When Is the Best Time to Get a Home Battery?
If you have been thinking about getting a home battery, you may be wondering whether it is better to install one now or wait.
2026 is a great time to look at your options, particularly because the federal battery rebate is scheduled to be reduced from 2027.
The battery rebate is reducing
The Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program currently provides a significant upfront discount on eligible battery installations.
However, the rebate is scheduled to reduce from January 2027, and then continue reducing every six months through to 2030.
This means that if you are already considering a battery, installing sooner would mean more discounts under this incentive.
How much can I Save?
| Battery size | Approx. rebate in 2026 | Approx. rebate from Jan 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 15 kWh | $3,960 | $3,320 |
| 30 kWh | $6,080 | $5,100 |
Getting a 15kWh battery now opposed to 2027 would save approx. $640 and a 30kWh battery would save approx. $920. The rebate then continues to reduce over time.
Is another way a battery can save you money?
A battery doesn’t only have to store your excess solar. Electricity retailers are now offering plans with free electricity for several hours during the day. This is really useful if you have a battery.
For example, if your electricity plan gives you free electricity between 11am and 2pm, your battery could potentially be charged during this period and then used later in the afternoon and evening when electricity normally costs more. This is saving our customers lots of money already and especially in winter when solar production is down.
That means your battery can potentially save you money in two ways:
1. Store your excess solar during the day
Instead of sending all your unused solar back to the grid for a low amount then purchasing it back at a much higher rate, you can store it and use it later.
2. Take advantage of free or cheaper electricity
You can charge your battery during the period and use that energy later. This can help reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy at higher prices.
Could this make your battery pay for itself faster?
Yes, especially if your winter bills are high.
Should you get a battery now? If you are planning to install a battery soon, or you have high electricity usage at night, it is worth considering a battery sooner rather than later.
The federal battery rebate is scheduled to reduce from 2027, meaning installing sooner could give you access to a larger rebate and allow you to start reducing your electricity bills sooner.
What size should I get and how much is it?
If you are unsure whether a 10 kWh, 15 kWh, 20 kWh or larger battery is right for you, the best place to start is with your electricity usage.
We can look at your electricity bills, solar generation, future needs and household usage to work out what battery size makes sense for your home and how much you could potentially save.
It is best to reach out to us so we can assess what your requirements are and provide a quote for you. With the federal rebate reducing from 2027, now is a good time to find out what your options are.
