Corrected 13 July 2026: an earlier version of this article described a per-kWh PDRS battery installation discount as still active. That incentive ended on 30 June 2025 when the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched. The figures below reflect the verified 2026 position.
The NSW Empowering Homes battery loan, which previously offered up to $14,000 interest-free over 8 years, closed to new applications in 2025. NSW battery support now comes from the PDRS Virtual Power Plant connection incentive plus the new Home Energy Saver package.
What NSW pays in 2026
Connecting an eligible battery to a registered VPP earns up to about $1,500 (typically $550 to $1,100 for a ~10 kWh battery, the value moves with certificate prices). From 17 June 2026 the Home Energy Saver package adds a 0% loan up to $15,000 over 10 years (household income up to $210,000), with an up-to-$4,000 upfront discount for lower-income households opening later in 2026.
Combined 2026 stack for a Sydney install
Federal STC (~$1,796 on 6.6 kW) + federal Cheaper Home Batteries (~$3,631 on 13.5 kWh) + NSW VPP incentive (up to ~$1,500) ≈ $6,927 in stacked support on a typical solar + battery install in Sydney, with the 0% loan available on top.