Thinking about getting a home battery? You’re not alone. And with potential federal rebates on the horizon, interest is only going to grow.
Labor has committed to a $1 billion package to support battery installations, set to begin on 1 July 2025, if they win the upcoming federal election. Early guidance suggests households who install a battery between 6 April and 1 July may still be eligible for the rebate - provided the system isn’t switched on until after the scheme officially launches.
This gives households the option to install early - but whether it makes sense for you will depend on your circumstances. We’ve broken down what’s known so far, and how to decide whether to wait or take action now.
What’s being proposed
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is designed to reduce the up-front cost of installing a home battery. It would operate through the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) which also supports the national solar rebate.
The scheme would be open to households, small businesses, and community organisations - offering a subsidy on eligible battery systems, and potentially stacking with existing state-level rebates.
Key details (so far)
- Start date: 1 July 2025 - if Labor wins the election
- Eligibility window: Systems installed between 6 April and 1 July 2025 may be eligible for the rebate, as long as they are not switched on until after the scheme begins
- Rebate amount: Around $372 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of usable battery capacity (before admin fees), reducing annually until 2030
- System size: Must be between 5-50 kWh to be eligible. Systems up to 100 kWh can be installed, but the rebate caps at 50
- Other requirements:
- Battery must be capable of connecting to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), though participation is not required
- Systems must be installed by Clean Energy Council-accredited installers
- One rebate per property, but multiple properties can qualify if solar is installed at each
- The rebate is not means-tested
- Battery must be capable of connecting to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), though participation is not required
Please note: Details are still being finalised and may change.
Reasons to wait
Waiting may make sense if:
- You want certainty - final rebate conditions and eligibility are still being confirmed
- You plan to install and automate your battery as soon as possible
- You’re aiming to combine the federal scheme with an existing state scheme
- You’re waiting to see the result of the federal election. Since the scheme is dependent on Labor winning, some households may prefer to hold off until the result is known.
Reasons to install now
Installing earlier could still be the right move for some households. You may want to go ahead sooner if:
- You’ve already selected your battery and installer and want to avoid delays in July
- You’re happy to install now, and wait to switch on in July
- You want to avoid the expected post-election spike in demand and limited installer availability
What to ask your installer
If you’re getting quotes now, whether you plan to move ahead or wait until after the election, it’s worth asking a few key questions to make sure you’re rebate-ready:
- Will this system meet the expected federal rebate criteria?
- Can installation be scheduled but activation delayed until 1 July?
- Are you accredited under the Clean Energy Council?
- Can this system connect to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)?
As the rebate details are still being finalised, a reputable installer should be able to help guide you through the latest updates and any terms that may apply closer to July.
What is Amber for Batteries?
Amber for Batteries is our real-time pricing and automation service for eligible battery owners. It’s designed to help you get more out of your battery by automatically charging and discharging at the best times each day.
When wholesale prices are high, your battery can export energy to the grid, earning you more. When prices are low, it charges up. And when prices spike, it can protect your home from paying peak rates.
All of this happens automatically, using your system’s connection to Amber’s SmartShift technology.
Amber qualifies as a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) under the proposed federal rebate scheme. That means if you’re using Amber for Batteries, your system will meet the VPP eligibility requirement without needing to join a traditional third-party VPP.
A VPP is a network of connected batteries that can be coordinated to help support the electricity grid, often by exporting energy when demand is high. While some VPPs take control of your battery, Amber works differently.
Amber’s SmartShift technology keeps you in the driver’s seat, automating your battery to charge and discharge at the best times based on real-time prices - helping you earn more, avoid high prices, and still meet the VPP eligibility requirement, without handing over full control.
If you’re thinking about installing a battery or already getting quotes, you can check if your battery is compatible with SmartShift here.
How we can help
Whether you choose to wait or move ahead now, Amber can support you either way.
Our model helps households unlock the full value of their battery - through real-time pricing, smart automation, and ongoing visibility into when your energy is cheapest and cleanest.
If you’re not sure which path is right for you, there are a few ways we can help:
- Call our energy specialists. We’re happy to talk through your setup and what the rebate might mean for you
- Check out our rebate guide. We’ll keep it updated as new details are confirmed
- Already getting quotes? Pop your details into our Get a Quote tool to check if your system is compatible with Amber and SmartShift
We’re keeping a close eye on the rollout of the rebate and will continue to update our guidance as more details become available.
No matter your timeline, we’re committed to helping you make a smart decision and supporting your household’s shift to smarter, lower-cost energy that works for you.
