In 2024, solar energy is no longer just about putting panels on the roof, it’s about storing that energy and using it when it matters most. As electricity prices continue to climb and blackout risks increase, more Australians are turning to solar batteries to take control of their energy usage.
And the numbers speak for themselves. Since July, over 43,000 solar batteries have been registered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), and a staggering 50,000 more have been installed in just two months via the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
It’s a clear sign that Australians are embracing the next phase of the solar energy transition, and that smart government policy is making it happen.
What Is a Solar Battery & Why Does It Matter?
A solar battery stores excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day so you can use it later, at night, during peak times, or when the grid goes down.
Why does this matter?
- It reduces your electricity bills by minimising how much power you buy from the grid.
- It gives you backup power during blackouts.
- It helps you make the most of your investment in solar panels.
- It supports Australia’s shift toward clean, decentralised energy.
But let’s be real, the upfront cost of a battery can still be a barrier. That’s why government subsidy programs are playing a crucial role in making battery storage more accessible.
SRES: Australia’s Longstanding Solar Support Scheme
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) has been supporting solar panel installations across Australia since 2011. It provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for eligible solar systems, which can be traded for financial discounts at the time of installation.
And here’s the big update:
- As of late 2024, 43,517 solar batteries have been registered under SRES.
- That’s up by 23,925 new systems since July alone.
- These systems account for 825 MWh of nominal battery storage, with an average installation size of 19kWh.
This shows that SRES is no longer just about panels, it’s helping push the adoption of solar battery systems as well.
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program: A Game Changer
While SRES has been around for over a decade, the real spark in 2024 has come from the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a new federal initiative rolled out by the Albanese Government.
Key highlights:
- Offers average 30% discounts on eligible solar batteries.
- Open to homeowners, small businesses, and community organisations.
- In just 2 months, it helped fund the installation of 50,000 solar batteries.
- That’s an additional 900 MWh of storage capacity, roughly 25% of all residential battery capacity installed before the end of 2024.
According to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, this proves that “Australians know that batteries mean cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy.”
Where the Impact Is Strongest
The uptake of solar battery systems under these programs has been strongest in:
- Outer suburban areas
- Regional towns
- Particularly in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Sydney
Local Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, noted:
“People have calculated the long-term savings they can make, and the discount has made a difference with the upfront costs.”
These areas often experience:
- Higher electricity bills
- Grid reliability issues
- Limited access to traditional energy solutions
That’s why the availability of rebates and streamlined installation processes are unlocking battery storage for households who previously couldn’t afford it.
What This Means for Australia’s Energy Future
These programs aren’t just good for individual households, they’re a strategic move toward a more resilient national energy system.
Here’s why battery storage is critical:
- It reduces evening peak demand, when households return home and solar panels stop producing.
- It supports grid stability, especially in areas with high rooftop solar penetration.
- It empowers communities to produce, store, and use their own clean energy, without relying on centralised infrastructure.
If current trends continue, solar + battery will soon replace solar-only as the new standard for residential energy systems in Australia.
Am I Eligible for Battery Subsidies?
You might be surprised, you probably are.
To be eligible for one or both of these programs, you generally need to:
- Be a resident or small business owner in Australia
- Have an electricity meter and grid connection
- Be installing a new solar battery (either with or without new solar panels)
- Use an approved product installed by a certified professional
Exact eligibility criteria may vary depending on your state or territory. You can check with local energy agencies or reach out to us at Solar Rains.
Let Solar Rains Help You Choose the Right System
At Solar Rains, we specialise in helping Australian households find the most cost-effective and future-proof solar battery systems, especially those eligible for subsidies.
Here are some of our most popular, rebate-ready products:
Sofar PowerAll All-in-One ESS
- Inverter + battery combo (5kW + 15–30kWh)
- Ultra-fast switchover (<10ms)
- Expandable, app-controlled system
- Ideal for families and EV owners
AlphaESS All-in-One 5kW + 5kWh Battery
- Compact, reliable all-in-one unit
- Perfect for small homes or rental properties
- Built-in monitoring & surge protection
FAQs: Solar Battery Subsidies in 2024
Yes. Both the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program and the SRES scheme are active, with funding still available in most states.
In many cases, yes. STCs from SRES can be applied by your installer at the point of sale, and the 30% discount from the federal program can be claimed if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Average savings range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on your battery size, installer, and state.
Absolutely. A battery lets you store your solar energy for night-time use, reduce grid reliance, and increase your solar ROI.
Some community battery schemes and state-level programs may allow this, but most rebates are designed for property owners.
Final Thoughts
From policy to practice, solar battery storage is no longer just for early adopters, it’s going mainstream.
With over 93,000 batteries installed in just a few months, it’s clear that when governments remove the financial barriers, Australians are ready to embrace a cleaner, smarter, and more reliable energy future.
Subsidies like SRES and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program are working, not just for homeowners, but for the nation’s transition toward decentralised, renewable energy.
Thinking about going solar + battery?
Solar Rains can help you:
- Choose the right system
- Apply available rebates
- Future-proof your energy setup
Contact us now for a free consultation, and take control of your energy today.
