ACT Battery Rebate
Guide (2025)
Table of Contents
- 1. What Support Still Exists And How to Make the Most of It
- 2. ACT Battery Rebates at a Glance
- 3. What Happened to the ACT Battery Rebate?
- 4. What Support Is Still Available for Batteries in the ACT?
- 5. Is a Battery Still Worth It in Canberra?
- 6. Eligibility and Application Steps
- 7. Who Can Apply for Battery Support in the ACT?
- 8. How to Apply
- 9. Ask Us Anything
- 10. Ready to Compare Battery Options in the ACT?
What Support Still Exists And How to Make the Most of It
Not sure if you can still get a battery rebate in the ACT? You’re not alone.
The ACT’s original battery rebate program has officially ended but that doesn’t mean support has disappeared altogether.
In 2025, Canberra homeowners still have access to:
- A federal battery rebate worth up to $4,500–$6,000
- Low-interest loans through the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme
- Additional rebates and zero-interest finance for concession card holders
This guide will walk you through what’s changed, what you can still claim, and how to make battery storage more affordable in the ACT even without a direct government subsidy.
ACT Battery Rebates at
a Glance
If you’re a homeowner in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and thinking about adding a solar battery to your home, you’re probably wondering is there a government rebate to help with the cost?
Here’s the short version:
| Rebate or Support | Available in ACT (2025)? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ACT Government Battery Rebate | ❌ No | The ACT’s dedicated battery rebate program (Next Gen Energy Storage) has ended. |
| Sustainable Household Scheme | ✅ Yes | Loans of $2,000–$15,000 for eligible battery and energy upgrades. Now at 3% interest. |
| Home Energy Support Program | ✅ Yes (Concession holders) | Up to $5,000 in rebates and up to $10,000 in zero-interest loans. |
| Federal Battery Rebate | ✅ Yes | Up to $4,500–$6,000 for eligible home batteries under the 2025 national scheme. |
Although the ACT no longer offers a standalone government battery rebate, there are still real ways to reduce the upfront cost of installing a battery especially if you’re eligible for the Home Energy Support Program or the federal solar battery rebate.
What Happened to the ACT Battery Rebate?
The ACT Government’s battery rebate program, known as the Next Gen Energy Storage program, officially ended in recent years. This scheme offered upfront subsidies for home battery installations in Canberra and was one of the most generous in the country at the time.
However, the program was closed after meeting its targeted rollout goals, and no replacement battery-specific rebate has been introduced since.
As of 2025:
- There is no standalone ACT battery rebate
- ACT residents must now rely on federal rebates, loan programs, or VPP participation to reduce costs
- Support has shifted to broader energy efficiency incentives including battery storage through the Sustainable Household Scheme
This change has left many homeowners wondering if adding a battery is still worth it. Fortunately, the combination of federal rebates and flexible ACT loan options means solar battery systems are still very much within reach.
What Support Is Still Available
for Batteries in the ACT?
Even without a dedicated ACT battery rebate, several support programs remain available to help reduce the cost of installing a home battery system in Canberra.
1. Sustainable Household Scheme (Low-Interest Loan)
This ACT Government initiative provides loans between $2,000 and $15,000 to help eligible households invest in energy-efficient products including battery storage systems, EV chargers, and heat pump hot water units.
Key details (as of 1 July 2025):
- Interest Rate: Now 3% p.a. (previously 0%)
- Loan Term: Up to 10 years
- Eligibility: Open to ACT homeowners and some community groups
- Provider: Loans are issued by Brighte, the scheme’s finance partner
- Conditions: Attendance at a free energy efficiency workshop may be required
- Application: Approved applicants receive a unique QR code to verify installations
Note: Solar panels are no longer eligible under this scheme (except for concession holders ).
2. Home Energy Support Program (Rebates for Concession Holders)
This targeted program offers additional rebates and zero-interest loans for ACT residents who hold an eligible concession card (Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card, or Health Care Card).
You may be eligible for:
- Up to $5,000 in rebates (covering up to 50% of the cost)
- Up to $10,000 in zero-interest loans
- Can be used for batteries, insulation, efficient appliances, and solar panels
This support can significantly reduce upfront costs for low-income households especially when combined with the federal battery rebate.
3. Federal Battery Rebate (National Program)
From July 2025, eligible ACT homeowners can access a new federal government battery rebate of up to $4,500–$6,000, depending on your battery size and the applicable rebate rate.
- Rebate rate: $372 per kWh (admin fees apply)
- Eligible systems: Must meet Clean Energy Regulator requirements
- Stackable: Can be combined with ACT loan or concession programs
- Example: A 13.5 kWh battery (e.g. Tesla Powerwall 3) could receive around $5,000 back
To learn more about how the rebate works, see our full Federal Battery Rebate Guide.
In short: while there’s no direct rebate from the ACT government anymore, combining federal support, ACT loans, and (if eligible) concession rebates can still make a big difference.
Is a Battery Still Worth
It in Canberra?
Even without a direct ACT government battery rebate, solar batteries can still be a smart long-term investment for the right home. But whether they’re “worth it” depends on a few key factors.
Electricity Prices in the ACT
Canberra households are facing rising electricity prices like the rest of Australia. A home battery allows you to:
- Store excess solar power during the day
- Use it at night instead of buying energy from the grid
- Protect against blackouts if your system includes backup functionality
Payback Periods (with and without Rebates)
Let’s say you install a 10 kWh battery system with full federal rebate eligibility:
- Before rebate: Approx. $11,000 to $13,000
- Federal rebate: Around $3,700
- Loan access: Spread over 10 years at 3% via ACT Scheme
- Out-of-pocket net: $7,500 to $9,000 (before any VPP earnings or electricity savings)
Typical payback period in Canberra:
- Without any support: 12 to 15 years
- With federal rebate and ACT loan: 8 to 11 years (shorter with high usage or VPP participation)
Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)
While VPP programs in the ACT are less common than in South Australia or Victoria, a few electricity retailers offer VPP-compatible plans that may:
- Pay you for sharing stored battery energy
- Provide access to bonus credits or bill savings
- Help offset the cost of battery ownership over time
Programs like Reposit, Amber, or Tesla’s VPP (limited rollout) may be worth considering if you want to maximize returns.
So, is it worth it?
If you:
- Use most of your energy at night or early morning
- Want to protect against blackouts
- Plan to stay in your home long term
- Can access rebates, loans, or VPPs to bring down costs
Then adding a battery in Canberra can still be a financially and environmentally sound decision.
Eligibility and Application Steps
Who Can Apply for Battery Support in the ACT?
While there’s no longer a dedicated ACT battery rebate, you can still access other forms of support depending on your situation.
Sustainable Household Scheme (Low-Interest Loan)
You may be eligible if you:
- Own a residential property in the ACT, or
- Hold a current ACT driver’s license (for EV-related loans)
- Plan to install an eligible energy-efficient product (including battery storage)
- Meet Brighte’s credit and lending criteria
- Are willing to attend a free 1-hour workshop on energy efficiency
Loan Terms:
- Loan value: $2,000 to $15,000
- Term: Up to 10 years
- Interest: 3% p.a. (as of 1 July 2025)
- Provider: Brighte (official loan partner)
Home Energy Support Program (Concession Holders)
To access zero-interest loans and rebates, you must:
- Hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA Gold Card
- Be an ACT resident
- Plan to install eligible upgrades like battery systems, solar panels, or electric appliances
Available support:
- Up to $5,000 in rebates (covering up to 50% of the cost)
- Up to $10,000 in zero-interest loans
- Can be combined for even greater affordability
Federal Battery Rebate (Nationwide)
To qualify for the federal rebate in the ACT, you must:
- Install an approved battery system that meets Clean Energy Regulator requirements
- Use a participating installer
How to Apply
Get a Quote
Choose a Clean Energy Council–approved battery system and installer. We recommend comparing multiple quotes to understand your options.
Check Your Eligibility
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a federal rebate, ACT loan, concession rebate or a combination of all three.
Apply for Finance or Rebate
Apply directly through:
- Sustainable Household Scheme Portal (ACT loans)
- Your installer (federal rebate paperwork)
- Home Energy Support Program (for concession rebates)
Proceed with Installation
Once approved, you’ll receive a QR code (for ACT loan validation) and rebate confirmation details.
We Have Great Answers
Ask Us Anything
No. The ACT’s original battery rebate program (Next Gen Energy Storage) has ended. However, ACT residents can still access the federal battery rebate, low-interest loans through the Sustainable Household Scheme, and rebates for concession holders through the Home Energy Support Program.
The federal rebate provides up to $372 per kWh for eligible battery systems. For example, a 13.5 kWh battery may be eligible for around $5,000 in rebates — subject to admin fees and final government confirmation.
It’s a government-backed loan program that allows ACT residents to borrow between $2,000 and $15,000 at 3% interest over up to 10 years. It can be used for approved energy upgrades such as battery storage, hot water systems, and electric vehicle chargers.
Yes. Eligible concession card holders in the ACT can access:
- Up to $5,000 in rebates
- Zero-interest loans up to $10,000
- These apply to battery storage, solar panels, insulation, and more.
Yes. Despite losing access to interest-free loans for standard solar installs, Canberra still has strong solar performance and rising grid prices. Most homeowners recover their investment in 3 to 5 years.
For most households, a 10 kWh battery is enough to power evening and early morning usage especially when paired with a well-sized solar system. It may not be sufficient to run high-load appliances for extended periods during a blackout unless designed for whole-home backup.
Most lithium batteries last 10 to 15 years, depending on brand, usage, and warranty coverage. Many include warranties up to 6,000 cycles.
Yes. You can combine the federal rebate with:
- A 3% loan under the Sustainable Household Scheme
- Zero-interest finance or rebates under the Home Energy Support Program (for concession holders)
Ready to Compare Battery Options in the ACT?
While the ACT’s standalone battery rebate may be gone, 2025 is still a great time to invest in solar storage especially if you:
- Want to reduce your reliance on grid electricity
- Are eligible for federal rebates, ACT low-interest loans, or concession support
- Want to future-proof your home for rising energy costs and potential VPP programs
We help ACT homeowners cut through the complexity and find battery systems that suit their budget, roof size, and energy habits. Every installer on our platform is vetted for technical quality, support standards, and rebate eligibility.
Get quotes from CEC-accredited professionals who understand the local landscape and will help you claim every dollar of support you’re entitled to.
