If you have been searching for a solar battery rebate in Victoria, you may have found old pages that talk about Solar Victoria battery rebates of up to $4,838. That rebate is gone. Solar Victoria no longer takes applications for battery rebates or battery loans.
The good news is that a bigger discount has taken its place. Since 1 July 2025, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program has cut the upfront price of new home batteries across Australia, including Victoria. Here is how it works in 2026, how much you can expect to save, and what to watch out for.
Key points
- The Victorian battery rebate and battery loan are closed.
- The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program gives an upfront discount on new batteries from 5 to 100 kWh.
- From 1 May to 31 December 2026, batteries earn 6.8 STCs per kWh of usable capacity, with full support for the first 14 kWh.
- A 13.5 kWh battery gets roughly $3,200 to $3,600 off at recent STC prices.
- The discount drops on 1 January 2027, when the rate falls to 5.7 STCs per kWh.
How the Cheaper Home Batteries discount works
The discount works through small-scale technology certificates, or STCs. These are the same certificates that have lowered the price of rooftop solar for years. When you buy an eligible battery, it creates a number of STCs based on its usable capacity. Your installer claims the STCs, sells them, and takes the value off your price.
You do not fill in a government form or wait for a cheque. You simply see a lower price on your quote.
How many STCs does a battery earn?
The number of STCs per kWh is called the STC factor. The Clean Energy Regulator lowers it over time:
| Installed | STCs per kWh |
|---|---|
| January to April 2026 | 8.4 |
| May to December 2026 | 6.8 |
| January to June 2027 | 5.7 |
| July to December 2027 | 5.2 |
From 1 May 2026, the discount is also tiered by size:
- The first 14 kWh get the full STC factor.
- Capacity from 14 to 28 kWh gets 60% of the factor.
- Capacity from 28 to 50 kWh gets 15% of the factor.
This means the discount is most generous on batteries up to about 14 kWh, which suits most homes anyway.
How much will I save?
The dollar value depends on the market price of STCs, which moves a little week to week. At recent prices of around $35 to $40 per STC, here are some rough examples for batteries installed between May and December 2026:
| Usable battery size | Approx. STCs | Approx. discount |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kWh | 34 | $1,200 to $1,350 |
| 10 kWh | 68 | $2,400 to $2,700 |
| 13.5 kWh (Tesla Powerwall 3) | 91 | $3,200 to $3,600 |
Your quote should show the exact discount. If a quote does not show it clearly, ask.
Who is eligible?
The program is open to homes, small businesses and community groups. To be eligible:
- The battery must be between 5 and 100 kWh nominal capacity.
- It must be on the Clean Energy Council approved battery list.
- It must be able to join a virtual power plant (VPP). You do not have to join one.
- It must be installed by an accredited installer with a battery endorsement.
- It must be installed with new or existing solar panels.
- Only one battery claim is allowed per address, and the battery must be new.
Unlike the old Solar Victoria rebate, there is no income test and no property value limit.
What about the Solar Victoria solar panel rebate?
The Solar Victoria rebate for solar panels is still open in 2026. Eligible homes can get up to $1,400 off solar panels, plus an optional interest-free loan of up to $1,400. You can use it together with the federal battery discount if you install solar and a battery at the same time. See our 2026 solar rebates guide for the full eligibility rules.
Should I buy a battery now or wait?
Battery prices have been falling, but the discount is falling too. The STC factor drops from 6.8 to 5.7 on 1 January 2027, which takes roughly $500 to $600 off the discount on a 13.5 kWh battery. If you were already planning a battery, installing in 2026 locks in the higher rate.
Do not rush into the wrong size, though. A battery that is too big for your evening use will not pay off, even with a discount. Read our guide on what size solar battery you need first.
Watch out for these traps
- Oversized batteries. Some sellers push very large batteries because the discount sounds big. Above 14 kWh the discount drops sharply.
- Unclear quotes. Make sure the quote shows the battery model, usable capacity, the discount and the final price.
- Cheap installs. A battery is high-energy equipment. Use an accredited, licensed installer who will be around for warranty support.
How Erg Energy can help
We install Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ and BYD batteries across the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston and Bayside. We size the battery from your real power use, claim the federal discount for you and show it clearly on your quote. Learn more about our solar battery installation or call us on 1300 374 786.
Frequently asked questions
Is there still a battery rebate in Victoria?
Not from Solar Victoria. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program now provides the discount instead.
Can I get the battery discount if I already have solar?
Yes. The battery can be added to an existing solar system.
Do I have to join a virtual power plant?
No. The battery must be able to join one, but joining is your choice.
Is the discount means tested?
No. There is no income test or property value test for the federal battery discount.
