A 30% Solar Battery Rebate Is Coming — What It Means for Off-Grid Homes
Important Update: The Australian Government has recently announced changes to the Solar Battery Rebate Scheme, with reductions coming into effect in May 2026. Don’t miss out – check out our latest article for the most current information and act now to maximise savings!
👉 Read our latest guide: Federal Battery Rebate Changes From 1 May 2026 Explained
Ahead of the 2025 federal election, it was hard to keep track of all the promises flying around. But among the noise, one proposal stood out for anyone living off-grid — a federal rebate for solar battery systems, as proposed by the Labor Government.
If legislated, the plan to introduce a major solar battery rebate could deliver a 30% rebate to eligible households, offering serious savings for those living and working off-grid across Australia.
In this article, we’ll break down the proposal, what it could mean for those living and working off-grid, and how you can position yourself to take advantage of the rebate when it happens. Plus, we’ll share how Commodore is offering a $100 per usable kWh off, so you can save now.
If you’re building or living off-grid, here’s what you need to know — and how to get a head start.
What Is the Proposed Battery Rebate?
In early April, the Labor Party announced a bold new commitment: “one million energy-bill-busting batteries” for Australian households.
As part of their re-election campaign, Labor pledged to make battery storage more accessible by offering direct financial support to eligible homeowners — particularly targeting those with solar systems looking to store their own power.
While the policy hasn’t been finalised yet, Labor was re-elected, so here’s what we know based on their pre-election announcement:
- The $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program will reduce the cost of a typical solar battery by 30 per cent
- The policy is designed to support one million battery installations by 2030
- It will prioritise low and middle-income households, and those already using solar
- Labor will also work with the Clean Energy Regulator to develop a new national battery register
- It’s part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on the grid and bring down energy bills
“This is a $1 billion commitment that will make it easier for Australians to cut their power bills and keep the lights on when the grid goes down.”
— Labor Party policy statement
The solar battery rebate will happen with a 2025 Labor Federal Government, but the final program details (including exact eligibility criteria and rollout timelines) won’t be clear til the scheme is introduced. Labor promised that if they won the election the rebate will commence on July 1, 2025.
That means while the proposal is promising, it’s still just that — a proposal. But for off-grid households, this could be a rare opportunity to access substantial support for essential energy systems.
What Types of Off-Grid Systems Could Be Eligible?
While the full eligibility criteria for the rebate is yet to be confirmed, the policy specifically refers to battery storage systems — with a focus on helping households afford batteries to store solar energy and reduce their reliance on diesel and the grid.
The rebate applies to off-grid homes — exactly what our systems are built for. To qualify as “off-grid”, your property must be at least 1km from the nearest main grid line, or you’ll need written confirmation from your network provider that connecting would cost over $30,000.
We are keeping our finger on the pulse with all developments relating to the battery rebate. Feel free to contact our team for the latest information.
Our Off-Grid Battery Systems:
Commodore Australia offers two main residential solutions that are likely to align with the policy’s intent:
- Power Hub – A complete, customisable stand-alone off-grid system. With batteries contained in an IP55-rated cabinet, the Power Hub is perfect for outdoor installation.
- Power Board – A wall-mounted Power Board ideal for indoor installation, customisable to suit your energy needs.
Both are built with high-efficiency lithium batteries, advanced monitoring systems, and sizes ranging from 3kVA to 45kVA. With the rebate eligible to homeowners, small businesses, and community facilities installing battery systems between 5kWh and 50kWh, most of our Power Hubs and Power Boards are covered.
How Much Could You Save with the Proposed Battery Rebate?
The proposed rebate offers approximately $372 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of usable battery storage. For example, a system with 12kWh of usable capacity could be eligible for around $4,400 in savings. But many off-grid homes install larger systems, and with a typical 25kWh setup could save up to $9,250.
We’re closely monitoring the policy and will clearly indicate on all quotes if your system is likely to qualify based on the latest details.
What This Solar Battery Rebate Could Mean for You
If you’re living off-grid — or planning to — battery storage isn’t optional, it’s essential. It’s what keeps your lights on, your appliances running, and your household powered around the clock.
But it’s also one of the biggest upfront costs of building an independent energy system.
That’s why the proposed rebate is such a big deal. A 30% rebate could dramatically lower the barrier to going off-grid or upgrading your existing setup. It’s especially relevant for:
- People building new homes off-grid who want to reduce the initial setup costs
- Existing off-grid homes needing to replace or expand their battery storage
- Small farms or rural businesses relying on reliable, self-sufficient power
At Commodore, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. While the policy isn’t final yet – and the rebate will only apply to battery systems commissioned after 1 July 2025 – we’re offering an immediate $100 per usable kWh advance to support those who can’t wait.
Can’t Wait? Get $100 per kWh Off Today
With any election promise, there’s always uncertainty. These plans can change, or never happen. But if you’re ready to go off-grid now, it shouldn’t hold you back. That’s why we’re offering a $100 per usable kWh advance on eligible systems right now, so even if Labor’s proposal isn’t legislated you are guaranteed $100 per usable kWh from Commodore.
Here’s how it works:
Option One – Save Later:
- Rebate-Ready Quotes: If we believe a system qualifies under the proposed scheme, this will be clearly stated in your quote. You’ll know exactly where you stand before making a decision, and be rebate-ready when the legislation is introduced.
- Flexible, Upfront Support: If anything changes pre-sale, and a system becomes ineligible, we’ll work with you to find a compliant alternative, so you don’t miss out on any opportunity to save later.
Option Two – Save Now:
- $100 per usable kWh Guarantee: We’re offering a $100 per usable kWh advance on new off-grid systems right now — perfect if you can’t wait until July. This offer is for early movers and also for those customers that won’t qualify for the government rebate once it begins.
- Limited Offer: This offer is limited to the first 1,000kWh of battery capacity sold by Commodore Australia in anticipation of the Australian Government’s “Cheaper Home Batteries Program”.
Systems installed before July 1, 2025 may not be eligible for the government rebate. Commodore’s immediate discount is ideal for those who need to proceed now and cannot wait for the rebate to take effect.
FAQ: What People Are Asking About the Rebate
Is the rebate available now?
Yes. If legislation passes, the rebate could be introduced sometime later this year, but no official start date has been confirmed.
Who will be eligible?
Based on current information, the rebate will be available to homeowners, small businesses, and community facilities, likely with a focus on low to middle-income households. Final eligibility details will depend on how the policy is legislated.
Do off-grid homes qualify?
Yes. If the cost to connect to the grid exceeds $30,000, or if the off grid home is more than 1km from the nearest grid connection. We expect most off-grid battery systems sized between 5kWh and 50kWh will be eligible for the scheme.
Should I wait or buy now?
If you need power now — or your project is already underway — waiting might not be practical. Our $100 per usable kWh discount is available immediately for off-grid systems installed before 1 July 2025. While this means you may not be eligible for the government rebate later, it’s a solid saving for those who can’t delay.
How can I stay informed?
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the legislation and sharing updates as they happen. If you’d like to receive news on the rebate — including official confirmation once it’s passed — simply subscribe to our newsletter for updates or follow us on social media.
Want to Get Ahead? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re already living off-grid or just getting started, battery storage is a critical piece of your power setup. It is also a major investment. The proposed rebate could make a real difference, but it doesn’t need to hold you back in the meantime.
✅ Rebate-ready quotes
✅ $100 per kWh off now
✅ Trusted off-grid systems, made for Australian conditions
Talk to our team today. We’ll take the time to understand your needs, and explain all your options. At Commodore, we’re here to help you navigate the uncertainty with expert advice — and a guarantee that gives you confidence to move forward.
