A federal government program offering a 30% subsidy on home batteries has triggered an unprecedented surge in installations, with over 11,500 systems connected in the first three weeks. Industry experts describe the boom as reminiscent of the rooftop solar revolution 15 years ago, signalling a second wave in household energy transformation.
Data from the Clean Energy Regulator shows that more than 1,000 batteries per day are being installed under the $2.3bn Cheaper Home Batteries scheme, which began on 1 July. Warwick Johnston, managing director of solar consultancy SunWiz, noted that on some days, battery registrations have outnumbered new solar panel systems for the first time. 'Before the scheme, about 75,000 batteries were installed in 2024 compared to 300,000 solar PV systems. Now we are seeing a one-to-one ratio,' he said.
State-level figures reveal that New South Wales accounts for 40% of installations, followed by Queensland (20%), South Australia (17%), and Victoria (12%). The average battery size under the scheme is 17 kilowatt hours (kWh), significantly larger than the typical 10-12 kWh. Eligible batteries range from 5 kWh to 100 kWh, though subsidies only apply to the first 50 kWh.
Luke Menzel, chief executive of the Energy Efficiency Council, called the interest 'off the charts', highlighting households' eagerness to manage energy costs. Installer Andre Scott of 1KOMMA5 reported a 76% rise in total solar and battery sales in May and June compared to the same period last year, with battery-only purchases soaring 459%, primarily from existing solar owners. Typical battery prices range from $1,000 to $1,200 per kWh before discounts.
Tristan Edis of Green Energy Markets warned that if the current installation rate continues, Australia could have 10,000 megawatts (MW) of home battery capacity within five years—half the nation's coal power capacity. 'This completely destroys the business case for gas turbines and the high evening prices coal generators rely on,' he said. The Clean Energy Council's Con Hristodoulidis forecast that total installed batteries could reach 300,000 by year-end, up from 185,000 accumulated over four years, calling it the second wave of an energy revolution.
