Home Cost Australia

Cheaper Home Batteries Program Explained

By Home Cost Australia Editorial TeamUpdated 20 September 2026Data checked: 20 September 2026

The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program cuts the upfront cost of eligible home batteries through small-scale technology certificates (STCs), with settings effective from 1 May 2026. The Government's approximate target is around 30% off eligible battery costs — an intent, not a guaranteed household discount — and support declines over time until 2030.

Program settings effective from 1 May 2026

Programs and rules change. Confirm current details with the official source.

Eligibility and how support is worked out

Eligible battery installations are nominally 5–100 kWh, but STC support is calculated on usable capacity up to 50 kWh using the capacity taper. STC support must follow the current official program rules.

  • Eligible installations are nominally 5–100 kWh.
  • STC support is calculated on usable capacity up to 50 kWh.
  • A capacity taper applies: 100% of the STC factor on the first 14 kWh, 60% from 14–28 kWh and 15% from 28–50 kWh.
  • The STC factor declines over time until 2030 (see the estimator).

What to keep in mind

  • This is an unofficial estimate. Confirm your actual STC entitlement using the REC Registry calculator and your accredited installer.
  • STC support declines over time until 2030; the factor depends on your installation date.
  • The '~30%' figure is the Government's approximate program target, not the calculator formula.
  • The dollar value of STCs depends on the certificate market and your installer's arrangement.

Change log

Recorded changes and checks for this program dataset
DateChange / check
1 May 2026Program settings took effect: STC factor 6.8 for May–Dec 2026, with a capacity taper (100% to 14 kWh, 60% to 28 kWh, 15% to 50 kWh).
20 September 2026Source pages re-checked; no rule change recorded on this check.
Dataset checked 20 September 2026.

Estimate your discount

Try the battery discount estimator for a rough, dated indicative figure. It is not an official government calculator — always confirm with DCCEEW and your installer.

Official source: DCCEEW — Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Sources

  1. Cheaper Home Batteries Program
    Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) · Last checked 20 September 2026
  2. Consumer energy resources — quarterly report, June quarter 2026
    Clean Energy Regulator (CER) · 2026 · Last checked 20 September 2026
  3. Record solar and battery growth shows clean energy transition accelerating (August 2026)
    Clean Energy Regulator (CER) · August 2026 · Last checked 20 September 2026