The Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program is available, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water says changes commenced on 1 May 2026.
The department states that eligible Australian households, businesses and community organisations can receive a discount of around 30% on the upfront cost of installing eligible small-scale battery systems from 5 kWh to 100 kWh.
What the discount is
The official page explains that the support operates through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and small-scale technology certificates. The value depends on usable battery capacity and certificate eligibility. The discount is expected to decrease over time and remains subject to regulatory and product requirements.
This is important because it is not the same as a competitive cash grant paid after a written application.
What businesses should verify
- Whether the proposed battery and installation meet current eligibility requirements
- Whether the battery is connected to new or existing solar PV as required
- Product and installer requirements
- How the certificate benefit appears in the quote
- GST and accounting treatment with an adviser where needed
- Whether any state-based support can lawfully be combined
What installers should communicate carefully
Installers can explain the current program and quote structure, but should avoid promising a fixed percentage or eligibility before checking the current product, customer and installation requirements.
Marketing should distinguish:
- a customer discount under the certificate scheme
- any separate state program
- a direct grant to the installation business
Those are different propositions.
Why current-source checking matters
The program changed in May 2026 and the official page says the discount will be reviewed over time. Old articles, calculators and promotional claims may therefore become inaccurate.
Use the current department page and scheme requirements as the final source before quoting or making an eligibility representation.