Should I Wait for a Battery Rebate?

With a new federal battery rebate on the horizon, many WA homeowners are asking the question: Should I wait to install a battery?

The Federal Labor Government has announced a major policy proposal to support battery storage across the country. Labor plans to subsidise up to one million home battery installations over the next five years, cutting the cost of battery systems by around $4,000 per household. Meanwhile, WA’s own rebate scheme is also due to launch in mid-2025 with even greater incentives.

It all sounds promising — but does it mean you should wait? Not necessarily.

The Federal Battery Rebate at a Glance

The Australian Labor Party’s proposed “Cheaper Home Batteries Program” is a $2.3 billion investment through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, aimed at reducing upfront battery costs and accelerating the shift to renewable energy.

Key points:

• Target: 1 million battery installations by 2030
• Average saving: Make home batteries about 30% cheaper, which translates to roughly $4,000 off a typical battery system
• Eligibility: Households with existing rooftop solar or installing new solar + battery packages
• Expected to start 1 July 2025,

The initiative is part of Labor’s broader energy transition strategy and is designed to complement existing state schemes. Rebates will be provided upfront via participating retailers, not through a lengthy claim process.

However, it’s important to remember: this program is not yet legislated. It depends entirely on the outcome of the next federal election.

WA’s Battery Rebate — Locked In

The WA Government’s Residential Battery Scheme is confirmed and will begin in stages from 1 July 2025.

Here’s what’s on offer:

• Synergy customers: $500 per kWh, up to $5,000
• Horizon Power customers: $750 per kWh, up to $7,500
• For systems between 5–10kWh, VPP-ready
• One rebate per property (additional for eligible landlords)
• Includes no-interest loans up to $10,000 for qualifying households
• Applies to new, additional, or replacement batteries, and solar panels when installed together with a battery

The WA rebate is expected to be available to 20,000 households initially and will be managed through a third-party scheme administrator.

What’s the Catch?

While the rebates are appealing, there are some important realities to consider:

1. Installation Backlogs Are Coming

When rebates go live, demand will spike. Installers will be inundated. Booking times will stretch from weeks to months.

2. Price Increases Are Likely

With a rush of new orders, wholesalers and manufacturers may increase prices. It’s common for demand-driven inflation to eat into rebate value.

3. Stock Will Tighten

With thousands of Australians rushing to install batteries, supply chains could struggle to keep up. The battery model you want might not be available when you’re ready.

4. Lost Savings While You Wait

Every month without a battery is a missed opportunity to reduce your power bill. Delaying installation could mean 6–12 months of higher costs while waiting for incentives to kick in.

What You Should Do Now

The smart move is to act now — don’t sit on your hands waiting.

• Get a quote and secure your pricing before demand pushes it up
• Book your install date to get ahead of the post-rebate rush
• Stay flexible: If the rebate launches in time, we’ll work with you to apply it to your install (if eligible)

At DMG Solar, we already have 190+ battery system installations lined up across Perth. These homeowners have locked in their systems now to avoid delays and future price rises.

Final Word

Waiting for a battery rebate might seem like a smart move, but the risks are real: longer wait times, increased costs, and missed savings.

By taking the first steps now, you secure a better position — whether the rebates come through or not. You’ll get ahead of the crowd, lock in today’s pricing, and start saving on your energy bills sooner.

Contact us today for an honest quote and expert advice on the best battery solution for your home.