The current Queensland solar battery rebate landscape

Let’s clear up the confusion straight away. As of late 2025, the landscape for a Queensland solar battery rebate has shifted from state-specific programs to a nationwide federal incentive.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program: This is the main government solar battery rebate currently available to Queenslanders. It launched on 1 July 2025 and is designed to reduce the upfront cost of a new battery system by around 30%.
• Queensland’s Battery Booster Program: This state-run program, which offered rebates of up to $4,000, is now closed to new applications. All funds for this scheme were exhausted in May 2024.

So, if you’re looking for a government rebate in Queensland today, all eyes are on the federal scheme. It’s a substantial, long-term program expected to run until 2030, though the rebate value will gradually decrease each year.

Cheaper Home Batteries Program Queensland eligibility

The good news is that the federal program is designed to be broadly accessible. It isn’t means-tested, meaning your household income doesn’t affect your eligibility.

To qualify for the federal solar battery rebate in Queensland, you need to meet a few key criteria:

• Who can apply: The program is open to homeowners, small businesses, and community facilities.
• Solar system requirement: The battery must be connected to a new or existing rooftop solar PV system. Your solar system must have a capacity of at least 5kW.
• Approved products: The battery and inverter you choose must be on the approved product lists. Your installer can provide the most current list of eligible products.
• Accredited installer: Crucially, the installation must be completed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer. This is non-negotiable for accessing the rebate.
• Battery size: The system must have a capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh. The rebate is calculated on the first 50 kWh of usable capacity.

Gigi’s pro tip: Don’t get caught out by outdated information. The installer accreditation body for solar and batteries has transitioned from the Clean Energy Council (CEC) to Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA). Always ensure your chosen professional holds current SAA accreditation to be eligible for any government incentives.

How the federal government solar battery rebate works

Instead of a cash-back payment after the fact, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program works as an upfront discount. It’s managed through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), the same system that provides the rebate for solar panels.

Here’s a simple version of how it works:

• It’s based on STCs: The rebate’s value is determined by Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). In 2025, an eligible battery generates 9.3 STCs for every usable kilowatt-hour (kWh) of capacity.
• Your installer handles it: You don’t have to worry about trading these certificates yourself. Your SAA-accredited installer will handle the paperwork and apply the discount directly to your final invoice.
• Real-world savings: The value of an STC fluctuates, but it translates to a discount of approximately $344 per kWh in 2025. For a typical 10 kWh battery, this could mean a saving of around $3,440.

What happened to the Queensland Battery Booster program?

The Queensland government’s Battery Booster program was very popular when it launched in early 2024, offering targeted rebates to eligible households. However, due to high demand, the program’s funding was fully allocated, and it officially closed to new applications on 8 May 2024.

While this specific state program has ended, the new, more inclusive federal government solar battery rebate has stepped in to fill the gap, providing a clear path for Queenslanders to make battery storage more affordable.

Is there a Queensland solar battery loan scheme?

While the primary financial support is the upfront discount from the federal rebate, some reports mention that the Queensland government has previously offered interest-free loan programs to help with the cost of solar and battery installations. It’s always worth checking the official Queensland Government concessions page for any currently active loan schemes or other energy rebates that might apply to your situation.

How to apply for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program in Queensland

Applying for the federal rebate is straightforward because your installer does most of the heavy lifting.

Here are the key steps you’ll need to follow:

• Find an accredited installer: Your first step is to get quotes from reputable, SAA-accredited installers. You can search for local accredited professionals online to ensure they are certified.
• Get a quote: The installer will assess your needs and provide a quote for an eligible battery system. This quote should clearly show the federal rebate included as a discount.
• Installation: Once you accept a quote, your chosen installer will complete the installation. Importantly, the system must be certified with a Certificate of Electrical Compliance on or after 1 July 2025, to be eligible.
• Claiming the rebate: Your installer will manage the STC creation and claim process on your behalf, so the final price you pay is the post-rebate amount.

Other Queensland government energy rebates and concessions in 2025

Beyond the battery-specific rebate, Queenslanders may be eligible for other financial assistance with their energy bills.

As of October 2025, these include:

• Energy Bill Relief Fund: The Australian Government is providing a $150 credit on electricity bills for all Queensland households, typically applied in quarterly instalments.
• The Queensland Electricity Rebate: This provides an annual rebate for eligible pensioners, seniors, and concession card holders.
• Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession: This scheme offers assistance to people with specific medical needs requiring air-conditioning.

These concessions can help reduce your overall energy costs, making the investment in a solar battery system even more financially attractive.

Making the right choice

With the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program now in full swing, there has never been a better time for Queenslanders to consider adding battery storage. It offers a clear, substantial discount that makes achieving energy independence more accessible.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I can help. For a quick, personalised estimate of solar and battery costs and savings for your home, try the free solar assistant on this page. Or, if you’d prefer a detailed quote, I can introduce you to a trusted, SAA-accredited local expert—just fill out the form below.