Can You Claim Subsidies On Your Pre-Existing Solar System When You Buy Batteries?

Understanding solar subsidies vs battery incentives

Batteries and solar rebates, confusing, right? Some people think buying a battery automatically disqualifies you from other incentives, while others assume you’ll get everything handed to you. Reality check: it depends on your system, your state, and whether you’re on the approved lists. But here’s the good news, if you know the rules, you can often claim multiple rebates and subsidies, effectively cutting the cost of your battery and panels without pulling out a calculator until your head hurts. This guide breaks it all down so you know exactly what’s claimable in 2025.

Let’s clear the confusion right away: solar panels and batteries are two separate things when it comes to rebates.

• Solar panels: Rebated under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STC). The amount depends on system size, location, and installer accreditation.

• Batteries: Rebates in 2025 are separate and usually target approved lithium-ion batteries with hybrid inverters.

The key question is: Can you claim both at the same time? Short answer: yes, but only if you structure your installation correctly.

Federal STC rebates for solar panels

STCs reduce your upfront cost by applying a dollar value per kW of installed solar capacity.

• Example: a 6.6 kW system in Brisbane might earn ~55 STCs, worth $1,650–$1,800 off your bill.

• Your installer usually handles the STC assignment, so you get the discount automatically.

• STCs do not cover batteries directly, they only apply to the panel + inverter portion.

Bottom line: your solar rebate is safe and independent of battery purchase, but combining systems strategically increases total savings.

Battery rebates: federal and state programs (2025)

Battery incentives are more recent. 2025 sees both federal and some state-level rebates for energy storage:

• Federal rebates usually cover a percentage of battery cost, often 20–30%.

• State programs (VIC, QLD, NSW) may allow stacking: you can claim both federal and state rebates on the same battery if you meet eligibility.

• Only approved battery models with hybrid inverters qualify, otherwise, the rebate vanishes.

  
  

Can you stack solar + battery subsidies?

Yes, you can, but there are rules:

1. Use a hybrid inverter that connects both solar and battery. Some battery rebates require this.

2. Install approved panels and battery units on the approved lists.

3. Check state rebate rules, some require the battery and solar to be installed together to claim the full rebate.

4. Timing matters, apply for rebates before installation if required, especially for state programs.

Stacking can slash thousands off your combined solar + battery system cost if you do it right.

Eligibility rules for combined claims

• Property ownership: You must own the home.

• Installer accreditation: Only CEC-approved installers count.

• Equipment compliance: Panels, inverters, and batteries must be on approved product lists.

• System size limits: Federal STCs and battery rebates both have upper and lower limits.

• State-specific criteria: Some states require low-income eligibility or postcode restrictions.

Skipping any of these steps risks losing the rebate.

How to structure your installation to claim everything

1. Plan the system holistically: Consider solar + battery sizing together.

2. Use a hybrid inverter: Enables both STC rebates for solar and battery rebates.

3. Get installer quotes early: Ask explicitly how many STCs, and what rebates the battery qualifies for.

4. Apply for state rebates first if required.

5. Document everything: Keep invoices, product approvals, and installer paperwork.

By structuring it this way, you maximise the federal rebate on solar and the battery rebate simultaneously.

Common mistakes that cost money when it comes to solar battery upgrades

• Buying a battery not on the approved list.

• Installing the battery after solar without hybrid capability.

• Using a non-accredited installer.

• Missing state rebate deadlines or funding caps.

• Oversizing panels or batteries outside eligibility rules.

Avoid these, and you’ll keep the rebates intact.

Example scenarios: real-world numbers with solar and batteries

Scenario 1: 6.6 kW solar + 5 kWh battery in Victoria

• STC rebate (solar) = ~$1,700

• Federal battery rebate = ~$2,000

• State Solar Homes rebate = ~$1,400

• Total rebate savings = ~$5,100

Original system cost: ~$12,000Out-of-pocket after rebates: ~$6,900

Scenario 2: 5 kW solar + 3 kWh battery in Queensland

• STC rebate = ~$1,250

• Federal battery rebate = ~$1,200

• State rebate = ~$1,000

• Total savings = ~$3,450

Original system cost: ~$9,500Out-of-pocket: ~$6,050

Stacking properly makes a huge difference.

Tips for smooth applications for battery subsidies

• Ask your installer to handle all federal STC paperwork.

• Apply for state rebates early, funding often runs out fast.

• Keep track of approval lists for panels, inverters, and batteries.

• Consider system sizing and hybrid inverter choices as part of planning, not afterthought.

• Check local councils, some offer additional grants or incentives.

Final thoughts from Nergy regarding batteries

Yes, you can claim subsidies on your solar system when buying batteries, and if you do it right, you could save thousands. But it’s not automatic.

The trick is planning, stacking, and using approved gear with a hybrid inverter. Miss one of these, and your rebate dollars evaporate. Do it properly, and 2025 becomes the year your home finally goes solar without the financial sting.

The content within this blog is general in nature and should be used as a guide only. For specifics, please contact us to find out more about the system thats best for you. This was published in November of 2025, and whilst we'll endeavour to update the content within here, please know the government rulings can change before we get a chance to update.