If you’ve been watching Australia’s clean energy movement, you’ve probably noticed a major shift in 2025: the rise of solar battery.
While solar panels have been a common sight for years, the conversation is now shifting toward energy storage, and for good reason. In July alone, more than 19,000 solar batteries were installed under the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), according to data from the Clean Energy Regulator (CER).
This sudden jump is not random. It’s the result of targeted policy support and growing public trust. The numbers show that when government subsidies are structured well and clearly communicated, the market responds with enthusiasm.
The Policy That Changed the Game
On 1 July 2025, a long-standing federal incentive, the SRES, was expanded to include solar batteries.
Previously, SRES mainly supported rooftop solar panel installations by offering Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which could be traded for discounts. Now, with this update, solar batteries installed alongside new or existing rooftop solar systems can also receive similar financial support.
Key details:
- Rebate value: Approx. 30% of battery cost
- Eligibility: Available to homeowners, small businesses, and community organisations
- Structure: Claim STCs upon installation via accredited installers
- Average system size in July: 18.2kWh
- Total capacity added: 344.1 MWh in one month
This move sent a strong signal to the public: battery storage is not only encouraged, it’s supported.
19,592 Solar Batteries in a Month: What That Tells Us
Let’s break that number down: 19,592 battery systems installed and approved for rebates in the first month of the scheme is remarkable. Not just in scale, but in speed.
This tells us a few key things:
- Households and businesses have been waiting for the right time to invest in battery storage
- The 30% rebate effectively removed the largest barrier, upfront cost
- Australians are increasingly aware of the value of energy independence
Perhaps most importantly, this isn’t just “minimum-size” installations. With the average system hitting 18.2kWh, customers are investing confidently, building systems that can meaningfully shift their energy use.
Where Does This Confidence Come From?
Let’s unpack why this surge is happening now, and why it signals a healthy, maturing market.
Transparent & Trusted Policy Design
The SRES is managed by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER), a respected federal body known for enforcing strong compliance and transparency.
From the start, the solar battery rebate scheme was:
- Clearly structured
- Administered by a trusted body
- Communicated with accessible, state-level guidance
- Integrated with the existing STC framework
Result: installers knew how to implement it, customers knew what to expect.
Government Leadership & Accountability
This wasn’t a policy quietly introduced and left to drift. Leaders in government, including Minister Chris Bowen and CER’s Executive General Manager Carl Binning, have spoken clearly and often about the importance of solar batteries in Australia’s clean energy future.
They’ve backed this with:
- Public-facing data releases
- Regular updates on installations
- An inspection program to ensure safety and compliance
This creates trust not just in the subsidy, but in the entire system around solar battery installation.
People Trust the Long-Term Value
Beyond government efforts, consumer awareness has evolved.
More Australians now understand that solar battery systems:
- Reduce energy bills
- Provide backup power during blackouts
- Reduce stress on the grid
- Pay for themselves over time (especially with rebates)
In other words, this isn’t just a “green” investment, it’s a financially smart one, especially when backed by government support.
From Hesitation to Acceleration: A Market Shift
Even just a few years ago, solar battery uptake was slow. The main barrier? Cost.
Homeowners hesitated because:
- Payback periods felt too long
- Upfront investment was daunting
- Incentive programs were fragmented or hard to access
Now, with a clear 30% rebate and streamlined eligibility, we’re seeing a shift from: “Maybe one day” → “Let’s do this now”
This is how good policy drives real-world adoption. We’re witnessing not just a spike — but a trend.
What to Expect Next?
With July’s success as a baseline, here’s what we predict:
More States Will Introduce Local Battery Support: Federal support will likely be complemented by state-level programs, including additional rebates, virtual power plant (VPP) participation bonuses, and community battery projects.
Community & Microgrid Models Will Rise: More neighbourhoods will invest in shared battery storage, especially in regional areas with less stable grid infrastructure.
Battery Prices Will Continue to Fall: As demand scales and competition increases, expect hardware prices to slowly decline, especially for systems in the 10–20kWh range.
More Focus on Compliance & Quality: As CER expands its inspection programs, installers and manufacturers will need to demonstrate safety, accreditation, and long-term reliability.
Am I Eligible for a Battery Rebate?
Yes, in many cases, you are.
General eligibility criteria:
- Live in Australia
- Install your battery alongside a new or existing rooftop solar system
- Work with a CEC-accredited installer
- Use an eligible battery system (check Clean Energy Council listings)
- Claim via the STC process or rebate application portal
Recommended Battery Systems at Solar Rains
Looking to take advantage of the rebate? Here are three proven, high-performance systems we recommend:
Sofar PowerAll All-in-One ESS
- 5kW inverter + expandable batteries (15–30kWh)
- <10ms backup power switchover
- High-efficiency, IP65 weatherproof
- CEC-listed and rebate-eligible
AlphaESS All-in-One 5kW + 5kWh Battery
- Compact unit for smaller households
- Integrated smart monitoring
- Clean, reliable backup for urban areas
FAQs
Not always. The rebate applies to batteries installed with existing solar systems too, depending on eligibility.
There’s no firm end date, but funding is limited. Early adoption is advised while subsidies are still guaranteed.
Yes. In many cases, you can combine federal + state + VPP incentives, and ask your installer for details.
With a 30% rebate, most households reach ROI within 6-9 years, depending on usage and electricity rates.
All rebate-eligible batteries must meet strict Australian safety standards and are subject to CER inspection.
Final Thoughts
- The numbers are in and they’re clear:
Government support works
People trust the process
The solar battery market is booming
When policy is simple, transparent, and meaningful, it builds confidence. And that’s exactly what’s happening in Australia’s energy sector right now.
If you’ve been thinking about adding a solar battery to your home, now is the time. The rebate is here, the systems are reliable, and the savings are real.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Solar Rains today to check your eligibility, find the right system, and join the clean energy transition with confidence.
