The Albanese Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries program has reached a significant milestone, with more than 50,000 batteries now installed in homes, businesses, and community groups nationwide as of this weekend.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen described the achievement as a sign that Australians are actively embracing clean energy solutions to lower both energy bills and emissions.
“In just two months, 50,000 batteries have been installed. That’s thousands of households, small businesses and community groups taking control of their energy and their bills,” Bowen said. “Australians know that batteries mean cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy.”
The program offers an average 30% discount on battery systems that store solar power, enabling users to reduce peak-time energy costs and ease pressure on the grid. The 900 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage capacity installed in the program’s first 10 weeks is equivalent to 25% of Australia’s total reported home battery storage up to the end of 2024.
Take-up of the scheme has been strongest in outer suburban and regional areas, with communities from Queensland to South Australia leading adoption rates.
“This is another clear sign that Australians want real action on climate change, and they want the benefits of renewable energy flowing to them and their communities,” Bowen added.
Local Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman highlighted that trusted local businesses, such as Penrith Solar, have helped residents access the program. “People have calculated the long-term savings they can make, and the discount has made a difference with the upfront costs,” she said.
Templeman noted that her electorate has consistently ranked in the top 10 for battery uptake since the program’s launch. “There are times when my electorate and neighbouring areas are among the hottest places on the planet, so storing the energy when the sun is shining for use after sunset makes lots of sense.”
She also pointed out that surplus energy storage benefits the wider community by improving grid reliability and stability.
The Cheaper Home Batteries program forms part of the Albanese Government’s broader energy strategy, which includes initiatives such as Rewiring the Nation, the Capacity Investment Scheme, and Community Batteries for Household Solar, aimed at delivering cleaner, more affordable, and reliable energy across Australia.
