In the journey toward a more sustainable home, understanding the financial support available to you can make all the difference. At Amber, we're committed to helping Australians transition to cleaner energy solutions that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
One of the most common questions we hear from customers is: "What government incentives are available to help me invest in a home battery, solar system, or electric vehicle?" With different programs across states and territories, varying eligibility requirements, and frequent policy changes, finding clear answers can feel overwhelming.
That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to government subsidies, incentives, and rebates across Australia. We'll demystify the process of deciding to invest in clean energy technology, with a special focus on home batteries – the technology that's revolutionising how households store and use energy.
For more on the proposed Federal Government home battery subsidy, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, check out our blog post here.
Why Consider a Home Battery?
Home batteries have transformed from a luxury add-on to an increasingly essential component of household energy systems. They allow you to:
- Store excess solar energy that you’ve generated during the day, and use it during evening peak periods
- Reduce your reliance on the grid when prices are highest
- Maintain power during outages (for battery systems with backup capability)
- Participate in virtual power plants (VPPs) that can generate additional income
- Maximise your investment in rooftop solar
For Amber customers, batteries offer even greater benefits. Our wholesale electricity model means you can charge your battery when prices are low and discharge when prices are high – giving you the chance to save significantly more than with a fixed-rate plan.
In South Australia and New South Wales, Amber's team provides personalised support to help you navigate and redeem your state-specific incentives, making the process seamless and straightforward.
Making the Most of Available Incentives
When considering which incentives to pursue, remember that:
- Combining incentives can maximise savings – For example, using the federal SRES for solar panels alongside state-specific battery incentives.
- Timing matters – Some programs have limited funding or are scheduled to reduce over time, so acting sooner rather than later can secure better benefits.
- Eligibility requirements vary – Check the specific criteria for each program to ensure you qualify before making purchase decisions.
- Amber's wholesale electricity model enhances battery benefits – By charging when prices are low and discharging when prices are high, Amber customers can potentially save more than those on fixed-rate plans.
What You'll Find in This Guide
We've broken down the available incentives by state and technology type, with clear information on:
- Current battery rebates and subsidies (our primary focus)
- Eligibility requirements and application processes
- Tips for maximising available incentives
- Available solar incentives that can complement battery installations
- Electric vehicle incentives for those considering a comprehensive clean energy approach
Whether you're just starting to explore clean energy options or ready to make the leap to a battery-powered home, this guide will help you understand what support is available in your area and how to access it.
Let's dive into the state-by-state breakdown of what's available to help you power your home more sustainably.
State-by-State Guide
Let's explore what each state and territory offers to help you invest in cleaner energy technologies, with a primary focus on home batteries – the technology that's revolutionising household energy management.
Federal Incentives
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
This nationwide program creates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on your solar system's size and location, typically reducing the upfront cost by thousands of dollars. The value of STCs gradually reduces each year until the scheme phases out in 2030.
Electric Vehicle Incentives
The federal government has implemented the Electric Car Discount, which could potentially make electric vehicles more affordable for distributors to import and sell. This is due to exemptions from fringe benefit tax for buyers and import tariffs for distributor on eligible electric car models.
New South Wales
Home Battery Incentives
NSW offers substantial support for battery installations through the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS).
What's available: There are three rebates available under PDRS:
- When buying a new battery → Claim up to $4000
New Battery Installation (BESS1)Unlike a traditional rebate, this discount is applied at the point of sale through accredited installers - Connecting your battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) → Claim up to $500
First time connecting a new or Existing Battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) (BESS2)
How it works: The exact amount depends on your battery's usable capacity in kilowatt-hours (kWh) – larger batteries receive larger discounts. For the VPP rebate (BESS2), if you stay connected to the VPP for 3 years, you are eligible to apply again.
Eligibility requirements:
- You must have solar installed on your property before installing a battery
- You cannot have an existing battery installed
- Your home must be connected to the grid
- You must use an installer accredited to provide this incentive
Battery requirements: Batteries with storage between 2 and 28 kWh are eligible, with most households finding systems well below the maximum capacity sufficient for their needs. The national average energy use for a 5-person household is 25 kWh per day.
Amber advantage: If you’re an Amber customer, our team can help you redeem these incentives, making your claim experience seamless.
- New Battery Installation (BESS1): This rebate is facilitated by your solar and battery installer and added to your quote. Some of the eligibility criteria include; having a solar system (existing or new), no life support equipment at the property and a 28kWh cap on battery capacity. If you are interested in buying a battery, Amber can help with this, head to our Buy a Battery page and we will link you with one of our installers.
- Connection of a New or Existing Battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) (BESS2): This rebate is facilitated by the VPP Operator - in this case, Amber! To claim this rebate, you will need to join Amber and connect your battery to Amber’s SmartShift technology (VPP). Once you are connected we will reach out with all the information you need to apply (find out more about eligibility and the process here).
Solar Incentives
NSW residents can access the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) , which provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to reduce the upfront cost of solar installation.
Electric Vehicle Incentives
The NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy offers a $3,000 rebate for eligible EVs under $68,750 and stamp duty exemptions for EVs under $78,000.
Victoria
Home Battery Incentives
Victoria's approach focuses on making batteries more affordable through interest-free financing.
What's available: Interest-free loans of up to $8,800 for eligible battery installations.
How it works: The loan reduces the upfront cost of installing a battery and is repaid monthly over 4 years with no interest charges.
Eligibility requirements:
- You must be the owner-occupier of the property
- Your combined household taxable income must be less than $210,000 per year
- Your property value must be under $3 million
- Your address cannot have previously received a solar battery rebate
- You must have a solar panel system with an inverter capacity of at least 5kW installed or being installed with the battery
- Your property cannot have an existing energy storage system
- Your proposed battery must have a capacity of at least 6kWh and be on the approved product list
- You must have pre-approval to connect a battery to the grid from your Distributed Network Service Provider
Process: Applications are managed through Solar Victoria, with installations required to be completed by authorized retailers.
Solar Incentives
The Solar Homes Program offers rebates up to $1,400 for solar panel installations, which can be combined with the interest-free loans for batteries. The number of rebates is limited - you can see how many rebates are remaining in the latest release here.
Electric Vehicle Incentives
Currently there are no state specific electric vehicle subsidies in Victoria. The Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Subsidy provided up to $3,000 for eligible electric vehicles priced under $68,740 but closed in 2023.
South Australia
There are multiple activities under the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS), launched in 2021 by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) to reduce energy usage, save money on energy bills, and help the environment. These activities focus on connecting smart devices to demand response aggregation (DR Aggregators) to shift energy usage away from peak times.
Home Battery Incentives
The REPS incentive is available to new or existing batteries in South Australia. How much you are entitled to be rebated under the scheme is dependent on your battery size in kWh and if you are a ‘priority group’ or 'non-priority group' customer (as defined on the ESCOSA website here).
Rebates are capped at 28kWh (ie. a 40kWh battery will receive the same rebate as a 28kWh battery). You can find more details about the program and eligibility here.
Amber advantage: By connecting a new or existing battery to an approved virtual power plant (VPP1), Amber can help you claim up to $2,050. If you’re an Amber customer, our team can help you redeem these incentives, making your claim experience seamless.
Solar Incentives
South Australian residents can access the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to reduce the upfront cost of solar installations.
Electric Vehicle Incentives
Electric vehicles and EV charger rebates under REPS: Homes connecting a new or existing EV Charger to an Approved DR Aggregator (EV1) can claim up to $100 through the program (more information here).
Queensland
While Queenslanders can benefit from the national solar subsidy (SRES), the Battery Booster program has now closed, with rebates no longer available for batteries.
Home Battery Incentives
Previous offering: The program provided rebates of up to $4,000 for eligible Queenslanders to purchase and install home battery systems.
Current status: The program has officially ended, with all installations funded under the program being inspected to ensure they meet required safety and compliance standards.
Solar Incentives
Queensland residents can access the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to reduce the upfront cost of solar installations.
Electric Vehicle Incentives
Currently, Queensland does not offer specific state-based incentives for electric vehicles.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Home Battery Incentives
The ACT offers two programs to support battery installations, depending on your circumstances.
Program 1: Sustainable Household Scheme
What's available: Zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 for home energy storage
How it works: Successful applicants have up to 10 years to repay the loan with no upfront costs or fees
Eligibility: Available to ACT residents, with standard credit criteria applying
Program 2: Home Energy Support Program (for concession card holders)
What's available: Rebates of up to $5,000 for eligible homeowners
How it works: 50% of the total cost up to $2,500 for rooftop solar, plus 50% up to $2,500 for other energy-efficient products including batteries
Eligibility: Must be an ACT resident with an eligible concession card, own and live in the home, have attended a free workshop, and meet property value thresholds
Process: Applications can be made directly through the ACT Government or through their partner, Brighte, if combining a rebate with an interest-free loan.
Solar Incentives
The same programs that support batteries also support solar installations in the ACT, with the Home Energy Support Program offering specific rebates for rooftop solar.
Electric Vehicle Incentives
The ACT offers zero stamp duty on new zero-emission vehicles and two years of free registration for new or used zero-emission vehicles.
Take Action Today
The transition to clean energy is happening now, and early adopters stand to gain the most from available incentives and ongoing savings.
Already have solar or a battery?
Sign up to Amber and start seeing the real-time value of your energy generation and storage.
Considering a new installation?
Contact us or visit the batteries page to discuss your options, get connected to an installer in your area or learn how Amber's wholesale model can enhance the return on your investment.
This guide was last updated in April 2025. Government incentives are subject to change, so we recommend checking official government websites for the most current information before making investment decisions.
