As of now, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program does not explicitly state whether off-grid systems are eligible for the rebate. The program is designed to reduce the cost of installing home battery systems by 30%, starting from 1 July 2025, contingent upon Labor’s re-election in the upcoming federal election on 3 May 2025.​

🔋 Eligibility Criteria

To access the rebate, the following must apply:

• Battery Size: System must have usable capacity between 5 kWh and 50 kWh. Larger systems can be installed (up to 100 kWh), but the rebate applies only to the first 50 kWh.​
• VPP-Ready: Battery must be capable of participating in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Participation is optional.​
• With Solar: Battery must be installed with new or existing rooftop solar panels.​
• Installation Date: System must be commissioned on or after 1 July 2025. Systems installed earlier may qualify if not activated before that date.​
• Eligible Properties: Available for homes, small businesses, and community facilities.​
• One Rebate Per Property: One battery rebate per property. Multiple properties? You can apply separately for each.​
• Approved Installers: Must be installed by accredited installers using approved battery systems.​

📄 Official source:
Labor Policy Announcement – April 2025

❗ STCs and Battery Rebates – Clarification

The program does not currently include any formula for calculating Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on battery size.​

Under current rules, the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) does not provide STCs for battery storage systems. The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) clearly states that batteries and battery components are not eligible for STCs.​

Labor’s plan mentions using the SRES framework to deliver the rebate, which may involve extending the scheme to include batteries. If this happens, a new mechanism would be introduced, but no official details or formulas have been published yet.​

Until formal guidelines are released, any STC estimates linked to battery capacity remain speculative.​

🏡 Off-Grid Systems Eligibility

Currently, the program does not explicitly address the eligibility of off-grid systems. Given the emphasis on systems being VPP-ready and integrated with the existing energy grid, it is possible that off-grid systems may not qualify. However, without specific guidelines, this remains uncertain.​

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to consult the official program documentation or contact the relevant authorities once the program details are finalized.