Cheaper Home Batteries Program: What It Means for South Burnett

Summary: The new Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers generous discounts for home battery systems, helping South Burnett households make better use of their solar power. While the savings are real, the upfront cost remains a barrier for many. This article helps you decide if it’s right for you.

The Australian government’s new Cheaper Home Batteries Program, launching July 1, 2025, promises to make home battery storage more affordable for households across the country—including many here in South Burnett. In our region, where a large number of residents are long-term homeowners, retirees, and solar users, the question remains: is this program really a game-changer, or just another costly promise that’s still out of reach for many? Read on to understand if this opportunity is right for your household.

This article breaks down what the program offers, how it could impact your bills, the risks involved, and whether it makes sense for South Burnett households—regardless of age or income.

What Is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a $2.3 billion federal initiative designed to reduce the upfront cost of installing home battery systems by about 30%. That’s a saving of roughly $4,000 on a typical 11.5 kWh battery, with discounts available for systems between 5 kWh and 50 kWh in size. The program aims to support over one million new battery installations by 2030 and is delivered through the same Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) that made rooftop solar so popular in Australia.

• Starts July 1, 2025 (batteries installed after April 6, 2025, are eligible if not switched on until July 1)
• 30% discount on battery installation (up to $372 per usable kWh)
• Available to all eligible property owners (not means-tested)
• Can be combined with state battery rebates (where available)
• Applies to new or existing solar systems

Why Batteries Matter in South Burnett

Many South Burnett households already have solar panels, particularly older residents and retirees. But they face a common frustration: the electricity export tariff (what Ergon pays for sending power back to the grid) is much lower than what it costs to buy electricity during non-sunny times. For 2025–26, Ergon’s feed-in tariff is 7.6 cents per kWh, while grid electricity costs 28.6 cents per kWh. That’s a big gap.

A home battery lets you store solar power during the day and use it later—like at night or during cloudy weather—reducing your dependence on expensive grid electricity.

The Numbers: What Could You Save?

Let’s look at a typical scenario for a South Burnett household with solar and moderate electricity use:

• Annual grid electricity use: 4,000 kWh
• Annual solar export: 2,000 kWh
• Annual bill without battery: About $992 (after feed-in credits)
• With a battery: Grid use drops to 2,000 kWh, and export drops to 500 kWh, reducing the annual bill to about $534
• Annual saving: Around $458

Over 15 years (the typical battery lifespan), this adds up to $6,870 in savings. However, even after the 30% government discount, the upfront cost of a battery is still around $9,000 for a standard 11.5 kWh system—enough to cover most evening usage for a typical household. While the payback period can be 15 years or more, the long-term benefits of reduced bills, protection during blackouts, and increased energy independence can make it a worthwhile investment for those planning to stay in their homes long-term.

Pros: Potential Benefits for Local Residents

• Lower Power Bills: Storing your own solar power means buying less from the grid—helpful for households on fixed incomes or looking to cut costs.
• Protection from Blackouts: Batteries can keep the lights (and fridge, medical devices, etc.) running during outages—important in rural areas.
• Energy Independence: More control over your energy, and less reliance on Ergon.
• Environmental Impact: Storing and using your own solar power helps reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
• Government Support: The federal discount stacks with other rebates and is open to all eligible homeowners, not just pensioners.

Cons: The Barriers and Risks

• High Upfront Cost: Even with the discount, $9,000 is a lot for many households, especially those on tight budgets. The payback period can be 15 years or more.
• Technology Concerns: Some residents—especially those less familiar with new tech—are cautious or overwhelmed by complex systems.
• Safety Concerns: There have been fires at large battery storage facilities, but home systems are much smaller and safer when installed by accredited professionals.
• Environmental Risks: Batteries must be disposed of properly at the end of life. Recycling is regulated, but it’s important to ask your installer about it.
• Not Suitable for Everyone: If your electricity use is very low, the investment might not pay off. And battery ownership doesn’t impact Centrelink benefits.

Addressing Safety and Environmental Concerns

• Home batteries are much smaller and lower risk than grid-scale facilities.
• They must meet Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 5139:2029).
• Built-in battery management systems control temperature and fire risk.
• Accredited installers ensure proper setup and operation.
• End-of-life disposal is regulated and handled by certified operators.

Ask your installer about safety features, emergency plans, and how recycling is handled. Don’t hesitate to request written documentation.

Making an Informed Decision

Scenario	Annual Cost/Savings
Current Grid Cost (4,000 kWh consumed, 2,000 kWh exported)	~$992 (after feed-in tariff credit)
Cost with Battery (2,000 kWh consumed, 500 kWh exported)	~$534 (after feed-in credit)
Annual Savings with Battery	~$458
Upfront Investment (11.5 kWh battery after 30% discount)	~$9,000
Total Savings Over 15 Years	~$6,870 (recovers 76% of upfront cost)

Is a battery right for you? Ask yourself:

• Affordability: Can you manage the upfront cost or access a payment plan?
• Electricity use: Do you use enough power to benefit from storing solar?
• Existing rebates: Are you already receiving concessions that help with your energy bills?
• Risk tolerance: Are you comfortable with new technology and possible maintenance?
• Peace of mind: Is backup power during blackouts important to you?

If you’re unsure, seek advice from trusted local sources—community groups, accredited installers, or government energy advisors. Community information sessions can also help demystify the technology and available support.

What You Can Do Next

The Bottom Line for South Burnett

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a positive step toward energy independence for solar users across Australia. For South Burnett households—especially those on fixed incomes or with existing solar—it offers meaningful benefits and can be a game-changer for those with the upfront capital and higher electricity usage. But the high upfront cost and long payback time mean it’s not for everyone.

If you’re interested but hesitant, explore support options before making any commitments. Ask questions, compare quotes, and seek advice from local groups. The right decision is one that fits your needs, budget, and peace of mind.

For updates, follow the South Burnett Advocate and your local council, and reach out to qualified energy advisors before making decisions.

This article is provided as a community service for South Burnett residents and reflects information available as of May 15, 2025. For tailored guidance, consult a qualified energy or financial advisor.