Eligible off-grid homes can receive a battery discount through the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
The program started on 1 July 2025. It uses small-scale technology certificates, or STCs, to reduce the installation cost. Your installer or retailer will usually arrange the certificates and include the discount in your quote. Government rebate information
Off-grid systems are included. The property, equipment and installation must still meet the program rules.
Do Off-Grid Solar Battery Systems Qualify?
Yes. Eligible batteries can be connected to a new or existing solar PV system.
The main requirements are:
- A battery system between 5kWh and 100kWh nominal capacity.
- Battery equipment on the Clean Energy Council’s approved list.
- An appropriately accredited Solar Accreditation Australia installer.
- Compliance with electrical safety and installation requirements.
- Permanent installation with eligible solar PV.
Support applies to the first 50kWh of usable capacity.
Nominal capacity is the battery’s total rated storage. Usable capacity is the energy available to supply the property. The program uses nominal capacity to check size eligibility and usable capacity to calculate support. DCCEEW eligibility information
How Much Is the Off-Grid Battery Rebate in 2026?
The discount depends on three things. Battery capacity, installation date and the value received for the STCs.
It is not a fixed payment. It is also not a guaranteed percentage off every system.
Since 1 May 2026, the certificate calculation has used these tiers:
| Portion of usable battery capacity | Share of the base STC factor |
|---|---|
| First 14kWh | 100% |
| Above 14kWh, up to 28kWh | 60% |
| Above 28kWh, up to 50kWh | 15% |
| Above 50kWh | No additional STCs |
The percentages apply to the certificate calculation. They are not discounts off the battery price.
The base factor is 6.8 for installations from May to December 2026. It is scheduled to reduce to 5.7 for January to June 2027. Clean Energy Regulator guidance
Your quote should show the battery capacity, installation timing and rebate allowance separately.
Get a Current Off-Grid System Cost with Rebates
Use the estimator below for a current off-grid system estimate, including applicable rebates.
Do Off-Grid Batteries Need to Be VPP-Capable?
A virtual power plant, or VPP, coordinates batteries to supply electricity to the grid. You do not have to join one to receive the federal discount.
The published guidance differs on off-grid equipment requirements.
DCCEEW says off-grid batteries do not need to be VPP-capable. The Clean Energy Regulator publishes additional conditions based on distance from the grid.
Under the regulator’s guidance:
- Properties more than 1km from the grid do not need VPP-capable equipment.
- Properties less than 1km away need VPP capability or written evidence of a qualifying grid connection cost above $30,000.
The regulator also specifies that off-grid batteries must serve a lived-in dwelling. Standalone sheds and bore pumps are excluded under that guidance.
Check the requirements for your property before installation.
Can You Add Batteries to an Existing Off-Grid System?
Additional storage may qualify if the existing battery system has not already received support under the program.
The added capacity must be at least 5kWh nominal. The complete upgraded battery system must remain within the 100kWh nominal limit. DCCEEW eligibility information
Eligibility is only one part of the assessment. New batteries must also work with the existing inverter, battery controls and charging equipment.
Have the existing system checked before committing to extra modules or replacement batteries.
Is There a Separate Victorian Battery Rebate?
Solar Victoria is no longer accepting applications for its interest-free battery loans. Those loans should not be included as an available saving in a new quote. Solar Victoria battery loan information
Eligible Victorian off-grid homes can still access the federal battery program. Any other state assistance needs a separate eligibility check.
Size the System for Winter First
The rebate helps with the purchase cost. Your household’s power needs determine the system size.
For an off-grid property in Ballarat or regional Victoria, we assess household consumption, winter solar production and consecutive low-production days. Planned generator use matters too.
The inverter must handle the equipment operating together. The battery must provide the required usable storage.
Try the instant estimate for off grid solar with pricing including rebate. Choose the capacity the property needs. Then calculate the rebate. A smaller battery is not a saving if it leaves you running the generator more often than planned.
