Rebate

Eligible solar and battery installs can receive a federal discount through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Sunbridge checks eligibility, prepares the paperwork, and processes the rebate pathway for you—so you don't need to chase forms or portals (you'll only confirm details/sign where required).

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides a discount on installing eligible small-scale battery systems, delivered via Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Sunbridge handles eligibility, product checks, and the STC paperwork process end-to-end.

Eligibility snapshot

• Battery size: eligible systems are 5–100 kWh nominal capacity (STCs apply to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity).
• Installation timing: batteries "installed" on or after 1 July 2025 are eligible (based on the electrical compliance certificate date).
• Must be installed with solar PV: grid-only charging batteries (no solar PV) are not eligible.
• On-grid systems must be VPP-capable (joining a VPP is not required).
• Installer/product requirements: battery + inverter must be on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved lists, and installed by an SAA-accredited installer (plus state electrical compliance).
• Modular/stacked systems are supported if the final configuration is approved and the installer re-certifies the full system.
• Off-grid systems are supported (and do not need VPP capability).
• Existing batteries: adding capacity can be eligible if the premises/system hasn't already received support, the added capacity is at least 5 kWh, and total stays within 100 kWh nominal.

Eligibility is defined in the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations and supporting guidance.

Changes from 1 May 2026 (planned)

DCCEEW notes that, subject to Regulations being made, changes are intended to start from 1 May 2026. The core eligibility rules are not proposed to change (CEC-approved products, SAA installers, 5–100 kWh nominal, STCs for the first 50 kWh usable, stacked systems, on/off-grid supported).

What is changing (plain-English explanation):

The discount calculation will move to an "STC Factor" approach. Under current settings, the battery discount effectively equates to 9.3 STCs per kWh of usable capacity (through to 2030). From 1 May 2026, an STC Factor will apply and then step down over time.

The discount will also "taper" based on system size. From 1 May 2026, the STC Factor is intended to taper as battery system size increases, meaning larger systems receive a smaller per-kWh discount than smaller systems.

The discount value reduces year-by-year. The intended STC Factors (start date 1 May each year) are listed by DCCEEW as:

Practical takeaway

Because the intended STC Factor steps down over time (and larger systems taper), installing earlier may preserve a higher rebate value, subject to eligibility and the final Regulations. Sunbridge will confirm what applies to your address and system on your quote.

NSW Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Incentive (Battery Connection Incentive)

Overview

NSW offers an incentive for eligible households that connect a compliant home battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). A VPP is a program where, with your permission, an approved VPP provider can use a small portion of your battery's capacity at certain times to support the grid. In return, you receive an upfront incentive and may also receive ongoing benefits depending on the VPP plan you choose.

How the incentive works

After your battery is installed and connected to a participating VPP, the incentive is typically delivered through an Accredited Certificate Provider (ACP) and applied as a discount or payment pathway depending on the provider's process. The incentive is designed to reward connection (not just installation), because a connected battery can help reduce peak demand and support reliability.

What you can receive

The incentive level depends on battery size (usable capacity) and the scheme settings in effect at the time you connect. Public summaries of the post–1 July 2025 structure describe higher payments than earlier periods, with larger batteries attracting higher incentives (often described as "up to $1,500" in market reporting). Exact values can vary by provider and must be confirmed against your specific battery model, location, and the ACP/VPP offer available at the time.

Eligibility

Your eligibility is assessed under the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme pathway for VPP connection. Key conditions commonly include:

• Battery must be connected to an eligible VPP provider and meet scheme requirements.
• Usable capacity must be within the scheme's eligible range.
• The incentive is generally limited to one claim per National Metering Identifier (NMI).
• You must commit to staying connected to the VPP for the required period (commonly described as a multi-year commitment under the scheme design).

Key dates and changes you should know

1 November 2024: incentive increased

NSW notes that the VPP incentive increased from 1 November 2024 (relative to earlier settings), which is why connection timing can change the value you receive.

1 July 2025: bigger change to the program design

NSW indicates a change from 1 July 2025, including updated eligibility for batteries connected after that date, and a higher incentive level than the 1 Nov 2024–30 Jun 2025 period. This is also the time NSW highlights the ability to combine with the Commonwealth Cheaper Home Batteries Program (where eligible).

What Sunbridge does for you

Sunbridge manages the rebate and connection process end-to-end. We confirm eligibility, coordinate installation details, ensure your system is VPP-ready, and work with the relevant ACP/VPP partner to complete the incentive claim process. You choose the preferred VPP option; we handle the admin steps required to action the incentive.