2025 federal election triggers massive solar battery savings for NSW homeowners

TL;DR / Fast Facts:

• Election Outcome: 2025 Federal Election reinforces government support for clean energy

• Rebate Launch: July 1, 2025

• Savings: Up to 50% off battery system costs through stacked incentives

• Eligibility: NSW homeowners with existing solar

• Installer Requirement: Must use an accredited installer (like KPE)

• Kennedy’s Regions: Hawkesbury, Windsor, Penrith, Western Sydney

With the results of the 2025 Federal Election favouring clean energy reform, the Australian Government has introduced a game-changing Federal Solar Battery Rebate under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your solar setup or adding battery storage, now is the ideal time to act.

At Kennedy’s Plumbing & Electrical, we usually stay out of politics - but when new energy policies can save our customers thousands, we pay close attention. This new rebate brings huge benefits to NSW homeowners. We’re here to help you understand your eligibility, maximise your savings, and avoid missing out.

What is the 2025 federal solar battery rebate and how does it work?

The 2025 Federal Solar Battery Rebate is a government-backed program designed to make battery storage more affordable for Australian homeowners. It offers up to 30% off eligible battery systems, with additional savings available when stacked with state-level rebates like the PDRS in NSW. The 2025 Solar Battery Rebate operates similarly to the existing solar STC rebate - the discount is applied upfront, and the paperwork is handled by your installer (that’s us). This means no complicated forms or delayed benefits.

What you need to know:

• Rebate Amount: Up to 30% off battery system costs (~$370 per usable kWh); stackable with other rebates for up to 50% in total savings

• One-Time Claim: Choose your battery size wisely; you only get one shot

• Accredited Installer Required: KPE is fully CEC-certified

• Sliding Scale: Rebate value decreases annually until the program ends in 2030

• Stackable: Combine with NSW's PDRS and solar STCs for bigger savings

• System Size: 5kWh to 50kWh usable capacity

• Eligibility: Includes new installs and add-ons to existing systems

• Install Timeline: Systems installed after April 6, 2025, and commissioned on or after July 1, 2025, qualify

How much can you save with the 2025 solar battery rebate?

You could save up to 50% on your solar battery installation by stacking the new federal rebate with existing incentives like the NSW PDRS and STCs. On average, that means thousands off your upfront battery cost and a payback period of just 2-3 years.

“Before this rebate, batteries took 5-7 years to pay off. With the new policy and stacked incentives, it can drop to just 2-3 years.” - Angus, Licensed Solar Battery Installer at KPE

Here’s how NSW homeowners can stack their savings:

• STCs: For new solar systems

• PDRS: NSW-specific battery rebate for systems up to 28kWh

• Federal Rebate: For batteries between 5-50kWh

  
  

If your battery exceeds 28kWh, you can apply both - PDRS on the first 28kWh and the federal rebate on the full system.

Example:

A 10kWh battery at ~$350/kWh = $3,500 rebate from the federal program. Add STCs + PDRS and your savings could exceed 50%.

Important: The rebate value decreases each year starting January 1. Early adopters save more.

How do I prepare to claim the solar battery rebate in NSW?

To prepare, you’ll need to get a quote from an accredited installer, install your system before July 1, and have it commissioned afterward to qualify. Timing is crucial, as high demand could cause delays or missed eligibility windows.

At Kennedy’s, we’ve already started prepping customers across Windsor, Penrith, and Hawkesbury for the rebate rush. Here’s how we’re making sure you don’t miss out:

Why timing Is everything:

The rebate will create high demand, and that means potential:

• Stock shortages

• Installer backlogs

• Paperwork delays

  
  

We saw it happen during the 2023 NSW rebate - many missed out. We won’t let that happen to you.

Here’s how we help:

• Get a Free Quote Today: Reserve your spot before prices rise

• Install Before July 1: We’ll get the work done ahead of time

• Commission After July 1: We’ll return to commission the system so it qualifies

  
  

This is the best way to lock in the rebate, maximise your savings, and avoid delays.

Need a battery system that qualifies? Learn more about our solar installations and battery-ready services.

FAQs

Who’s eligible and what does the solar battery rebate cover?

This rebate is available to NSW homeowners who own their property and have a functioning solar PV system. It applies to eligible batteries between 5kWh and 50kWh that are installed after April 6 and commissioned after July 1, 2025.

What happens if the policy changes?

It's not likely, but if the policy changes, we’ll inform you right away and guide you through your options.

Can I stack this rebate with other incentives?

Yes, you can combine it with the NSW PDRS and the solar STC rebate to reduce costs.

How much can I save with the rebate?

The rebate can cover up to 30% of the battery system’s cost, or about $350 per usable kWh. But when stacking multiple rebates, you can save up to 50% off the battery cost!

Do I need a new solar system to qualify?

No, you can add a battery to your existing system as long as it’s installed after April 6, 2025, and commissioned after July 1, 2025.

Can I install early and commission later?

Yes, we can install before July 1 and commission after to qualify for the rebate.

What batteries qualify?

Your battery must be VPP-ready and approved by the Clean Energy Council.

What if I wait too long?

Waiting too long could result in missing out or reduced rebates. The earlier you act, the better the savings.

Will this rebate be available to renters?

Yes, if the property owner agrees and a certified installer completes the job.

Do I have to join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)?

No, participation in a VPP is optional, but your battery must be VPP-ready.

Does this rebate apply nationwide?

Yes, but only NSW residents can combine it with the additional PDRS rebate.

Will there be maintenance or warranty requirements?

Regular maintenance is important to keep your system running smoothly and protect the warranty.

Does the rebate cover installation costs?

No, the rebate only covers the cost of the battery system itself and does not include install fees.

When should you install a solar battery to maximise the 2025 rebate?

The best time to install is before July 1, 2025, but commission your system after this date to meet eligibility requirements. Acting early ensures you secure the highest rebate before reductions begin in January 2026.

The battery rebate will reduce every year until it ends in 2030. Like the original solar rebate, the biggest benefits go to early adopters.

At KPE, we’ll walk you through the entire process - eligibility, timing, paperwork, install, and rebate claims. Our goal is to help you:

• Cut your power bills

• Store more solar

• Avoid delays or missed deadlines

  
  

👉 Book your free solar battery quote today and secure your spot ahead of the rush.

CALL US ON 0482 070 132

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Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date details based on official sources, rebate programs may change without notice. Always verify eligibility, rebate amounts, and requirements via government websites or by contacting Kennedy’s Plumbing & Electrical directly before making decisions.