On 1 May 2026 the Clean Energy Regulator stepped down the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program rate. The per-kWh STC factor dropped from 8.4 to 6.8, which is about $271 per usable kWh gross at the current $39.90 STC price (typically $244–$252/kWh net after installer admin fees). The program also introduced explicit capacity tapering. Figures updated 13 July 2026 to the current STC price.
New rate structure
From 1 May 2026, the rebate is calculated in three tiers:
- kWh 0–14: 100% of the per-kWh rate (~$271/kWh gross)
- kWh 14–28: 60% of the rate (~$163/kWh)
- kWh 28–50: 15% of the rate (~$41/kWh)
- Above 50 kWh: no rebate
Real numbers by battery size
- 10 kWh battery (e.g. BYD Premium HVS): 68 STCs ≈ $2,713
- 13.5 kWh battery (Tesla Powerwall 3): 91 STCs ≈ $3,631
- 16 kWh battery (LG RESU16H Prime): 103 STCs ≈ $4,110
- 25.6 kWh battery (paired Sungrow HV): 142 STCs ≈ $5,666
Stacks unchanged
The federal program still stacks with NSW's VPP connection incentive (up to ~$1,500) and WA's Residential Battery Scheme, the only two active state battery incentives. QLD's Battery Booster (closed May 2024), VIC's battery loan (closed May 2025), TAS's Energy Saver Loan (funding exhausted Sept 2025), and the NT and SA Home Battery Schemes (both closed) no longer apply.