Navigating the landscape of renewable energy incentives can seem complex, but for Perth homeowners considering energy storage, the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, active as of October 2026, presents a significant opportunity. This initiative aims to make home battery systems more accessible and affordable across Australia, including right here in Western Australia. By understanding how this federal support works, particularly its interaction with state-level programs, you can make an informed decision about integrating a battery into your solar setup, enhancing your energy independence and potentially reducing your electricity bills.
This article is part of our guide to Solar Battery Rebates in WA: Federal and State Schemes Explained.
Install before 31 December 2026 to lock in this year's rebates.
From 1 January 2027 the federal battery rebate drops by about 16% (STC factor 6.8 → 5.7) and the solar panel rebate by about 20% (deeming period 5 → 4 years). It falls again in July 2027. The WA $1,300 rebate is limited to 100,000 households and is paid until the allocation runs out. Installation slots before Christmas fill fast, so lock in a date now.
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program works through the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), run by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER). Since 1 July 2025, eligible home batteries have been able to create Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), the same certificates that have long lowered the price of rooftop solar. The government's aim is a discount of about 30% across battery sizes, and the program's funding has been expanded to about $7.2 billion.
How Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) Work for Batteries
When you install an eligible battery, your accredited installer works out how many STCs it can create, takes their value off your price as an upfront discount, and handles the paperwork. You don't need to sell the certificates yourself.
The number of STCs depends on the battery's usable capacity and the STC factor in force when it is installed:
Since 1 May 2026 the factor is also tapered by size: usable capacity up to 14 kWh earns 100% of the factor, 14–28 kWh earns 60%, and 28–50 kWh earns 15%. Nothing is paid for capacity above 50 kWh. The dollar value of each STC moves with the market (roughly $36–40 in 2026), so the exact discount varies a little.
The key requirements, set by the Clean Energy Regulator and the federal energy department, are:
Your installer should confirm eligibility for your home and chosen battery before you sign.
Get a personalised quote tailored to your Perth home's energy needs
Calculate My Savings →Here is an illustrative, hypothetical example for a Perth home adding a battery to its existing solar.
Illustrative example (hypothetical)
These are estimates, because the STC price moves. Ask for a quote that shows the number of STCs and the discount as separate lines.
Perth homeowners can combine the federal discount with the state rebate.
The WA Residential Battery Scheme
The WA Residential Battery Scheme pays a rebate of up to $1,300 for Synergy customers and up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers. The maximum is based on 10 kWh of usable capacity; bigger batteries get the same maximum. To qualify you must join a VPP product from your retailer, the battery must be on Synergy's or Horizon Power's supported list, and the installer must be accredited and listed on the Plenti Vendor Directory.
Households with a combined income under $210,000 can also apply for a no-interest loan of up to $10,000 over up to 10 years, administered by Plenti. The rebate is available until all 100,000 planned rebates have been given out, which the WA Government expects to last into 2027.
Synergy's Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) in Perth
Synergy's DEBS pays 10 cents per kWh for electricity exported between 3pm and 9pm and 2 cents per kWh at other times. Grid power on Synergy's standard Home Plan (A1) costs 33.26 cents per kWh, so a battery saves you most by powering your home in the evening rather than by exporting. Horizon Power has its own buyback rates for regional WA.
Western Power connection rules
Western Power runs the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), which serves Perth and the South West. From 1 May 2026, new and upgraded solar and battery systems up to 30 kVA must meet new WA Government technical requirements, including being able to communicate with Synergy so exports can be managed during grid events. A system without an ongoing internet connection can still export up to a standard 1.5 kW. Batteries installed under the WA Residential Battery Scheme already meet these requirements. Your installer handles the connection application.
While the program is about the upfront price, the benefits of installing a home battery extend far beyond the initial cost reduction:
Selecting the right battery system and a reputable installer is paramount to maximising the benefits of the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program and ensuring a reliable, long-lasting solution for your Perth home.
When considering a battery, evaluate factors such as:
Sun Direct Power installs solar and batteries across Perth and WA and is an approved Plenti vendor for the WA Residential Battery Scheme. Our quotes show the federal STC discount and the WA rebate as separate lines.
Q: Is the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program a standalone rebate? A: No, it is delivered as an upfront discount through the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) generated by your eligible battery system. These STCs are typically claimed by your installer, who then passes the value on to you as a discount.
Q: Can I combine the federal STC discount with the WA Residential Battery Scheme? A: Yes. The federal STC discount and the WA Residential Battery Scheme rebate can be combined, as long as you meet both sets of rules (for the WA rebate, that includes joining a VPP).
Q: Do I need to apply for the STCs myself? A: Typically, no. Your SAA-accredited solar and battery installer in Perth will handle the STC creation and assignment process on your behalf, applying the value as a discount to your system's purchase price.
Q: What is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), and why is it relevant? A: A VPP is a network of distributed energy resources, like home batteries, that can be collectively managed to support the electricity grid. The federal program only requires the battery to be VPP-capable, but the WA Residential Battery Scheme requires you to join a VPP product from your retailer.
Q: When does the federal discount drop? A: The STC factor falls from 6.8 to 5.7 per kWh on 1 January 2027 (about 16% less) and to 5.2 on 1 July 2027. The date that counts is when the battery is installed and certified.
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program takes a substantial amount off the price of a home battery, and Perth households can add the WA rebate on top. The federal discount is at 6.8 STCs per kWh until 31 December 2026 and drops by about 16% on 1 January 2027, so if you are ready to install, doing it this year is worth more.
See how much you can save with a home battery under the program
Book Free Assessment →The information provided in this article is for general guidance only as of October 2026. Rebate amounts, eligibility criteria, and program terms can change. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on available verified data, homeowners in Perth and Western Australia should always consult with an accredited installer and refer to official government websites (such as cer.gov.au, dcceew.gov.au, wa.gov.au, synergy.net.au, and horizonpower.com.au) for the most current and specific information regarding the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, the WA Residential Battery Scheme, and other energy incentives before making any purchasing decisions. Any cost estimates or examples provided are illustrative and hypothetical and should not be considered financial advice or guarantees of specific savings.
Sun Direct Power installs solar and batteries across Perth and WA and is an approved Plenti vendor for the WA Residential Battery Scheme. Our packages take the federal and WA rebates off the price up front, and systems start from $7,114 after rebates.
Install before 31 December 2026 to lock in this year's rebates.
Rates and rebates checked 27 October 2026.
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