Federal and WA Solar Battery Rebates: Everything You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s been an exciting time for those considering solar and battery systems with the introduction of battery rebates across Australia, and more specifically, Western Australia. In 2025 and 2026, you can save thousands on the cost of a solar battery.
There has never been a better time to invest in solar batteries; however, with different rebates available across various states, changes to eligibility criteria, and fluctuating rebate values over time, it can be challenging to determine which rebates you may be eligible for.
We’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about solar and battery rebates in WA to help you navigate the opportunities available.
Understanding the Rebates - The Basics
What is the Federal Solar Rebate?
The federal solar rebate offers discounts on solar panels and batteries through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
The SRES is a government scheme designed to encourage homeowners to invest in small-scale renewable energy, such as rooftop solar, solar batteries, and solar water heaters, through the provision of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
What is the Federal Battery Rebate? (Cheaper Home Batteries Program)
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers eligible households and small businesses a 30% discount on the upfront cost of installing a solar battery.
The nationwide program is administered through the existing SRES program, which has now been expanded to include solar batteries.
How do Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) work?
Rebates for solar panels and batteries are provided through a system of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Rather than receiving a direct cash rebate from the government, you are awarded a certain number of STCs.
Your solar installer will administer these STCs on your behalf, discounting the cost of your solar system based on the value of the STCs.
When you are quoted for a solar, battery or solar + battery system, it’s most likely that your STCs (and Federal rebates) have already been deducted from the price.
Western Australia Specific Rebates or Rebates in Western Australia?
What is the WA Residential Battery Scheme?
The WA Residential Battery Scheme allows WA households to access a rebate of up to $1300 and/or a no-interest loan of up to $10,000 to buy and install an eligible solar battery in their home.
What's the Switch Your Thinking program?
The Switch Your Thinking (SYT) program is a local government program filled with tips and incentives to encourage residents and small businesses to make small changes to the way they live and work to increase sustainability.
What is the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)?
The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) offers eligible customers in Western Australia a payment for the electricity that they export back to the grid. It covers energy from rooftop solar PV systems, batteries, and electric vehicles.
Am I Eligible? - Eligibility Requirements
Am I eligible for the Federal Battery Rebate?
To be eligible for the Cheaper Home Batteries Federal Battery Rebate program, the combined capacity of your battery system must be at least 5 kWh but not exceed 100 kWh, installed after July 1, 2025, be VPP-ready and be one of the approved systems listed on the Clean Energy Council website.
Am I eligible for the WA Residential Battery Scheme?
Households must hold either a Synergy or Horizon Power electricity account to be eligible for the WA Residential Battery Scheme. Households with an off-grid electricity system can access the Federal Battery Scheme only. The rebate is available for eligible batteries from 5 kWh to 10 kWh that are on the approved system list and meet ‘whole of site compliance’ requirements.
Do I need solar panels to get the National Battery Rebate?
The National Battery Rebate applies to the installation of a solar battery. For a battery to qualify for the rebate, it must be connected to a new or existing rooftop solar system.
This means you need solar panels to generate the electricity that the battery will store. This rebate applies to households that already have solar panels or who are looking to install them alongside the battery.
Do I need solar panels to be eligible for the WA Residential Battery Scheme?
No, you don't need existing solar panels for the WA battery rebate. However, the interest-free loans can cover both solar panels and batteries installed together, making it possible to get both systems simultaneously.
Am I eligible for the WA Residential Battery Scheme if I already have solar panels?
Yes, you can still receive the WA battery rebate if you already have solar panels. The rebate applies to new battery installations, regardless of whether an existing solar system is present, as long as the battery meets the eligibility requirements and ‘whole of site compliance’. This may mean upgrades to your existing solar inverter.Can I get a Federal rebate if I already have a battery?
The national rebate applies only to batteries installed after 1st July 2025. If you already have a battery system, you may still qualify for the rebate if you're adding additional battery capacity to your existing system, as long as you haven't previously claimed the federal rebate for that property.
Each property can only claim the rebate once, so this would be your opportunity to maximise the benefit.
Am I still eligible for the WA Residential Battery Scheme if I already have a battery?
You are eligible for the scheme if you are looking to upgrade an existing battery, as long as you meet the criteria. The scheme states explicitly that "batteries installed before the commencement of the WA Battery Scheme will not be eligible for rebate or loan funding". It only covers "new or replacement batteries."Can landlords claim the federal rebates on multiple properties?
Yes. The federal solar battery rebate applies to properties, not individuals. If a landlord owns multiple properties, they can claim the solar battery rebate on each property where they add a battery, provided it meets the rebate requirements.
Who is eligible to apply for the National Battery Rebate?
You are eligible if you are installing a battery that has a nominal capacity of 5 kWh to 100 kWh, after 1 July 2025. Your battery must be installed by a company accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA).
The battery and inverter that you choose must be on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved list.
The scheme is not means tested, which means it’s open to homeowners (owner-occupied and landlords), small businesses and community facilities. You must be over 18 and a permanent resident of Australia.
Who can apply for the WA Battery Rebate?
The same criteria apply to the WA Battery Rebate, and there are some additional qualifications. To access the WA Battery Rebate, you need to agree to participate in a VPP. Your accredited battery vendor can submit the application on your behalf.
To apply for the no-interest loan part of the WA Battery Rebate, your household needs to have combined gross annual income of less than $210,000.
Are there income restrictions for the WA Residential Battery Scheme?
The WA Battery Rebate does not have any income restrictions, and is not means-tested. The interest-free loan does have an income restriction and is means-tested.Who is eligible for the WAinterest-free loan?
To be eligible for the interest-free loan, your household must have a combined income of less than $210,000, and you must be installing an eligible battery system.Equipment & Installation Requirements
Which batteries are eligible for the federal rebate?
To be eligible, the solar battery system needs to have a usable capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh (rebate capped at 50 kWh), be capable of connection to a VPP and be listed on the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) approved list.
Which batteries are eligible for the WA Residential Battery Scheme?
Batteries must have a minimum 5 kWh capacity, be connected to an eligible VPP, and appear on upcoming Horizon Power or Synergy-approved equipment lists.
Who can install my battery system?
Your battery must be installed by an accredited installer who has been certified by Solar Accreditation Australia.
If you are accessing the WA Battery Rebate, you’ll also need to use an approved installer listed here.
Can any installer conduct WA Residential Battery Scheme installations?
No. To receive the WA Residential Battery Scheme, you must select an accredited installer.What's the difference between AC-coupled and DC-coupled retrofits for rebate eligibility?
AC-coupled systems are usually more flexible when it comes to retrofitting a battery because they work with your existing inverter. DC-coupled retrofits can be more complex as they may involve replacing your existing solar inverter with a hybrid inverter. This may drive up costs.
Both systems may be eligible for rebates, however there are additional safety and regulatory requirements when adding a hybrid or AC-coupled inverter to an existing solar PV system.
Adding Batteries to Existing Systems
Yes, you can add a battery to your existing solar system and still be eligible for the WA Residential Battery Scheme rebate. Your battery must be on theWA Residential Battery Scheme list and the system must comply with whole of site compliance requirements, plus the rebate applies only to the new battery, not your existing solar system.
Are retrofits (adding batteries to existing solar) eligible?
Adding a battery to an existing solar system is eligible for both the WA and the Federal rebate, as long as the battery you choose meets the eligibility criteria for each rebate.
What's the solution if my battery retrofit isn't eligible under the WA Residential Battery Scheme?
If your retrofit is not eligible for the WA Battery rebate, , you may still qualify for the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Plico also offers a unique weekly instalment model, with no big upfront costs when you choose to install a solar + battery system or battery only with us.
Can I join DEBS with an existing solar system?
You can join DEBS with an existing solar system. You need to contact your energy retailer. Depending on who you are with, some small metering costs may apply.Combining Rebates & Multiple Claims
Can I combine the state rebate and the Federal Battery rebate?
Yes. WA households can combine the proposed federal 30% battery rebate with the WA Battery Rebate, as well as existing state incentives like the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS).What's the maximum combined rebate I can get?
The maximum combined rebate you are eligible for depends on whether you are a Synergy or Horizon Power customer. If Synergy is your provider, you can claim around $5,000 combined. If you are an Horizon Power, customer you can claim around $7,500 combined.Can I pair the WA interest-free loan with the WA Residential Battery Scheme?
Yes, the interest-free loan is designed to be paired with the WA Residential Battery Scheme.Can I get the rebate multiple times?
No, both the state and the federal rebate can only be claimed once per property.Timelines, Deadlines & Limitations
When did the National Battery Rebate start, and when will it end?
The National Battery Rebate in Australia, officially known as the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, began on July 1, 2025. It’s due to run until December 31, 2030, although the value of the rebate will gradually decrease each year. There’s also a chance that funding for the program might be exhausted before the end date.When did the WA Residential Battery Scheme start?
The WA Battery Rebate scheme began on 1 July 2025. The rebate amount will decrease annually from 2026 to 2030, according to the Western Australian Government.What if I installed my battery before July 1, 2025?
Batteries installed before 1 July 2025 are NOT eligible for the National Battery Rebate or WA rebate or loan.Is there a limit on the number of households that can apply ?
The Cheaper Homes Batteries Program has committed $2.3 billion in funding. If that runs out before the end of 2030, the program will likely cease, and the number of households will be limited accordingly.How many rebates are available?
With the introduction of the federal battery rebate program, the number of rebates available under the WA Battery Scheme has been increased by 80%, from 20,000 to 100,000.How to Apply
How do I apply for the WA Residential Battery Scheme?
Once you have read the eligibility criteria, seek quotes from an approved battery retailer for an approved battery product. Once you’ve selected a retailer and a product, the battery vendor will apply on your behalf. You will be required to confirm some details post-installation.How do I apply for the National Battery rebate?
Consumers do not need to apply for the discount.
The discount is usually provided through accredited installers/retailers. The discount will be offered as an upfront reduction on the cost of the battery, unless you decide to register for STCs yourself via the CER.
How long does the application process take for the National Battery Rebate and the WA Residential Battery Scheme?
The national rebate should be applied automatically by the vendor at the quote stage. The WA Battery Rebate is a more lengthy process and can take up to 10 weeks.What happens if my installer isn't approved for the WA Residential Battery Scheme?
If your installer is not approved for the WA Residential Battery Scheme, you will not be able to access the associated rebates or no-interest loans. Your chosen installer must be listed on the WA Residential Battery Scheme Vendor Directory.Virtual Power Plants in Western Australia (VPP)
Does my battery need to be connected to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)?
On-grid battery systems (including the inverter) need to have the technical capability to participate in a VPP to be eligible for the National Battery Rebate.
A battery is VPP capable if the inverter can connect to the electricity grid and external entities (directly or indirectly). It also needs to communicate and respond through remote signals.
All Plico’s batteries are VPP-capable and VPP-connected.
To be eligible for the WA Battery Rebate, batteries need to be connected to the grid and an approved VPP like Plico’s.
How do I choose a VPP?
If you are a Horizon customer, you will join Horizon’s VPP to access the WA battery Rebate. If you are a Synergy customer, you can choose between Plico’s independent VPP or Synergy’s VPP. Your installer will make your selection through the rebate/loan application process. research which VPP offers you the best feed-in tariffs, contract terms, and control.What VPP options are available in WA?
Synergy customers have the option of joining Plico VPP Rewards or Synergy Battery Rewards.Horizon Power customers can join the Horizon Power Community Wave.Is the Plico Virtual Power Plant approved for the WA Battery Rebate?
Yes, Plico’s VPP is approved for the WA Battery Rebate. You can join Plico’s VPP if you have a compatible battery, even if it was not purchased directly from Plico.Pricing & Financial Details
How are the rebates calculated in WA?
The Federal rebate is calculated by multiplying the usable kWh capacity of the battery by a value based on the number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) the battery generates. This is currently $372/kWh minus the program administration fees.
For Synergy customers, the WA Residential Battery Scheme is calculated at $130 per kWh of usable battery storage, capped at a maximum of $1,300. For Horizon Power customers, the rebate is higher, estimated at $380 per kWh with a maximum of $3,800.
Why am I not receiving the full rebate amount announced?
Several factors impact the value of battery rebates you will receive.
Your rebates are calculated based on your battery's usable capacity, the current STC market value, and your eligibility for both federal and any applicable state or territory-based schemes.
How much are STCs worth?
The value of your STC is not fixed; it can vary depending on market supply and demand. Typically, STCs trade around $40 per STC, although this can fluctuate.
Most people installing a solar system will not deal directly with the STC market; their installer or retailer will ‘buy’ their STCs off them and act on their behalf.
How are STCs calculated for my solar panels?
The number of STCs per kW depends on your location. Australia is divided into four STC zones, with each zone offering more STCs for your investment. Your system’s deeming period (the time between your installation and when STCs are phased out in 2030) also affects the number of STCs you receive per kW.
The formula is:
Number of STCs = System Size (kW) x Postcode Zone Rating x Deeming Period (years).
Interest-Free Loan (WA)
How does the WA interest-free loan work?
The loan must be between $2,001 and $10,000 and will be provided over a minimum loan period of three years and a maximum period of ten years. The loan is fixed, with no interest, for the entire term. Plenti will manage all applications and payments.
The loan amount can not be higher than the total purchase price, plus the installation fee. The same eligibility criteria applies to the interest-free loan as the WA rebate.
What can the interest-free loan in WA cover?
The loan can cover new, additional and replacement eligible goods, with a usable battery capacity of at least 5 kWh. Eligible goods include new or upgraded equipment, such as inverters and solar panels, as long as they are installed with a battery.Is the interest-free loan in WA tied to the rebate?
Yes, for the WA Residential Battery Scheme, the no-interest loan is directly tied to the rebate and the overall scheme. The eligibility criteria are similar (although the rebate is not means-tested). The loan is intended to cover the gap between the rebate and the remaining cost of the battery system.Commercial Solar & LGCs