Your 2025 guide to the Queensland solar battery rebate

Navigating the world of government incentives can be confusing, but I’m here to make it simple. If you’re a Queenslander looking for a solar battery rebate, you’ve likely heard of the ‘Battery Booster’ program. It’s critical to know that this state-run program is now closed to new applications.

The good news? A generous new federal government battery rebate has taken its place, and it’s available to all eligible Queensland households. This program, called the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, makes adding storage to your solar system more affordable than ever. Let’s walk through how it works and the exact steps you need to take to claim it.

Queensland Battery Booster program eligibility criteria

While the original state-based Battery Booster program has ended, the new federal rebate has its own set of straightforward eligibility requirements for Queenslanders. The great news is that it isn’t means-tested, opening it up to more households.

To be eligible for the federal solar battery rebate, you must:

• Be the homeowner of a property in Queensland.

• Install a new battery system with at least 5kWh of usable capacity.

• Connect the battery to a new or existing solar panel system that is at least 5kW in size.

• Use an approved battery system from the official list (your installer will manage this).

• Use a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer for the entire installation.

• Only one rebate is available per property.

This program is designed for both homeowners adding a battery to an existing solar setup and those installing a complete solar and battery system from scratch.

Approved battery systems for the government rebate

The federal government requires that any battery receiving a rebate meets specific technical and safety standards. While the official product list is extensive and regularly updated, the key requirement is that the battery must be ‘VPP-ready’.

VPP stands for Virtual Power Plant. A VPP-ready battery has the communications technology to connect to the grid and, if you choose, participate in programs that help stabilise the electricity network in return for payments. While you are not required to join a VPP to get the rebate, the hardware must have the capability.

Most modern, high-quality batteries from leading brands are on the approved list. Your installer will guide you, but here are some of the most popular and compliant options in the Australian market:

Gigi’s Pro Tip: When you get a quote, ask your installer to explicitly confirm that the battery model they are proposing is on the government’s approved list for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. This is a simple check that prevents major headaches later.

Finding an approved installer for the Queensland battery rebate

This is the most important step in the process. The federal government rebate is not a cash-back offer you apply for yourself after the fact. Instead, it’s an upfront discount applied at the point of sale, and only an accredited installer can provide it.

The body responsible for this accreditation is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA). You should never engage with an installer who cannot prove their SAA accreditation. From my analysis of dozens of system quotes, reputable installers will always display their accreditation number proudly on their quotes and website.

To ensure you are working with a qualified professional:

• Ask for their SAA accreditation number.

• Request references from previous battery installation customers in your area.

• Ensure the quote you receive clearly itemises the rebate as a discount on the total system cost.

I can connect you with a trusted local expert who is fully accredited to install your system and process the rebate—just fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

How to apply for the solar battery rebate in Queensland

The process is simpler than you might think because your installer does the heavy lifting. There is no complex government portal for you to navigate.

Here is the step-by-step process:

• Step 1: Get Quotes: Contact at least three SAA-accredited installers for a quote on an approved battery system.

• Step 2: Choose Your Installer: Select the quote that best suits your needs and budget. The installer will confirm your eligibility.

• Step 3: Sign the Agreement: Your contract or quote will show the total system price minus the federal rebate amount. This upfront discount is the rebate application.

• Step 4: Installation: Your accredited installer will install the battery system and complete all the necessary compliance paperwork. They are responsible for registering your system and processing the rebate on their end.

• Step 5: Final Payment: You pay the final invoice, which already has the rebate discount applied.

Documents required for your application

While your installer handles the official submission, you will need to provide them with a couple of key documents to prove your eligibility for the contract.

Have these ready:

• Proof of home ownership: A recent council rates notice is the most common and accepted document.

• A signed copy of your quote/contract: This is the formal agreement between you and the installation company.

Your installer will use these, along with the electrical compliance certificates from the installation, to finalise the process.

Government battery rebate amounts and tiers for 2025

Unlike the old, income-tested Queensland program, the new federal rebate is based on the size of the battery you install. The discount is calculated per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of usable battery capacity.

The rebate provides an upfront discount of approximately $350 to $370 per kWh of battery capacity. This works out to be about a 30% reduction in the supply and installation cost of the battery system.

Here’s what that looks like for common battery sizes:

• 8 kWh Battery: A rebate of approximately $2,800 – $2,960.

• 10 kWh Battery: A rebate of approximately $3,500 – $3,700.

• 13.5 kWh Battery (Tesla Powerwall): A rebate of approximately $4,725 – $4,995.

This substantial discount dramatically improves the financial case for adding a battery to your home.

Case Study: A Family in Toowoomba The O’Brien family was hit with quarterly power bills often exceeding $700. They installed an 8kW solar system using Trina panels and a 10kWh Sungrow SBR battery for a total cost of $17,000. After the federal government battery rebate was applied upfront by their installer, their out-of-pocket cost was reduced to just $13,300. Their annual savings are now over $2,500, placing them on track for a payback period of around 5.5 years, and their last electricity bill was in credit.

Final thoughts

Adding a battery is a significant step towards energy independence, and the current government solar battery rebate makes it a much more achievable investment for Queensland families. It cuts down the payback period and gives you immediate protection from rising electricity prices and blackouts.

The key is to act with good information. Remember to work only with SAA-accredited installers and ensure the rebate is applied as an upfront discount on your quote. If you’d like some help finding a trusted local professional who can provide a clear, no-obligation quote, I’m here to assist.