Homeowners urged to act fast before government cuts generous solar battery rebates

Australian homeowners are being urged to move quickly to secure solar battery rebates before major changes to the Federal Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program significantly reduce incentives from 1 May 2026.
 

Energy experts warn that households delaying installation, particularly those planning larger battery systems, risk missing out on thousands of dollars in rebates as the government shifts to a tiered subsidy model and accelerates rebate reductions.
 

According to Steven Yu, CEO of Aussie Solar Batteries Group, the next few months represent a rare window of opportunity.
 

"We're seeing the most generous battery rebates Australia has ever offered, but they won't last," Yu said.
 

"From May 2026, the rules change and the financial advantage of installing a larger battery drops sharply."
 

What's changing from May 1, 2026
 

Under the new structure, rebates will no longer apply evenly across battery sizes:

• Up to 14kWh - full subsidy
• 14kWh to 28kWh - only 60 percent of the subsidy
• 28kWh to 50kWh - just 15 percent of the subsidy

On top of that, rebate values will begin declining every six months instead of annually, meaning incentives will shrink faster over time.
 

"Anyone planning a battery larger than 14kWh is far better off installing before May 2026," Yu said.
 

"The difference in upfront cost can be substantial."
 

Why the government is pulling back
 

The changes come despite an additional $5 billion funding injection, following overwhelming demand for the program nationwide.
 

"The government is trying to stretch the budget as battery prices fall," Yu said.

"But for homeowners, that means early movers win and late movers pay more."
 

Bigger batteries, bigger long-term value
 

Yu said the rebate changes highlight another critical issue: battery size matters for longevity and value.
 

"Smaller batteries are drained harder every day," he said.
 

"They cycle more often, wear out faster and end up costing more long-term."
 

Larger batteries, by contrast, operate under less stress, last longer and better support growing household energy needs such as electric vehicles, air-conditioning and home offices.
 

"A battery that feels adequate today can feel undersized in just a few years," Yu said.
 

"Installing bigger now not only secures a higher rebate, it future-proofs your home."
 

Act now or pay later
 

Yu said homeowners should be acting now to lock in current incentives while they're still available.
 

"This is one of those rare moments where government policy strongly rewards early action," he said.
 

"If you wait, you'll get less rebate, a smaller system or both."
 

For Australians considering solar storage, the message is clear: act early, go bigger and lock in today's rebates before they're scaled back.
 

About Aussie Solar Batteries Group
 

Aussie Solar Batteries Group is an Australian-owned and operated business committed to helping households and businesses achieve energy independence. Based in Rose Hill, Sydney, the company partners with world-leading manufacturers to deliver high-performance, Australian Standards-compliant LiFePO₄ solar battery systems. With expert local sales support, in-house installation teams and smart monitoring tools, Aussie Solar Batteries makes solar battery technology accessible, affordable and reliable.

Website: www.aussiesolarbatteries.com.au