Eligibility Criteria for Off-Grid Battery Systems

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program, launched by the Australian Government on 1 July 2025, offers substantial rebates for battery installations—including off-grid systems. Here’s what you need to know if you’re installing an off-grid battery system and want to claim the rebate.

🔋 Is an Off-Grid System Eligible?

Yes — off-grid battery systems are eligible, as long as they meet the standard program criteria. These are the current requirements directly from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

✅ Eligibility Criteria for Off-Grid Battery Systems

• Battery Size
  Battery must have a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh.
• Approved Products
  All batteries and inverters must be on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list.
• Accredited Installation
  Must be installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer.
• Connected to Solar
  The battery must be installed with a new or existing solar PV system.
• VPP Participation
  Off-grid systems do not need to be Virtual Power Plant (VPP) capable.
  (If your system is VPP-capable, you can still qualify, but it’s not mandatory off-grid.)
• Install Date
  Only systems installed on or after 1 July 2025 are eligible.
  A Certificate of Electrical Compliance must be issued to confirm this.
• Permanent Installation
  The battery must be installed permanently, not temporarily or for resale.

💡 Summary

If you’re going off-grid and installing a compliant battery system, you can claim the federal rebate — just make sure your installer uses approved gear, is SAA-accredited, and your battery is sized correctly.

For more information, visit the official DCCEEW eligibility page.