Everything You Need to Know About Solar Battery Rebates in WA

Many of our clients frequently ask about solar battery rebates in Western Australia. Unfortunately unlike installing new solar panels, no such rebate has been announced or implemented for Western Australians wanting to install batteries or upgrade their existing system to include a solar battery. However, with recent solar battery rebates and subsidy announcements in other states, there has been ongoing speculation and discussion about potential future incentives over the past year.

What We Know About the Possibility of Solar Battery Rebates in Western Australia

It will be interesting to see if a rebate is introduced, especially considering the many people who have already invested in solar batteries over the past few years. How would the government justify a rebate today when battery prices are steadily decreasing, and advancements in technology are making them more efficient and longer-lasting?

Federal solar subsidies will remain available until 2030 in some form, though their value will continue to diminish. For those still undecided, the sooner they invest, the better, both in terms of immediate savings and long-term benefits. There have been many rumours about solar battery rebates, but none have been based on solid information, as the government has remained tight-lipped on the subject.

Speculation often takes on a life of its own, leading to confusion.

In our view, delaying a battery purchase in the hope of a future rebate is misplaced and unjustified. By the time any potential rebate is introduced, if it ever is, the savings you could have made on your Synergy bills would far outweigh any government incentive. Not to mention the lifestyle benefits, being able to run your air conditioning whenever you need it without worrying about your next electricity bill.

Eventually, we’ll all have batteries, much like how we all ended up with large flat-screen TVs, not necessarily because we needed them, but because they made life better. The key difference? Unlike TVs, batteries save you a significant amount of money in the long run, making them a worthwhile investment with or without a rebate.

Solar Battery Rebates and Incentives Available in Other States

As of February 2025, several Australian states and territories provide incentives to encourage the installation of solar battery systems. Below is a breakdown of the current programs:

New South Wales Solar Battery Incentives

• Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS): Households and small businesses can receive financial support when installing a battery. The discount depends on the battery’s usable capacity, meaning larger batteries qualify for greater savings.

Victorian Solar Battery Incentives

• Solar Homes Program: This initiative allows eligible homeowners to apply for an interest-free loan of up to $8,800 to support battery installation costs. The program has a limited number of loans available each financial year.

Australian Capital Territory Solar Battery Incentives (ACT)

• Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS): ACT residents can apply for zero-interest loans ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to support purchases of home battery storage, solar panels, and electric vehicle chargers.

Why Might WA Not Have a Solar Battery Incentive Program Yet?

The truth is no one knows for sure. However, one common theory driving speculation about a solar battery rebate is that the electricity grid is struggling to manage the large volume of unused solar energy being exported during the day. However, instead of introducing battery incentives to address this issue, the government has implemented alternative measures to balance the grid more efficiently.

Government Measures to Manage Solar Energy Exports

1. Reduced Feed-in Tariffs: The amount paid for exported solar energy has been significantly reduced, encouraging homeowners to use as much of their solar power as possible rather than sending it back to the grid.
2. Export Limitations: More and more solar installations are now required to cap their energy exports at a maximum of 1.5 kW at any given time, further reducing pressure on the grid.

With these two measures in place, the grid is expected to function more effectively at a lower cost than if the government were to subsidise battery installations for thousands of households.

Electricity Costs: The Real Driver for Battery Adoption

While government subsidies may incentivise certain technologies, the rising cost of electricity remains the most significant motivator for people to invest in batteries. Households are choosing to store their excess solar power for evening use, reducing reliance on expensive grid electricity, without waiting for government handouts.

Of course, some households, such as those on low incomes, may require financial assistance to access solar and battery storage. However, this article focuses on broader market trends rather than these specific cases.

The Role of Electric Vehicles in Battery Demand

Another critical factor often overlooked in the rebate discussion is the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Most EV owners do not wait for government incentives to install batteries, they see the immediate financial benefit in fuel savings. The money saved on petrol is, in effect, their “rebate,” justifying the investment in battery storage to ensure they can charge their vehicles whenever needed.

Considering the rapid growth of EV ownership, battery demand will only continue to rise. With such a large and expanding market already driving battery adoption, why would the government intervene with subsidies, except in limited cases where market forces alone are insufficient?

Keep Up to Date With e-Solar to Be the First to Find Out About New WA Solar Incentives and Rebates

At the end of the day, all the above reflections come from past experience and an ever-evolving market influenced by both local and global factors.

We could easily be proven wrong at any time, after all, the solar industry has defied countless predictions over the decades. That’s what makes it so exciting!

Stay ahead of the curve by keeping up to date with e-Solar. With 22+ years of experience as a local Perth solar company, there’s no better team to depend on. Be the first to know about the latest solar incentives, rebates, and innovations that could benefit your home or business. Don’t miss out on opportunities to maximise your solar investment!