Frequently Asked Questions about the Cheaper Home Batteries Program

Things 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

Illustration of a sustainable energy house with solar panels on roof, solar panels, wind turbines, an electric car charging, and a large battery storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

    • A single battery unit

    • A modular system of battery cells connected to act as one unit

  • 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

  • No. Support is only available once per premises, for either:

    • A new system,

    • An upgrade, or

    • A replacement.

Battery System Requirements

    • Minimum: 5 kWh nominal capacity

    • Maximum: 100 kWh nominal capacity

    • STCs are available for the first 50 kWh of usable capacity only

  • Yes. Multiple smaller batteries can be combined to meet the 5 kWh minimum, provided the total system stays within 100 kWh.

Installation

    • An installer accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) must complete or supervise the installation.

    • Electrical work must be done by an unrestricted licensed electrician.

  • When a certificate of electrical compliance (or equivalent) is issued on or after 1 July 2025.

  • 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

  • Yes. The battery can be:

    • Installed with a new or existing solar PV system

    • Solar PV system must be under 100 kW

  • 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)

    • 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

  • 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

    • Via Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

    • Based on the usable capacity (up to 50 kWh)

  • 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?

STC Value Table
STC Factor per Year
Year STC Factor
20259.3
20268.4
20277.4
20286.5
20295.6
20304.7

    • The owner of the battery at the premises

    • This includes owners within embedded networks, like retirement villages

  • 12 months from the certificate of electrical compliance date

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