What the Home Battery Rebate updates mean for you, and your home battery solution.

A big update to the Cheaper Home Batteries Program is coming. The changes provide more funding to the program, but also smarter rules to make it last.  

Here’s a summary: 

• Budget increased: From $2.3 billion to $7.2 billion over four years 
• Forecast installs doubled: From 1 million to 2 million batteries by 2030
• New rebate schedule: Instead of yearly reductions, rebates will now reduce every six months, starting May 1st 2026  
• Tiered rebate structure: Rebate amounts will be calculated based on the size of the battery – with the first 14kWh of capacity receiving the most funding and stepping down in tiers

What this blog covers:

• When do the changes take effect?
• Why the update?
• What's the new rebate breakdown?
• What's the new rebate schedule?
• What this means for you?
• What you should do next

When do the changes take effect? 

The new program changes will apply to installations completed after May 1st 2026. 

You have the opportunity now to get the maximum rebate by installing your system prior to May 1st. Get started now to lock in your installation before the rebate changes start.

 Why the update? 

The program has been wildly popular: 

• 175,000 batteries will have been installed by end of December 2025, according to government estimates.
• The battery capacity installed in 6 months is more than the largest 5 industrial batteries in the country combined.
• Installed battery systems are averaging 28 kWh, much bigger than the 10–12 kWh systems that were popular before the rebate kicked in. 
• High demand and rapid uptake could have seen funding run out by mid2026. 
• The goal is to make batteries affordable for more homes and keep the scheme stable to encourage continued uptake. 

What’s the new rebate breakdown? 

From 1 May 2026, rebates adjust depending on battery size: 

What’s the new rebate schedule? 

Rebate values also reduce every six months: 

What this means for you 

If you already have a quote

• Install before 1 May 2026 to lock in current rebate rates. Your rebate entitlement is based on the date your installation is completed. 
• Delaying past that date may reduce your rebate, even if your quote was done earlier 
  

If you're planning to get a Solar Home Battery

• Get started now to ensure your installation can take place as soon as possible. 
• Align your battery size to the storage you’ll need – now and into the future. This means you’re not paying for capacity you won’t use.  
• To get a recommendation on your system based on your energy needs, complete our 2-minute form here. 

• You get the most rebate on the first 14 kWh of capacity of your battery. 
  

What you should do next 

Act now if you can. 
Installing before May 2026 could lock in a better rebate and shorter payback period. 

Get started with our 2-minute form to get a recommendation based on your home and your usage. 

Choose wisely. 
Match your system size to your home energy use and energy goals.

Do you want a battery to cover your electricity bills? Or do you want to use your extra battery capacity to generate passive income by selling back to the grid?  

Your household size, evening habits, and whether you own or plan to buy an EV matter. 

Talk to Enreal. 
We can help assess your needs, estimate savings generated from your system, and support installation with our accredited installers. We’re here to help you find what’s right for your home. 

Thinking about a battery for your home? Get started today to find the Home Energy Kit suited for your usage, and how you can make the most of the rebate before it changes. 

Or you can call our friendly team 9-5pm on weekdays, excluding National public holidays. You can reach us at 1800 844 022.