A record 19,592 home battery systems were installed in the first month of the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, according to the Clean Energy Regulator (CER).
The sharp uptake comes as industry bodies continue to push for a permanent national incentive, citing benefits for both households and the wider energy system.
Modelling has shown that a program offering up to $6,500 per household could deliver over 400,000 additional battery installations and net savings of $190 million.
Orchestrated battery systems – those connected to virtual power plants – are projected to save households between $1,150 and $1,500 annually, compared to $900–$1,000 for standalone systems. They also help reduce peak demand, store excess midday solar, and provide backup during outages.
However, cost remains a barrier. Without subsidies, payback periods are long, meaning affluent early adopters have dominated the market.
“Batteries will remain for the few, not the many,” the Clean Energy Council warns, unless rebates are introduced alongside strict requirements for quality systems, ethical sales practices and safe installations.
Product safety is central to the push.
As of 31 July, 825 lithium-based batteries were approved under the Council’s Battery Assurance Program, which verifies compliance with the Australian or international lithium battery safety standard 62619:2017. This list is mandatory for installations under both the federal and WA Residential Battery schemes.
The Clean Energy Council has flagged a surge in applications for product approval, with technical assessments taking around 10 weeks to start and full accreditation requiring a further two to six months, depending on documentation quality.
With coal plant retirements looming and Australia targeting 82 per cent renewable generation by 2030, industry advocates see home batteries as critical grid assets rather than niche consumer luxuries.