The Federal Battery rebate may run out of funding by April 2026
- matthewfaulkner10
- Dec 2
- 2 min read
Australia’s solar revolution is accelerating—and household batteries are leading the charge. Demand for solar battery installations has surged so dramatically that experts warn the federal government’s $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program could be fully tapped within a year.
Why the Rush on Home Battery Rebates?
Since the rebate launched on 1 July 2025, more than 136,000 home batteries have been installed nationwide, according to Energy Minister Chris Bowen. Origin Energy reports installations have jumped from 1,500 per day in October to 1,800 daily, and electrification inquiries have more than doubled. At this pace, the rebate pool could be exhausted by mid-2026—or even sooner. [theqldr.com.au] [reneweconomy.com.au]
“The year of the battery is now,” says Origin’s electrification chief Chris Zondanos. “Affordability between the rebate and price point has completely changed the game.” [reneweconomy.com.au]
What Is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
The program offers around 30% off small-scale batteries connected to rooftop solar systems. This discount is calculated using Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), currently valued at about $338 per kWh in 2025. For example: [solarquotes.com.au]
A 10 kWh battery installed in 2025 = ~$3,350 discount.
A 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall could save ~$5,000.
Benefits of Solar Battery Installation
Australia already leads the world in rooftop solar adoption, with 4.2 million homes hosting panels and 26.8 GW of installed capacity. Adding batteries is the next step—and it’s transforming the grid. More batteries mean: [pv-magazine.com]
Flattened electricity demand during solar peaks.
Stabilized networks as stored energy flows back during high-demand hours (5–9 pm).
Opportunities for households to earn by joining Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), which pay you for exporting energy. [microgridmedia.com]
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
If you’ve been considering a solar battery installation, now is the time to call Twilight Energy. With installations soaring and rebate funds finite, waiting could mean missing out on thousands in savings. As Zondanos warns:
“(The rebate) will probably run out by the middle of next year on this kind of run rate.” [reneweconomy.com.au]
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