Home battery incentive scheme launches as industry welcomes energy storage support

The Housing Industry Association has welcomed the launch of a new solar battery incentive program under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which commenced on 1 July 2025.

The scheme will provide households with a 30 per cent discount on battery storage systems, bringing batteries in line with existing solar panel incentives.

HIA Executive Director Building Policy Shane Keating said the inclusion of solar batteries in the SRES represented a positive step for households seeking energy independence.

“The inclusion of solar batteries in the SRES is a good step that will support more households to take control of their energy bills and improve energy efficiency in new homes and renovations,” he said.

“Voluntary incentives like this are something HIA has consistently called for.”

Keating said the scheme addressed a significant barrier to battery adoption by reducing upfront costs.

“A significant barrier in the uptake of household batteries is the large upfront costs and this scheme can be important in boosting uptake by providing homeowners with a 30 per cent discount,” he said.

The housing industry has previously seen success with solar panel incentives, with Australian homes now hosting over 4 million installed solar panels through various rebate and incentive programs.

Keating said the housing industry was experiencing growing demand for integrated energy solutions from home buyers.

“The housing industry is seeing growing demand from homebuyers for integrated energy solutions,” he said.

“In particular, in new builds where including a battery system upfront can work with features like solar panels to further increase the environmental benefits of new buildings.”

New Small-scale Technology Certificates assignment forms and documentation are now available for solar retailers, designers and installers.

HIA is encouraging members to familiarise themselves with the updated requirements and ensure their teams are prepared for implementation.

Keating said the scheme represented a victory for consumer choice and industry innovation.

“This is a win for consumer choice and industry innovation,” he said.

“It’s a change that will help more Australians future-proof their homes and reduce energy costs.”

The association said it would continue working with government and industry stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and support Australian manufacturers and suppliers.