Quick Answer
At Battery IQ, we track all rebates: yes, you can stack state and federal battery rebates in most cases. WA offers the best combined rebates (up to $7,160), SA REPS + federal = up to $5,410, NSW VPP + federal stacks. VIC, QLD, TAS, NT have federal only as state programs have closed.
📢 December 2025 Update
On December 13, 2025, the federal government announced major changes to the Cheaper Home Batteries Program effective May 1, 2026:
- • New tiered structure: Larger batteries receive less rebate per kWh
- • Base rate drops 19%: From 8.4 to 6.8 STCs/kWh in May
- • 6-monthly reductions: Rebates now decrease twice per year
Can You Stack Battery Rebates in Australia?
Yes, in most cases. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program was designed to work alongside state incentives, not replace them. However, the rules vary significantly by state, and some previous state programs have closed.
Quick Summary by State
Best stacking - up to $7,160
VPP + federal - up to $5,410
VPP incentive + federal
3% loans + federal
Federal only (loans closed)
Federal only
Federal only (scheme closed)
Federal only
What Is the Federal Battery Rebate?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched July 1, 2025, providing approximately ~$336/kWh of usable battery capacity (capped at 50kWh). For a typical 10kWh battery, that's around $3,360 in upfront savings.
This federal rebate is available to all Australians regardless of state, with no income test. It's applied automatically as an upfront discount through your installer.
The key question is: what additional state incentives can you add on top?
Can You Stack Battery Rebates in NSW?
Can stack: Yes - VPP incentive + Federal rebate
What's Available
- Federal rebate: ~$3,360 for 10kWh battery
- NSW VPP incentive: $40-55/kWh ($400-550 for 10kWh)
- Combined: ~$3,760-$3,910 for 10kWh
Key Details
NSW suspended their previous battery installation rebate when the federal program launched. However, they significantly increased the VPP incentive, which is explicitly designed to stack with the federal rebate.
- Must connect battery to an approved VPP provider
- Battery must be 2-28kWh usable capacity
- VPP incentive is paid after connecting to VPP (not upfront)
- The old Empowering Homes loan program is closed
Note on Stacking Rules
There was initial regulatory confusion about NSW PDRS rules and federal STCs. Both state and federal ministers confirmed the schemes are intended to work together. The VPP incentive (BESS2) explicitly stacks with federal rebates.
What Battery Rebates Are Available in Victoria?
Stacking: Limited - State programs have closed
What's Available
- Federal rebate: ~$3,360 for 10kWh battery
- State battery rebate: Closed (late 2024)
- $8,800 interest-free loan: Closed (May 2025)
Key Details
Victoria's Solar Homes Program battery rebate and loan programs have both closed. The $8,800 interest-free loan program stopped accepting applications on May 27, 2025.
- Approved loan recipients must complete installation by December 31, 2025
- The $1,400 solar panel rebate is still available (may help if adding solar + battery)
- VPP programs in Victoria offer additional income but aren't state rebates
For Victorian households, the federal rebate is now the primary incentive. A 10kWh battery that might have cost $11,000 now costs approximately $7,640 after the federal rebate.
What Battery Rebates Are Available in Queensland?
Stacking: No - Battery Booster closed May 2024
What's Available
- Federal rebate: ~$3,360 for 10kWh battery
- Battery Booster: Closed May 8, 2024
Key Details
Queensland's Battery Booster program (up to $4,000) closed over a year before the federal rebate launched. Households with pre-approved Battery Booster applications can still claim if meeting original conditions.
Queensland's excellent solar conditions (5.0+ sun hours daily) mean batteries charge quickly, improving ROI even without state rebates.
Can You Stack Battery Rebates in Western Australia?
Can stack: Yes - WA scheme + Federal rebate = up to $7,500
What's Available
- Federal rebate: ~$3,360 for 10kWh battery
- WA Synergy customers: $130/kWh (up to $1,300)
- WA Horizon Power customers: $380/kWh (up to $3,800)
- Combined (Synergy): ~$4,660 for 10kWh
- Combined (Horizon): ~$7,160 for 10kWh
Key Details
The WA Residential Battery Scheme launched July 1, 2025 - the same day as the federal program - and was explicitly designed to stack. WA offers the most generous combined rebates in Australia.
- VPP participation is mandatory for WA state rebate
- Must join Battery Rewards (Synergy) or Community Wave (Horizon Power)
- Zero-interest loans up to $10,000 also available (income tested)
- Minimum 2-year VPP commitment required
Example: 10kWh Battery in Perth (Synergy)
Retail price: ~$11,000
Federal rebate: -$3,360
WA state rebate: -$1,300
Your cost: ~$6,340
That's 42% off before any VPP earnings
Can You Stack Battery Rebates in South Australia?
Can stack: Yes - REPS VPP + Federal rebate
What's Available
- Federal rebate: ~$3,360 for 10kWh battery
- REPS VPP incentive: Up to $2,050
- City of Adelaide rebate: Up to $2,000 (if applicable)
- Combined potential: ~$5,410-$7,410
Key Details
South Australia's Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) provides up to $2,050 for connecting a battery to an approved VPP. This is distinct from the federal rebate and can be stacked.
- Payment is for connecting to REPS-approved VPP (not just installing battery)
- Priority groups (pensioners, healthcare card holders) get higher rates
- Can claim multiple times at same address on VPP contract renewal
- SA's $100M Home Battery Scheme (up to $6,000) is now closed
SA has Australia's most developed VPP market, offering excellent ongoing returns beyond the initial rebates.
What Battery Rebates Are Available in Tasmania?
Stacking: No - Energy Saver Loan closed September 2025
What's Available
- Federal rebate: ~$3,360 for 10kWh battery
- Energy Saver Loan: Closed September 1, 2025
Key Details
Tasmania's Energy Saver Loan Scheme (interest-free loans up to $10,000) closed on September 1, 2025, after exhausting its $62 million funding pool. The scheme was extremely popular, supporting 7,500 upgrades before closure.
Approved loan recipients must complete installations by November 30, 2025. For new applicants, only the federal rebate is available.
Tasmania's nearly 100% renewable grid (hydro) makes batteries particularly valuable for backup power during outages.
What Battery Rebates Are Available in the ACT?
Can combine: Yes - 3% loans reduce borrowing after federal rebate
What's Available
- Federal rebate: ~$3,360 for 10kWh battery
- Sustainable Household Scheme: 3% interest loans $2,000-$15,000
- Home Energy Support (concession holders): Zero-interest loans + up to $5,000 rebate
Key Details
The ACT Sustainable Household Scheme changed from zero-interest to 3% fixed interest on July 1, 2025. While no longer interest-free, the loans can still reduce upfront costs after the federal rebate is applied.
- Federal rebate reduces purchase price, then ACT loan finances remainder
- Concession card holders can access zero-interest loans via Home Energy Support Program
- Must attend a free energy efficiency workshop before loan approval
- ACT has 100% renewable electricity supply
Example: 10kWh Battery in Canberra
Retail price: ~$11,000
Federal rebate: -$3,360
Net cost: $7,280
Finance via ACT loan: $7,280 @ 3% over 10 years
Monthly payment: ~$70
What Battery Rebates Are Available in the NT?
Stacking: No - NT scheme closed June 2025
What's Available
- Federal rebate: ~$3,360 for 10kWh battery
- NT Battery Scheme: Closed June 2025 (funding cap reached)
Key Details
The NT Home & Business Battery Scheme reached its $6 million funding cap and closed in June 2025. Only the federal rebate is now available.
The NT has Australia's highest solar radiation (6.2+ sun hours daily), making batteries extremely effective. High air conditioning loads (often 40%+ of usage) mean significant savings potential despite only federal support.
What Are the Maximum Combined Savings by State?
Here's what a typical 10kWh battery installation could save with all available rebates:
| State | Federal | State | Combined | % Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WA (Horizon) | $3,360 | $3,800 | $7,160 | 65% |
| SA (with City of Adelaide) | $3,360 | $4,050 | $7,410 | 67% |
| WA (Synergy) | $3,360 | $1,300 | $4,660 | 42% |
| SA (REPS only) | $3,360 | $2,050 | $5,410 | 49% |
| NSW | $3,360 | $400-550 | $3,760-$3,910 | 34-36% |
| VIC, QLD, TAS, NT | $3,360 | $0 | $3,360 | 31% |
| ACT | $3,360 | 3% loan | $3,360 + financing | 31%+ |
*Based on 10kWh usable capacity battery, ~$11,000 retail price. Actual savings vary by battery model and current STC prices.
What Are the Timing and Sequencing Requirements?
Different programs have different application processes. Here's how to sequence your claims:
Federal Rebate (Automatic)
Applied automatically by your installer at point of sale. No separate application required. Your installer claims STCs on your behalf and deducts the value from your quote.
State Programs (Varies)
- NSW VPP incentive: Claim after connecting battery to approved VPP
- WA scheme: Applied through approved battery retailers at installation
- SA REPS: Apply through authorized REPS activity provider after VPP connection
- ACT loans: Apply before installation; requires workshop attendance
2026 STC Rates Now Apply
As of January 1, 2026, the STC factor dropped from 9.3 to 8.4 STCs/kWh. For a 10kWh battery, that's ~$360 less than 2025 rates. The rate will drop further to 6.8 STCs/kWh from May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to join a VPP to get both rebates?
For the federal rebate: No. Your battery must be VPP-capable, but you don't have to join a VPP. However, for state rebates in WA, SA, and NSW, VPP enrollment is typically required to access the state incentive.
Can I claim multiple state rebates?
Generally no - you can only claim rebates from the state where the battery is installed. However, in SA, City of Adelaide residents may be able to claim both REPS and the local council rebate.
What if I ordered a battery but it's not installed yet?
The rebate rate is determined by the commissioning date (when the electrical certificate is signed), not the order date. If your battery is commissioned in 2026, you'll get the 2026 rate regardless of when you ordered.
Is there a maximum combined rebate?
The federal rebate caps at 50kWh usable capacity (~$18,600 maximum). State rebates have their own caps (e.g., WA caps at 10kWh). There's no overall combined limit beyond individual program caps.
Will more states introduce rebates?
Possibly. States like Victoria and Queensland may introduce new programs, especially closer to elections. However, we can only report on currently available programs. Check your state government website for the latest.
Content reviewed by Battery IQ Energy Analysts | Sources: Clean Energy Regulator, State Government Programs, DCCEEW | Last updated: 10 January 2026
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