Australia has officially crossed a monumental clean energy benchmark with the installation of over 500,000 household solar batteries, underscoring the nation’s rapid transition toward decentralised, reliable, and home-grown renewable power.
Smart Energy Council Chief Executive David McElrea said the milestone achieved within 14 months, highlights Australia’s position as a global leader in residential rooftop solar and energy storage adoption.
“With half a million battery systems now active across Australian homes and businesses, the cumulative storage capacity is delivering enhanced grid stability, lowering household energy costs, and accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels,” Mr McElrea said.
“This is a testament to Australian households taking energy independence into their own hands. Reaching 500,000 installed solar batteries is a massive moment for Australia’s energy transition.”
The milestone coincides with fresh research demonstrating overwhelming public backing for federal policy driving the uptake. According to new polling conducted by YouGov and the Smart Energy Council across a sample of over 1,067 people:
- Three out of four Australians (75%) support the Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
- Two in three Australians (66%) agree that government support to help households install home batteries is a good use of public funding.
Total sample size was 1029 Australian voters. Fieldwork was undertaken between the 31st July – 5th August 2026
“Australians overwhelmingly support government action on home batteries because they recognise a win-win when they see one,” Mr McElrea said.
“A few years ago, home batteries were a niche technology. Today, they are a mainstream, essential component of how Australians power their lives, save money on electricity bills, and build a cleaner energy grid.”
“Every single one of these 500,000 batteries represents a household taking control of their energy future while strengthening our national power network.”
Beyond bill relief and grid stability, the battery boom is proving to be a powerhouse for local skilled employment:
- The number of accredited battery installers in Australia has doubled to 8,846since the program commenced.
- In just three and a half years, we’re approaching 30,000 apprentices embarking on training through the clean energy stream of the New Energy Apprenticeship program.
“This program isn’t just cutting power bills – it is supporting the next generations of Australia’s proud energy jobs sector,” Mr McElrea added.
“We are training tens of thousands of new apprentices and doubling our accredited battery workforce to meet surging consumer demand.”
“This is just the beginning. As battery storage technology continues to improve and become even more accessible, the benefits to our environment, our workforce, and our economy will only multiply.”
Media Contact
media@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192
Website: www.smartenergy.org.au
About us: The Smart Energy Council is the peak independent body for Australia’s renewable energy, energy storage, and clean technology industry.
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