar when you can," he said.
"My main reason was it's just better for the environment.
"And the battery was because quite often the grid drops out here. So hopefully I have a bit of battery as a backup."
According to the Clean Energy Regulator, there are 4.1 million small-scale solar installations across the country, making Australia the world's leader in rooftop solar.
Mr Kaser's installer, Solar Battery Group, has been putting in 40 batteries a day since the government's re-election on May 3.
"Since Labor won the election a week ago, we've already seen a 40 per cent increase in our web traffic," the company's chief executive, James Hetherington, said.
"We've seen a 60 per cent increase in sales just in the last five business days."
The discount is not means tested and will apply to any new home battery, but can only be used once, according to the Smart Energy Council.
As long as people don't switch on a new battery before the beginning of July, they will still be eligible for the rebate, but installers will likely charge the full rate up front and provide cash back when it formally kicks in.
The government expects it to drive a surge in home battery installations, taking the roughly 186,000 units now installed across Australia to one million by 2030.
The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and does not require any changes to legislation.
For customers, it functions as a discount at the point of sale, with expected savings of $4000 on a typical 11.5kWh battery.
That means the installer claims the money direct from the government and the household automatically receives the discount.
The $2.3 billion cheaper home batteries program will reduce the cost of a typical installed battery by about 30 per cent.
According to government modelling, a household with existing rooftop solar could save up to $1100 on their power bill each year, while a household putting in new solar combined with a battery system could save up to $2300 annually.
Around 77 batteries were available to consumers in Australia, according to a Smart Energy Council report from 2024.
The 5-6kWh battery would suit the needs of about 90 per cent of households and prices started at $5000 for these.
"The cheaper home battery program will usher in one of the biggest changes in the energy sector since the introduction of solar," council chief executive John Grimes said.
Some small businesses and community facilities will also be able to access the government subsidy.
James Hetherington from Solar Battery Group recommended households check their installer was signed up to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NET Code).
This is voluntary industry code of conduct designed to protect consumers.
"There are government codes out there that protect the consumer from aggressive selling tactics, overselling and under-delivering," he said.
Solar Citizens, which has been lobbying for a home battery subsidy scheme since 2022, said people should also shop around using a service like Solar Quotes.
"We direct people to an organisation called Solar Quotes who provide three reputable quotes for you," chief executive Heidi Lee Douglas said.
She also said anyone interested in getting a home battery should act soon.
"I'm going to move quite quickly, just in case the NSW government withdraw their rebate," Ms Lee Douglas said.
"We really want to show the government that we want people to adopt this and take advantage of it."
The advocacy group now wanted the government to extend the subsidy to apartment buildings.
"We've done a lot of research on electrifying apartments and apartments can act as great solar sponges in city landscapes," Ms Douglas said.
The federal home battery discount is "stackable", which means it can be claimed in addition to any assistance offered under state-based schemes.
Although it's not yet clear if - or how - these loans, grants and subsidies will change as the federal rebate is rolled out.
Existing programs include:
Bruno Kaser just missed out on the federal government's home battery subsidy, but he's looking forward to seeing the first electricity bill since he had one installed.
From July 1 households will be eligible for up to 30 per cent off the installed cost of a home battery under a Labor election commitment.
Mr Kaser had old rooftop solar panels replaced just before the April 6 announcement and bought a battery at the same time.
But the 72-year-old, who is semi retired and lives in North Warrandyte north east of Melbourne, was philosophical about missing out on the subsidy.
"I think it's silly not to use solar when you can," he said.
"My main reason was it's just better for the environment.
"And the battery was because quite often the grid drops out here. So hopefully I have a bit of battery as a backup."
According to the Clean Energy Regulator, there are 4.1 million small-scale solar installations across the country, making Australia the world's leader in rooftop solar.
Mr Kaser's installer, Solar Battery Group, has been putting in 40 batteries a day since the government's re-election on May 3.
"Since Labor won the election a week ago, we've already seen a 40 per cent increase in our web traffic," the company's chief executive, James Hetherington, said.
"We've seen a 60 per cent increase in sales just in the last five business days."
The discount is not means tested and will apply to any new home battery, but can only be used once, according to the Smart Energy Council.
As long as people don't switch on a new battery before the beginning of July, they will still be eligible for the rebate, but installers will likely charge the full rate up front and provide cash back when it formally kicks in.
The government expects it to drive a surge in home battery installations, taking the roughly 186,000 units now installed across Australia to one million by 2030.
The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and does not require any changes to legislation.
For customers, it functions as a discount at the point of sale, with expected savings of $4000 on a typical 11.5kWh battery.
That means the installer claims the money direct from the government and the household automatically receives the discount.
The $2.3 billion cheaper home batteries program will reduce the cost of a typical installed battery by about 30 per cent.
According to government modelling, a household with existing rooftop solar could save up to $1100 on their power bill each year, while a household putting in new solar combined with a battery system could save up to $2300 annually.
Around 77 batteries were available to consumers in Australia, according to a Smart Energy Council report from 2024.
The 5-6kWh battery would suit the needs of about 90 per cent of households and prices started at $5000 for these.
"The cheaper home battery program will usher in one of the biggest changes in the energy sector since the introduction of solar," council chief executive John Grimes said.
Some small businesses and community facilities will also be able to access the government subsidy.
James Hetherington from Solar Battery Group recommended households check their installer was signed up to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NET Code).
This is voluntary industry code of conduct designed to protect consumers.
"There are government codes out there that protect the consumer from aggressive selling tactics, overselling and under-delivering," he said.
Solar Citizens, which has been lobbying for a home battery subsidy scheme since 2022, said people should also shop around using a service like Solar Quotes.
"We direct people to an organisation called Solar Quotes who provide three reputable quotes for you," chief executive Heidi Lee Douglas said.
She also said anyone interested in getting a home battery should act soon.
"I'm going to move quite quickly, just in case the NSW government withdraw their rebate," Ms Lee Douglas said.
"We really want to show the government that we want people to adopt this and take advantage of it."
The advocacy group now wanted the government to extend the subsidy to apartment buildings.
"We've done a lot of research on electrifying apartments and apartments can act as great solar sponges in city landscapes," Ms Douglas said.
The federal home battery discount is "stackable", which means it can be claimed in addition to any assistance offered under state-based schemes.
Although it's not yet clear if - or how - these loans, grants and subsidies will change as the federal rebate is rolled out.
Existing programs include:
Bruno Kaser just missed out on the federal government's home battery subsidy, but he's looking forward to seeing the first electricity bill since he had one installed.
From July 1 households will be eligible for up to 30 per cent off the installed cost of a home battery under a Labor election commitment.
Mr Kaser had old rooftop solar panels replaced just before the April 6 announcement and bought a battery at the same time.
But the 72-year-old, who is semi retired and lives in North Warrandyte north east of Melbourne, was philosophical about missing out on the subsidy.
"I think it's silly not to use solar when you can," he said.
"My main reason was it's just better for the environment.
"And the battery was because quite often the grid drops out here. So hopefully I have a bit of battery as a backup."
According to the Clean Energy Regulator, there are 4.1 million small-scale solar installations across the country, making Australia the world's leader in rooftop solar.
Mr Kaser's installer, Solar Battery Group, has been putting in 40 batteries a day since the government's re-election on May 3.
"Since Labor won the election a week ago, we've already seen a 40 per cent increase in our web traffic," the company's chief executive, James Hetherington, said.
"We've seen a 60 per cent increase in sales just in the last five business days."
The discount is not means tested and will apply to any new home battery, but can only be used once, according to the Smart Energy Council.
As long as people don't switch on a new battery before the beginning of July, they will still be eligible for the rebate, but installers will likely charge the full rate up front and provide cash back when it formally kicks in.
The government expects it to drive a surge in home battery installations, taking the roughly 186,000 units now installed across Australia to one million by 2030.
The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and does not require any changes to legislation.
For customers, it functions as a discount at the point of sale, with expected savings of $4000 on a typical 11.5kWh battery.
That means the installer claims the money direct from the government and the household automatically receives the discount.
The $2.3 billion cheaper home batteries program will reduce the cost of a typical installed battery by about 30 per cent.
According to government modelling, a household with existing rooftop solar could save up to $1100 on their power bill each year, while a household putting in new solar combined with a battery system could save up to $2300 annually.
Around 77 batteries were available to consumers in Australia, according to a Smart Energy Council report from 2024.
The 5-6kWh battery would suit the needs of about 90 per cent of households and prices started at $5000 for these.
"The cheaper home battery program will usher in one of the biggest changes in the energy sector since the introduction of solar," council chief executive John Grimes said.
Some small businesses and community facilities will also be able to access the government subsidy.
James Hetherington from Solar Battery Group recommended households check their installer was signed up to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NET Code).
This is voluntary industry code of conduct designed to protect consumers.
"There are government codes out there that protect the consumer from aggressive selling tactics, overselling and under-delivering," he said.
Solar Citizens, which has been lobbying for a home battery subsidy scheme since 2022, said people should also shop around using a service like Solar Quotes.
"We direct people to an organisation called Solar Quotes who provide three reputable quotes for you," chief executive Heidi Lee Douglas said.
She also said anyone interested in getting a home battery should act soon.
"I'm going to move quite quickly, just in case the NSW government withdraw their rebate," Ms Lee Douglas said.
"We really want to show the government that we want people to adopt this and take advantage of it."
The advocacy group now wanted the government to extend the subsidy to apartment buildings.
"We've done a lot of research on electrifying apartments and apartments can act as great solar sponges in city landscapes," Ms Douglas said.
The federal home battery discount is "stackable", which means it can be claimed in addition to any assistance offered under state-based schemes.
Although it's not yet clear if - or how - these loans, grants and subsidies will change as the federal rebate is rolled out.
Existing programs include:
Bruno Kaser just missed out on the federal government's home battery subsidy, but he's looking forward to seeing the first electricity bill since he had one installed.
From July 1 households will be eligible for up to 30 per cent off the installed cost of a home battery under a Labor election commitment.
Mr Kaser had old rooftop solar panels replaced just before the April 6 announcement and bought a battery at the same time.
But the 72-year-old, who is semi retired and lives in North Warrandyte north east of Melbourne, was philosophical about missing out on the subsidy.
"I think it's silly not to use solar when you can," he said.
"My main reason was it's just better for the environment.
"And the battery was because quite often the grid drops out here. So hopefully I have a bit of battery as a backup."
According to the Clean Energy Regulator, there are 4.1 million small-scale solar installations across the country, making Australia the world's leader in rooftop solar.
Mr Kaser's installer, Solar Battery Group, has been putting in 40 batteries a day since the government's re-election on May 3.
"Since Labor won the election a week ago, we've already seen a 40 per cent increase in our web traffic," the company's chief executive, James Hetherington, said.
"We've seen a 60 per cent increase in sales just in the last five business days."
The discount is not means tested and will apply to any new home battery, but can only be used once, according to the Smart Energy Council.
As long as people don't switch on a new battery before the beginning of July, they will still be eligible for the rebate, but installers will likely charge the full rate up front and provide cash back when it formally kicks in.
The government expects it to drive a surge in home battery installations, taking the roughly 186,000 units now installed across Australia to one million by 2030.
The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and does not require any changes to legislation.
For customers, it functions as a discount at the point of sale, with expected savings of $4000 on a typical 11.5kWh battery.
That means the installer claims the money direct from the government and the household automatically receives the discount.
The $2.3 billion cheaper home batteries program will reduce the cost of a typical installed battery by about 30 per cent.
According to government modelling, a household with existing rooftop solar could save up to $1100 on their power bill each year, while a household putting in new solar combined with a battery system could save up to $2300 annually.
Around 77 batteries were available to consumers in Australia, according to a Smart Energy Council report from 2024.
The 5-6kWh battery would suit the needs of about 90 per cent of households and prices started at $5000 for these.
"The cheaper home battery program will usher in one of the biggest changes in the energy sector since the introduction of solar," council chief executive John Grimes said.
Some small businesses and community facilities will also be able to access the government subsidy.
James Hetherington from Solar Battery Group recommended households check their installer was signed up to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NET Code).
This is voluntary industry code of conduct designed to protect consumers.
"There are government codes out there that protect the consumer from aggressive selling tactics, overselling and under-delivering," he said.
Solar Citizens, which has been lobbying for a home battery subsidy scheme since 2022, said people should also shop around using a service like Solar Quotes.
"We direct people to an organisation called Solar Quotes who provide three reputable quotes for you," chief executive Heidi Lee Douglas said.
She also said anyone interested in getting a home battery should act soon.
"I'm going to move quite quickly, just in case the NSW government withdraw their rebate," Ms Lee Douglas said.
"We really want to show the government that we want people to adopt this and take advantage of it."
The advocacy group now wanted the government to extend the subsidy to apartment buildings.
"We've done a lot of research on electrifying apartments and apartments can act as great solar sponges in city landscapes," Ms Douglas said.
The federal home battery discount is "stackable", which means it can be claimed in addition to any assistance offered under state-based schemes.
Although it's not yet clear if - or how - these loans, grants and subsidies will change as the federal rebate is rolled out.
Existing programs include:
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- Sydney Morning Herald
Two-thirds of voters want the right to work from home protected
About two-thirds of voters support proposals for a new right to work from home and a four-day work week, including most Coalition supporters, proving the political upside for Labor governments and unions advancing the ideas of contested economic benefit. Union leaders put up the idea of a four-day work week before Treasurer Jim Chalmers' economic reform summit this week, and Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allan rekindled debate by pledging to give workers the guaranteed ability to work two days a week from home. On the eve of the roundtable, Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood dismissed the need for government intervention in flexible work, suggesting bosses and workers were finding a 'sweet spot' on hybrid work. But the Resolve Political Monitor showed widespread support for both ideas. Sixty-four per cent said they backed the idea of using legislation to lock in flexible work arrangements. Nineteen per cent were unsure when asked about the proposal, while 17 per cent were opposed. Of Labor voters, 74 per cent backed the idea, as did 51 per cent of Coalition voters, a reminder of why former opposition leader Peter Dutton was forced to ditch his pre-election push to force public servants back into the office. The Coalition proposal was pounced on by Labor, which used Dutton's public sector policy to stoke fears that private sector workers would also be ordered back to the office full-time. Allan's pitch to legislate the right to two days working from home was built on the successful political campaign against Dutton's plan. The Resolve survey showed 89 per cent of those who currently work from home supported Allan's idea. Just under two-thirds of those who never worked from home also backed it.
The Age
4 hours ago
- The Age
Two-thirds of voters want the right to work from home protected
About two-thirds of voters support proposals for a new right to work from home and a four-day work week, including most Coalition supporters, proving the political upside for Labor governments and unions advancing the ideas of contested economic benefit. Union leaders put up the idea of a four-day work week before Treasurer Jim Chalmers' economic reform summit this week, and Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allan rekindled debate by pledging to give workers the guaranteed ability to work two days a week from home. On the eve of the roundtable, Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood dismissed the need for government intervention in flexible work, suggesting bosses and workers were finding a 'sweet spot' on hybrid work. But the Resolve Political Monitor showed widespread support for both ideas. Sixty-four per cent said they backed the idea of using legislation to lock in flexible work arrangements. Nineteen per cent were unsure when asked about the proposal, while 17 per cent were opposed. Of Labor voters, 74 per cent backed the idea, as did 51 per cent of Coalition voters, a reminder of why former opposition leader Peter Dutton was forced to ditch his pre-election push to force public servants back into the office. The Coalition proposal was pounced on by Labor, which used Dutton's public sector policy to stoke fears that private sector workers would also be ordered back to the office full-time. Allan's pitch to legislate the right to two days working from home was built on the successful political campaign against Dutton's plan. The Resolve survey showed 89 per cent of those who currently work from home supported Allan's idea. Just under two-thirds of those who never worked from home also backed it.
Sky News AU
4 hours ago
- Sky News AU
WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti declares state 'won't accept' any attempt to revive carbon price, anti-mining policies
Western Australia Treasurer Rita Saffioti has warned the state "won't accept" any any effort to revive a carbon price after the plan emerged as a point of discussion ahead of Labor's economic roundtable. Speaking ahead of her keynote address at the WA Bush Summit, Ms Saffioti told The Australian she did not believe "a new carbon tax would be where anyone wants to be". While a carbon tax is not explicitly on the agenda during the Albanese government's roundtable, the Productivity Commission has led calls for reforms to effectively introduce an "enduring, national carbon price". Catch up with all of the day's breaking news and live interviews from politicians and experts with a Streaming Subscription.
