On 1 May 2026 the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program rate stepped down. The per-kWh STC factor dropped from 8.4 to 6.8, which is about $270 per usable kWh gross at the 15 October 2026 price of $39.65 per STC. The program also tapers capacity above 14 kWh. Schedule re-checked against the Clean Energy Regulator on 10 October 2026; figures re-priced at the current STC price.
Rate structure from 1 May 2026
- kWh 0-14: 100% of the per-kWh rate (~$270/kWh gross)
- kWh 14-28: 60% of the rate (~$162/kWh)
- kWh 28-50: 15% of the rate (~$41/kWh)
- Above 50 kWh: no rebate
Real numbers by battery size at 6.8
- 10 kWh battery (e.g. BYD Premium HVS): 68 STCs ≈ $2,696
- 13.5 kWh battery (Tesla Powerwall 3): 91 STCs ≈ $3,608
- 16 kWh battery (LG RESU16H Prime): 103 STCs ≈ $4,084
- 25.6 kWh battery (paired Sungrow HV): 142 STCs ≈ $5,630
The next cut
On 1 January 2027 the factor falls to 5.7, so a 13.5 kWh battery gets about $3,013 instead. The Clean Energy Regulator applies the factor by installation date.
What stacks on top
WA's Residential Battery Scheme adds a published rebate for Synergy and Horizon Power customers who join a VPP. NSW adds a one-off incentive only if you join a VPP, with no published amount. SA's REPS incentive is limited to concession and hardship households. QLD's Battery Booster (closed May 2024), VIC's battery loan (closed May 2025), TAS's Energy Saver Loan (funding exhausted September 2025) and the NT and SA battery schemes are closed.