LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    Active
    Australia
    Solar

    Cheaper Home Batteries Program

    Australia's federal battery program that cuts the upfront cost of home batteries (5–100 kWh) connected to solar PV by around 30%, delivered as small-scale technology certificates.

    Available Amount

    around 30% discount on the upfront cost of an eligible battery system (per the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water)

    Start Date

    Not published

    End Date

    2030 (discount rate declines through to 2030)

    Eligibility

    Australian households, businesses and community organisations. The battery must be 5–100 kWh usable capacity, connected to new or existing solar PV, and installed for permanent use.

    Eligible Upgrades & Scope

    Small-scale battery systems of 5–100 kWh usable capacity connected to new or existing rooftop solar PV systems. Batteries must be Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved and installed by accredited installers. The discount is delivered as small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

    The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is the battery stream of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. It covers small-scale batteries with a usable capacity between 5 and 100 kilowatt-hours that are connected to a new or existing rooftop solar PV system. Both the battery and the installation must meet program rules: batteries need to be on the Clean Energy Council's approved list, and the work must be carried out by accredited installers. The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator and funded through the creation of small-scale technology certificates, which is the same mechanism that has long discounted rooftop solar panels.

    Eligibility basics

    Households, businesses and community organisations can all participate. The battery must sit within the 5–100 kWh usable capacity band and be connected to solar PV — a battery installed without solar does not qualify. The system must be installed for permanent use at the premises.

    Incentive amounts

    The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water describes the incentive as a discount of around 30% on the upfront cost of the battery system. From 1 May 2026 the STC calculation changed: the STC Factor now declines every six months (6.8 for May–December 2026, falling to 2.1 by July–December 2030), and support tapers by battery size — 100% of the factor for systems up to 14 kWh, 60% for 14–28 kWh, and 15% for 28–50 kWh. In December 2025 the federal government announced the program's funding envelope would expand from $2.3 billion to $7.2 billion.

    How to apply

    There is no consumer application form. The discount is normally applied at the point of sale: you assign your right to create STCs to a registered agent (often your installer or a certificate trader), who applies the value as an upfront price reduction. The Clean Energy Regulator publishes a register of registered agents. Get quotes from accredited installers and confirm the quoted discount reflects the current STC factor.

    Important notes

    The battery must be CEC-approved and connected to solar PV to qualify. The program stacks with state battery schemes such as Western Australia's Residential Battery Scheme, but state rules differ — check both. The STC factor is reviewed at least annually and declines over time, so earlier installations attract larger discounts. Program details change — verify current rules on the official program page before applying.

    Ready to Apply?

    Visit the official program website to check your eligibility, find application forms, and get the most up-to-date information.

    Visit Official Program Site

    Other Programs You May Qualify For

    Active

    Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) (Australia)

    Federal incentive creating Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that act as an upfront discount on solar and heat pumps.

    Up to $3,000 - $4,500 (Point-of-sale discount)

    Active

    Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program (Australia)

    State government initiative providing discounts on energy-saving products for Victorian homes and businesses.

    Varies ($100 - $1,500+)

    Important: Educational Purposes OnlyThe guides, tools, cost estimates, and ROI calculators provided on EnergyBS.com are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute certified financial, tax, or professional engineering advice. Energy costs, government rebates, and installation fees vary significantly by location and are subject to change. Always consult with certified local professionals before undertaking home energy projects or making financial commitments.