What you need to know about home solar batteries

Four million Australian households are now powered by solar. Batteries allow you to store solar energy and use it when you need it most.
Home batteries can save most households between $1000 and $2300 a year on energy bills depending on how they’re used.
Government rebates and discounted financing options can help make installing a home battery more affordable.

Many Australians are embracing the cost savings and sustainability benefits that come with home energy upgrades. With four million households now powered by solar and energy bills on the rise, more people are looking for ways to take control. Batteries are becoming central to that shift.

“Batteries allow you to store solar energy and use it when you need it most – at night, during peak times or a blackout, or to charge an EV,” says Katherine McConnell, founder and CEO of Brighte. “It’s the one bill you can actually do something about.”

Getting the right size system is key

When it comes to solar batteries, getting the size right is key. According to energy.gov.au, the average Australian family uses 11-23kWh of electricity per day and most have batteries around 20kWh. “The aim is to design and install the correct-sized solar and battery system to cover the customer’s day and night consumption,” says Gary Allen, co-founder of Clean Power Australia, a nationwide provider of solar and battery systems. “We assess customers’ current and future consumption. If it’s oversized, the stored power isn’t used, if undersized, they can be left with an energy bill.” The right set-up means you get max value out of every ray of sunshine.

Batteries can reduce household energy bills

Home batteries have become a more accessible next step. “In 2025, installed costs, after the government rebate, range from $7000 to $13,000 for mid-sized units and up to $20,000 for larger systems but this varies based on the complexity and size of the battery,” says McConnell. The savings? “Batteries can save most households between $1000 and $2300 a year on energy bills depending on how you use them. Some people join programs, like virtual power plants, that let them share or sell stored energy during peak times, which can further reduce bills.”

Take advantage of government rebates

If you’ve been thinking about adding a battery, now’s a great time to do it. The Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, introduced in July 2025, is making the switch more affordable than ever. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water estimates that people can save about 30 per cent on the upfront cost of installing a small-scale battery (between 5kWh and 100kWh).

Rebates start from about $4000 depending on the size of the battery and some states offer extra support. The best part? The program is open to households, small businesses and community groups, whether you already have solar or not and the rebate is applied directly by an accredited installer at purchase.

Discounted financing options are available

Upfront costs aren’t the hurdle they used to be. With government rebates and CommBank finance offers, it’s a great time to invest in home batteries, says Emma Grant, home electrification expert at CommBank. “We provide education, connect customers with installers and give discounted financing options and offers.” The bank has teamed up with Brighte to make it easier and more affordable to get started. “Eligible customers can receive up to $1500 cashback for purchasing via the Brighte Marketplace and funding using a CommBank home energy loan.”

Visit Home Energy Upgrades to learn more. Conditions apply.

Lauren’s solar storage story

“When we installed solar five years ago a battery cost too much but with the government rebate, increasing energy prices and feed-in tariffs decreasing we were motivated to install a battery,” says Lauren from Moss Vale, NSW.

“In August 2025, we installed a 16kw battery, which cost $14,000 after the government rebate. We used Brighte and CommBank’s offer, which included a low-interest loan and $1500 cashback. Now we don’t have a power bill and our repayments are less than our bills were.”

Home energy tips

Choose energy retailers that reward smart usage – like those offering perks for storing or sharing solar power. Check out CommBank Yello offers for potential extra savings.
Home Energy Management System (HEMS) software is a simple way to track and control your power use in real time. It helps you spot what’s draining energy and make smarter choices to cut your bills.
Not sure where to start? Try the Home Energy Assessment Tool powered by Home Efficiency Australia. It gives quick ideas to help determine which upgrade is best for you.

Visit CommBank’s Home Energy Upgrades page to get personalised insights, connect with trusted local installers, and access exclusive offers.

Published: 8 January 2026