Frequently Asked Questions about the Cheaper Home Battery Program
Everything you need to know about claiming STCs under the Cheaper Home Battery Program
Definitions
What is a “battery system”?
A battery system includes:
A single battery unit, or
A group of batteries functioning as one unit
All components, including:
Batteries (modular or standalone)
Related parts and inverters
Hybrid, separate or integrated inverters
What’s the difference between nominal and usable capacity?
Nominal capacity: Total energy the battery can store
Usable capacity: Energy that can be discharged and used
Example: A 10 kWh battery with 90% depth of discharge has 9 kWh usable capacity
A battery’s usable capacity is taken from the CEC’s approved battery list for the purposes of STC calculation
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
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A single battery unit
A modular system of battery cells connected to act as one unit
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Yes, if:
The system has not previously received a discount under the program
You are adding at least 5 kWh, and the total upgraded capacity does not exceed 100 kWh in nominal capacity
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No. Support is only available once per premises, for either:
A new system,
An upgrade, or
A replacement.
Battery System Requirements
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Minimum: 5 kWh nominal capacity
Maximum: 100 kWh nominal capacity
STCs are available for the first 50 kWh of usable capacity only
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Yes. Multiple smaller batteries can be combined to meet the 5 kWh minimum, provided the total system stays within 100 kWh.
Installation
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An installer accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) must complete or supervise the installation.
Electrical work must be done by an unrestricted licensed electrician.
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When a certificate of electrical compliance (or equivalent) is issued on or after 1 July 2025.
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If work occurred between 6 April and 1 July 2025, the system is eligible only if:
It hasn’t been electrically connected, and
No compliance certificate has been issued.
Battery + Solar PV
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Yes. The battery can be:
Installed with a new or existing solar PV system
Solar PV system must be under 100 kW
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No, there must be an existing PV system at the premises or you must be installing a PV system with the battery
Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
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Yes, if on-grid
No, if off-grid
On-grid systems must include an inverter that:
Can connect to external systems
Supports remote control and communication
System Sizing
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The program doesn’t mandate a method, but systems should match:
The energy usage profile of the premises
Consumer needs and preferences
Consumers should refer to:
Solar Consumer Guide
Energy Made Easy
Discounts through STCs
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Via Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Based on the usable capacity (up to 50 kWh)
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By assigning STCs to your retailer or installer, who then applies a dollar-value discount on your quote
What is the STC Factor for 2025 and beyond?
| Year | STC Factor |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 9.3 |
| 2026 | 8.4 |
| 2027 | 7.4 |
| 2028 | 6.5 |
| 2029 | 5.6 |
| 2030 | 4.7 |
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The owner of the battery at the premises
This includes owners within embedded networks, like retirement villages
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12 months from the certificate of electrical compliance date
Getting Started
Get paid fast for your battery installs
Meet the Team
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Tiana Bergmans
OPERATIONS TEAM LEADER - SOLAR
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Alastair Matcott
CUSTOMER ENGAGAEMENT MANAGER
Still have unanswered questions? Speak to our team today