Generous battery rebates are reducing year on year, but there are good reasons to hold out for the right battery – and a trusted local installer. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Canberrans are rushing in high numbers to make cut-offs for government solar battery rebates. But while the savings are nothing to turn your nose up at, one expert says customers should stop and think about what to prioritise – because sometimes, it is worth waiting.
Homeowners interested in solar batteries can currently take advantage of the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program. It offers a 30 per cent discount on eligible battery systems connected to rooftop solar for households and small businesses, up to 50 kWh.
“That’s worth about $350 per kWh, it’s worth a maximum of about $17,500, which is a huge amount of money,” Huglo Solar director Tim Sturgiss says. “You can see why people want to get in on the action.”
Territory residents have further incentive, in the form of the ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS). It provides three per cent interest loans for eligible ACT residents to fund energy-efficient products and electric vehicles (EVs).
“You can borrow up to $15,000 for up to 10 years on the cost of installing a battery,” Tim says.
“It used to be zero per cent interest, but it’s still a good rate, considering that to redraw your mortgage is about 4.5 per cent these days, or to get a green personal loan is closer to nine per cent.”
The SHS is changing and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program discount drops 10 per cent each year via small-scale technology certificates (STCs) until 2030, creating a crunch time for consumers chasing the best deal.
The rebate only applies after a system has been inspected and confirmed as “commissioned”.
That means the system must be fully installed by an accredited installer, connected and configured with your solar setup, tested for safety and performance, with all compliance paperwork and grid approval completed, and ready for regular use. All ACT installations must also be registered with Evo Energy to help manage grid pressure.
Inspections are carried out to verify the process is followed.
“The ACT has higher standards than other states and territories, and conducts more inspections,” Tim says. “The whole process involves more than a lot of people realise.”
Customers must ensure their battery is properly commissioned and fully compliant to pass the ACT’s high standards. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
For those looking to maximise savings, it’s important to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later – the longer you wait, the less you’ll get.
Huglo, a business usually booked out six weeks ahead, has sold out of battery installations for 2025 and is fast filling up for January 2026.
But don’t be tempted to make a hasty booking with an unknown provider.
Tim says high demand has some installers using lesser-known batteries, so customers should check quality, warranties and support before agreeing.
“We use higher-quality products and can confirm there is a problem getting stock at the moment. We have opted to push some of our installs to stick with the brands we know and trust, or customers might opt to change the size,” he says.
“Some brands are half the price and that’s down to the hardware. That’s totally fine if your priority is the cheapest battery.
“If you prefer a specific brand, installing this year could earn an $8000 rebate versus $7200 next year. Is risking unknown warranties worth it?”
Tim says a thorough understanding of the support – particularly how quickly a supplier can jump in to resolve issues – cannot be overstated.
“Remember your installer often has to resolve issues with the manufacturer. That’s when tried and tested brands shine,” he says.
“There is nothing more frustrating for a customer than spending all that money on a product that quickly stops working at capacity and nobody is doing anything about it.
“That’s also the upside of using trusted local installers – their reputation in their local communities is everything. That’s why we do all our own installs. Using subcontractors could increase our volume, but would add too many potential friction points. We want full control over what we’re offering our customers, so we can be there for them if and when they need.”
For more information, visit Huglo.
