Australia is leading the charge when it comes to rooftop solar. Now, Labor has made an exciting promise to reduce battery prices by up to 30 per cent with a solar battery rebate for households, small businesses, and community facilities.
Over 4 million Australian homes already have a solar PV system installed. Most of these homeowners have probably considered adding a solar battery to boost their financial returns, but many were put off by the upfront cost. With solar batteries becoming increasingly popular and more rebates on offer, costs are falling - making it the perfect time for Australians to take charge of their energy future with a smart, solar-powered home.
The scheme has been allocated $2.3 billion in funding as part of the latest federal budget.
What is the Solar Battery Rebate Labor has Pitched?
The Cheaper Home Batteries subsidy offers households a 30% discount upfront on the cost of a home battery. It will be delivered through the same government program currently supporting discounted solar installations. The scheme has been allocated $2.3 billion in funding as part of the latest federal budget.Currently around 320,000 Australian households have already installed batteries. In 2024 alone, approximately one in three new solar installations included a battery.
That’s roughly 75,000 new battery systems installed last year - marking a 47% increase compared to 2023.
Labor’s goal is to see 1 million new batteries installed nationwide by 2030 if re-elected.
Why Should Homes Invest in a Solar Battery?
Glad you asked…Australia generates abundant solar energy during the middle of the day when many homes with solar panels produce more electricity than they need. Instead of using power from the grid, these homes often send their excess energy back into the system.
However, solar generation drops in the evening - right when most people return home, causing energy demand to peak.
By installing a battery, households can store the surplus solar energy produced during the day and use it later, helping to power their homes during the evening when electricity from the grid is typically more expensive.
By doing this, households can reduce the amount of electricity they need from the grid during peak demand times in the evening.
John Grimes, CEO of the Smart Energy Council, explains, a solar battery essentially acts as a tool for shifting free solar energy. It stores the excess power generated during the day and makes it available for use during the evening, when energy demand - and prices - are at their highest.
adding a solar battery can stabilise household energy costs and shield homeowners from the ongoing volatility in Australia’s energy market.
How Much can I Expect to Save on Power Bills with a Solar Battery?
Every home is unique, and the financial benefits of adding a battery can vary from one household to another.Labor’s modelling suggests that homes with existing rooftop solar could save up to $1,100 extra per year on electricity bills. In comparison, those installing new solar and battery systems could see savings of up to $2,300 annually - covering around 90% of a typical bill.
Similarly, Rewiring Australia has analysed the potential savings for households that fully electrify, including installing a battery, and estimates that a battery alone could deliver around $1,000 in annual savings.
According to Rewiring Australia, adding a solar battery can stabilise household energy costs and shield homeowners from the ongoing volatility in Australia’s energy market.
With energy prices likely to remain unpredictable over the next decade, installing a battery is a smart way to make your home more resilient - and benefit from future changes in the energy system.
Will Homes be Completely Off the Grid with a Solar Battery?
For most households, installing a battery doesn’t mean cutting ties with the grid altogether. In most cases, a battery will reduce dependence on the grid while still keeping it available as a reliable backup.Many modern battery systems will keep homes powered even during major grid outages, such as those caused by natural disasters like Cyclone Alfred. In these situations, households with solar and battery storage can continue to generate and store energy independently.
Ready to Take Charge of your Energy?
With the generous government solar battery rebate on offer, reduced prices and energy savings adding up, now’s the time to invest in your home’s future.Labor’s 30% rebate makes solar batteries more accessible than ever, helping Australians make the most of their rooftop solar, lower their electricity bills, and take greater control over their energy use.
At Solar Battery Group, we’re here to make the switch simple. Get in touch today to find out how to save with a solar battery or request a call-back here.
