From 1 July 2025, Australian homeowners will have a compelling reason to invest in solar battery storage. The federal government is launching the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a nationwide initiative designed to significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing solar batteries.
If you live in Victoria — particularly in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Kyneton, or anywhere in Central Victoria — this is welcome news. Not only is financial support for battery storage expanding, but one of the region’s most trusted solar specialists, Midland Solar, is ideally positioned to help you make the most of it.
This article covers everything you need to know about the new battery rebate, who is eligible, how it works, and why Midland Solar is the preferred installer in the region.
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a new federal government incentive taking effect on 1 July 2025. It provides an upfront discount of approximately 30% on eligible home battery systems.
This discount is delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) using Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Similar to solar panels, battery systems will now be eligible for STCs. Installers will claim the certificates on your behalf and apply the value as a discount at the point of sale.
The average discount is expected to be around $330 to $372 per usable kilowatt hour (kWh) of battery storage, up to a maximum of 50 kWh. This translates to:
The scheme will gradually phase down each year until 2030. Acting early ensures the highest possible rebate.
This is a nationwide scheme, allowing homeowners, small businesses, and community buildings across all states and territories to participate.
Eligibility requirements include:
There are no income tests or asset thresholds, making this rebate more widely accessible than previous state-based programs.
Victorian residents may be familiar with the Victorian Solar Battery Rebate and the more recent interest-free battery loans provided by Solar Victoria. These initiatives helped many homeowners install batteries but concluded on 30 June 2025.
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program now replaces those state-level rebates and is the primary means of accessing battery discounts in Victoria.
While other state or local government rebates may still be available for solar panels or hot water upgrades, battery-specific incentives will now come from the federal government.
The process for accessing the rebate is straightforward:
There is no paperwork required from the customer, and the discount is applied immediately.
With rising electricity prices, solar systems without storage only offer savings during daylight hours. Adding a battery allows you to:
The new federal rebate makes battery systems far more financially viable, especially when installed early in the scheme.
For those living in Central Victoria, Midland Solar offers a trusted, experienced, and accredited solution for solar and battery installations.
Midland Solar holds a five-star average rating from numerous customer reviews on trusted platforms. Clients commend the company’s professionalism, honesty, and transparent, no-pressure approach.
Based in Quarry Hill, Bendigo, Midland Solar has more than 25 years of experience in the solar and electrical industry. They are deeply familiar with local regulations, climate considerations, and energy network conditions.
Midland Solar is a Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved retailer and employs Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) certified installers. This ensures all installations meet the highest safety and quality standards and qualify for STC rebates.
From the initial assessment to post-installation support, Midland Solar provides a full-service experience. Most installations are completed within a single day, minimising inconvenience.
Rather than recommending the most expensive solution, Midland Solar prioritises return on investment. Their team will advise if a battery system suits your energy usage or if alternative solutions, such as heat pumps or energy monitoring systems, would be more effective.
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program begins on 1 July 2025. Plan any solar or battery upgrades to commence after this date to access the rebate.
Contact Midland Solar to arrange a free site evaluation. They will assess your existing system, usage patterns, and site conditions.
Receive detailed quotes that include STC discounts across a range of battery storage capacities to suit your needs.
Once ready, Midland Solar will coordinate your installation, complete the necessary compliance documents, and ensure your system is fully operational.
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program represents a significant opportunity for Australians to improve their energy independence while reducing costs. With battery prices coming down and generous federal support now available, 2025 is the ideal time to invest in energy storage.
For homeowners and businesses in Central Victoria, Midland Solar stands out as the leading installer for solar and battery solutions. Their local knowledge, accredited team, and transparent approach ensure a smooth and valuable experience.
To learn more or book a consultation, contact Midland Solar:
Website: www.midlandsolar.com.au
Phone: (03) 5441 8365
Disclaimer: This article is accurate as of July 2025. Please consult the Clean Energy Regulator or Midland Solar for the most current rebate and eligibility information.
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