Battery Storage Calculator Australia
Determine if adding battery storage to your solar system makes financial sense. Includes the new federal Cheaper Home Battery Program rebate and state incentives.
NEW: Federal Cheaper Home Battery Program (Started July 1, 2025)
The Australian Government is providing approximately $372 per kWh towards eligible home battery systems (5-100 kWh nominal capacity). The rebate applies to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity. This federal rebate is available to all Australian households, businesses, and community organisations nationwide and can be combined with state-based incentives.
Maximum rebate: Up to $18,600 (50 kWh usable capacity)
Stackable: Can be combined with state rebates for greater savings
No cap: Unlimited rebates available
Declining value: Rebate decreases annually from 2026-2030
When Does Battery Storage Make Sense?
Battery storage is most beneficial if you have time-of-use electricity tariffs, high evening usage, or want backup power during outages. With the new federal rebate, batteries are now more affordable than ever.
Finding Your Electricity Rates
Check your electricity bill or provider's website for your exact rates. Rates vary significantly between providers. If you have a time-of-use tariff, enable it below and enter your peak/off-peak rates for more accurate savings calculations.
Battery System Details
Enter your current setup and battery requirements
Common sizes: 6.6kW (standard), 10kW (large home), 13.2kW (very large). Use slider for custom sizes.
Common: 10kWh (small), 13.5kWh (Powerwall), 20-30kWh (large). Federal rebate capped at 50kWh usable.
Average Australian home: 15-25 kWh/day. Large homes with pool/AC: 40-100 kWh/day
Percentage of daily usage between 4pm-10pm
Average Australian rates: $0.25-$0.35/kWh. Check your electricity bill for your exact rate.
What you earn for excess solar sent to the grid. Typical range: $0.05-$0.15/kWh. Premium plans may offer up to $0.20/kWh.
Select Your Location
Choose your location to see battery storage analysis
About the Cheaper Home Battery Program
Federal government initiative to make home batteries more affordable (2025-2030)
Program Details
- ✓Rebate Amount: Approximately $372 per kWh usable capacity (2025 rate)
- ✓Maximum Rebate: Up to $18,600 (capped at 50 kWh usable capacity)
- ✓Eligible Batteries: 5-100 kWh nominal capacity
- ✓Who Can Apply: All Australian households, businesses, and community organisations
- ✓Stackable: Can be combined with state rebates and loans
Requirements & Timeline
- •Battery must be new (no second-hand systems)
- •Must be installed with new or existing solar PV system
- •Battery and installer must be CEC approved
- •Discount applied automatically by retailer/installer
- ⚠Important: Rebate decreases annually until 2030
How it works: The rebate is delivered through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Your installer will typically arrange the rebate and apply it as an upfront discount on your battery purchase. The rebate is calculated at 9.3 STCs per usable kWh for installations in 2025.
State incentives: Victoria offers interest-free loans up to $8,800. South Australia provides rebates up to $6,000. These can be combined with the federal rebate for maximum savings. Queensland's Battery Booster program closed May 2024.
Important Considerations
Battery degradation: Battery capacity reduces over time. Most warranties guarantee 70% capacity after 10 years.
Backup power: Backup duration depends on what appliances you run during an outage. Essential loads only (lights, fridge) last longer.
Installation requirements: Some homes may need electrical upgrades to install battery systems safely.
Program changes: The federal battery rebate decreases each year from 2026-2030, making 2025 the best time to install.
Understanding Battery Storage Value
2025 Federal Rebate
The Cheaper Home Battery Program provides ~$372/kWh, up to $18,600 for 50kWh systems. This significantly improves battery economics.
Time-of-Use Savings
Batteries let you use stored solar during expensive peak periods (often 40-55c/kWh) instead of cheap off-peak rates.
Backup Power
Keep essential appliances running during blackouts. A 13.5kWh battery can power lights and fridge for 6+ hours.
Self-Consumption
Increase solar self-consumption from 30% to 60-80%. Use more of your own solar instead of exporting at low feed-in rates.
Energy Security
Reduce dependence on the grid and protect against future electricity price rises. Lock in energy costs with your own storage.
Long Warranties
Most quality batteries come with 10-year warranties guaranteeing 70% capacity. Expected lifespan is 15-20 years.
Battery Rebates by State
Federal - All States
The Cheaper Home Battery Program provides approximately $372 per kWh of usable capacity for batteries between 5-100kWh. Maximum rebate is $18,600 (capped at 50kWh usable).
Available nationwide from July 2025
Victoria
Solar Homes Program offers interest-free loans up to $8,800 for battery storage. This can be combined with the federal rebate for significant savings.
Interest-free loan stackable with federal rebate
South Australia
Home Battery Scheme provides subsidies of $500 per kWh up to $6,000. This stacks with the federal rebate for maximum savings.
Up to $6,000 subsidy stackable with federal rebate
Other States
NSW, QLD, WA, TAS, ACT, and NT residents can access the federal Cheaper Home Battery Program. Check local council programs for additional incentives.
Federal rebate available in all states
Battery Storage FAQ
Is battery storage worth it in Australia?
With the new federal rebate reducing costs by up to $18,600, batteries are more financially viable than ever. They work best for homes with high evening usage, time-of-use tariffs, or those wanting backup power. Our calculator helps you determine if it makes sense for your situation.
What size battery do I need?
Most Australian homes benefit from 10-15kWh batteries. This covers typical evening usage of 8-12kWh. Larger homes with pools, air conditioning, or EVs may need 20-30kWh. Our calculator factors in your usage patterns to recommend the right size.
How long do home batteries last?
Quality lithium batteries like Tesla Powerwall, BYD, and Sungrow typically last 15-20 years. Most manufacturers warrant 70% capacity after 10 years. Our calculations use conservative 2% annual degradation to give realistic long-term projections.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
Yes, batteries can be added to most existing solar systems. Some older inverters may need upgrading, or you can install an AC-coupled battery that works with any inverter. The federal rebate applies to both new installations and retrofits.