Australia’s Massive Battery Rebate Surge: Stop Giving Away Your Solar Power
Joe White
Contributing Renewables Editor
4 min read · 4th January 2026
“Why am I selling my solar power for 7 cents, then buying it back for 29 cents??”
That’s the question millions of Australian solar owners are asking themselves in 2026.
And they’re right to be frustrated.
With more than 4.3 million solar systems installed nationwide, countless families are watching their smart meters spin backwards during the day, giving away their clean, free energy for next to nothing. Then, when they actually need that power….
During dinner time, for homework, or during a storm or worse…they’re sitting in the dark.
But that’s all changed.
The Biggest Battery Support Package in Australian History
Last year the federal government unveiled a massive battery support program that will slash battery costs by 30% nationwide.
And it gets better.
With around 150,000 plus batteries installed in 2025, the government had to add another 5 billion to the pot.
Making it one to most popular rebate schemes every offered.
And with installation predictions for 2026 also looking to break records, it doesn’t look like the demand will be slowing down anytime soon.

But Are Batteries Really Worth It?
Let’s cut straight to the numbers.
A typical household with a 13.5kWh battery can save between $730 and $1,680 per year on their electricity bills.
But it’s not just about the money.
Just ask Sarah Thompson from Perth’s northern suburbs:
“During the last blackout, we were the only house in the street with lights on. The kids could do their homework, the food stayed fresh in our fridge, and we even had neighbours coming over to charge their phones.”
The Silent Solar Revolution Is Already Happening
The numbers don’t lie.
In installation numbers across Australia were around 1000 a day on average.
Why? Because smart homeowners are realising three crucial things:
- Electricity prices keep rising
- Feed-in tariffs keep falling
- Extreme weather events are becoming more common
Is My Home Suitable for a Battery?
If you already have solar panels installed after 2018, or you’ve not fitted solar at all…
You’re the perfect candidate.
Especially if:
- Your quarterly electricity bill is over $250
- You’re fed up with tiny feed-in tariffs
- You want protection during blackouts
- You’re concerned about rising energy costs
But Here’s The Catch…
While the federal rebate is available nationwide, some state-based incentives are tighter.
In Western Australia, for example, eligible households can access up to around $5,000–$7,500 in combined battery support, but spots are limited and won’t last forever.
Just like past solar rebates, these offers usually wind back as more people jump on them.
You could wait, but if a battery already stacks up for you, it makes sense to lock in the incentives and start saving sooner.
And with the 5 billion boost in funding, they’ve decided to cut the rebate amount every 6 months.
Which means, again, the faster you move the more you can save.
What Savvy Homeowners Are Doing Right Now
Instead of watching their solar power flow to the grid for cents on the dollar, forward-thinking Australians are:
- Checking their rebate eligibility
- Getting professional battery quotes
- Securing their spot before incentives are reduced
We caught up with energy expert Steve Hill, who’s helped thousands of Aussie households make the switch to battery storage.
Here’s what he told us:

“Look, I get it. Adding a battery seems like a big decision. But with these rebates, the numbers just make sense. Every sunny day, your solar panels are working hard, generating free power. But without a battery? That power is just flowing straight to the power companies.”
“It’s like filling up your car with fuel, then giving most of it away and buying it back at double the price. Why would anyone do that?”
Protect Your Family Against the Unexpected
Here’s something most solar owners don’t realise until it’s too late:
Solar panels alone won’t keep your lights on during a blackout.
That’s right. When the grid goes down, your solar system has to shut off too – it’s a safety requirement.
When the Lights Go Out, Who’s Prepared
Our ageing power grid is under more pressure than ever before. Just look at Australia’s track record with blackouts:
- In Victoria, over 500,000 homes lost power during a severe heatwave
- Queensland has seen nearly 250,000 homes blacked out from severe storms
- In NSW, 200,000 families faced a week without power
- Cyclone Debbie left 100,000 properties in the dark in Queensland
- Cyclone Alfred cut power to Brisbane and surrounding areas for five long days
And it’s not just extreme weather. As our climate continues to change, these events are becoming more frequent, not less.
What Does This Mean for Your Family
With extreme weather becoming more frequent, neighbourhood blackouts aren’t a matter of if, but when.
But homes with battery storage tell a different story. While the street goes dark, your refrigerator keeps humming. Your kids continue their homework in well-lit rooms, staying cool with the air conditioning.
Your Wi-Fi stays connected for important updates, and any essential medical equipment keeps running without missing a beat.
This isn’t just about savings.
It’s about being prepared when your family needs it most.
Want to Know Something Interesting
It takes just 30 seconds to find out exactly how much you could save with these new battery rebates.
No complicated forms. No pushy salespeople. Just straight answers about:
- Which rebates do you qualify for (there might be more than you think)
- Your potential savings (it’s usually more than people expect)
- The best battery options for your situation
Ready to Stop Giving Away Your Solar Power
Click below to check your eligibility. It’s free, there’s no obligation, and it takes less time than making a cup of coffee.
(Best to do it before the 6‑month reduction kicks in, so you don’t miss out on the maximum savings.)
Article By
Joe White
Joe has over five years of experience in the renewable energy sector. Based in Australia, he is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions to benefit both the environment and local communities.
In his spare time, Joe loves to surf and take his dog, Mitchy, on road trips to explore the road less traveled.
