13 December, 2025
Half of Australia’s 4 million solar homes will be storing sunshine thanks to a generous increase of the Albanese Government’s enormously successful Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP).
The Smart Energy Council congratulates the Government on its world leading rollout of solar batteries, and – on behalf industry and consumers – thanks it for committing a further $5 billion to the CHBP.
“Giving Australia’s four million solar homes the ability to time shift the use of their power generation is a consumer energy revolution,” Smart Energy Council Chief Executive John Grimes said.
“With 175,000 batteries expected to be deployed in under six-months, and a further 1.25 million through to 2030, half of Australia’s four million solar homes will become Sunsavers.”
We note adjustments to the rebate will take effect from 1 May, 2026, an appropriate period for industry to make adjustments to their business operations, and for consumers to take note of these changes.
“We are a responsible industry that believes in spreading the benefits of solar and batteries to as many people as possible. If that means changes to the rebate we support that,” Mr Grimes said.
“Energy Minister Chris Bowen made it clear when launching the program that future adjustments would be made if needed, and he’s consulted with industry ahead of announcing these changes.”
The Smart Energy Council further notes recent analysis from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), showing that increased battery uptake is one of the fastest ways to reduce electricity prices.
“The AEMC has shown that a faster rollout of batteries can cut power bills by around 3 per cent. Extending and refining this scheme will help deliver those savings,” Mr Grimes said.
“It’s now clear as sunlight that making more Australian homes and businesses Sunsoakers and Sunsavers is the fastest way to slash power bills, hand back energy independence to consumers, and provide grid stability.”
The Smart Energy Council is pleased to have the backing of industry on this electrification journey, with manufacturers, distributors, accredited certificate providers and installers welcoming today’s announcement about the CHBP from the Government.
Dean Williamson, Country Manager, GoodWe Australia
“As a global manufacturer the CHBP program has helped us to scale up and bring advanced solar storage products to Australia. The willingness of Australian homeowners to add batteries is globally significant and a huge success.”
“But, we do agree that ensuring the ongoing viability of the scheme is essential and support calls to adjust the program. We need time and sensible adjustments, but believe the industry would rather have this than a sudden end.”
Andrew Burgess, Co-founder and Sales Director, Solar Juice
“The CHBP has completely transformed the solar and storage market, making Australia an international success in smart energy.”
“However, we can all see that its popularity has exceeded all expectations and program sustainability is key, so we do support an orderly adjustment which takes into account industry needs.”
Ria O’Hehir, CEO Greenbank
“As one of Australia’s biggest and long-running environmental traders, we know that one of the most important factors for the industry is certainty, this announcement provides just that.”
“Planning is paramount for product manufacturers, distributors, installers and consumers, all can now take confidence they know what to expect going forward.”
Jim Hill, CEO Nepean Solar
“A boom-bust cycle has been a hugely impactful feature of this industry, so this sensible change that ensures the long term viability of our sector is a huge relief and we welcome it.”
“As a small business owner we need to be able to plan for the ordering of stock, training and upskilling of staff, and indeed the taking on of new apprentices, this approach allows us to do that with confidence.”
- ENDS
Links:
Press Conference in Sydney: https://youtube.com/shorts/nJWOp9zwnZg?feature=share
Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192
