Last checked: 30 October 2026. Scheme settings can change, so confirm the current rules on the WA Government website or with your installer before you commit.
The short version
- Western Australia runs its own Residential Battery Scheme, which started on 1 July 2025 and sits on top of the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
- The state rebate is $130 per kWh up to $1,300 for Synergy customers, and $380 per kWh up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers, calculated on usable capacity up to 10 kWh.
- The battery must take part in a virtual power plant (VPP), and there is one rebate per property.
- The state and federal rebates can be combined, and neither needs paperwork from you if your installer handles it.
Perth and regional Western Australia have some of the strongest solar conditions in the country, which is why home batteries have become such a common add-on. This guide explains how the WA battery rebate works, what the federal program adds, and what to check before you choose a battery and an installer.
How the Two Rebates Fit Together
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program
The federal program works through Small-scale Technology Certificates and applies in every state. A new battery of 5 to 100 kWh nominal capacity, installed with a solar system of 100 kW or less by a Solar Accreditation Australia accredited installer, can earn certificates on the first 50 kWh of usable capacity. Since 1 May 2026 the support is tiered by size and the certificate factor steps down every six months, so the same battery earns a smaller discount as time passes. You can read the full rules on the Clean Energy Regulator website.
The WA Residential Battery Scheme
The state scheme is separate and adds a further rebate. Based on the published requirements:
- Synergy customers: $130 per kWh of usable capacity, up to a maximum of $1,300.
- Horizon Power customers: $380 per kWh of usable capacity, up to a maximum of $3,800.
- The rebate is calculated on usable capacity up to 10 kWh, so larger batteries receive the maximum amount, not more.
- The battery needs at least 5 kWh of usable capacity and must be on the relevant Synergy or Horizon Power supported list as well as the Clean Energy Council approved list.
- There is a limit of one rebate per property.
The state and federal rebates are designed to be combined for an eligible battery, which is why the order and paperwork matter. Your installer should show each one clearly on your quote.
What Is a Virtual Power Plant, and Why Does It Matter?
To receive the state rebate your battery must join a virtual power plant. A VPP links many home batteries so that, at busy times, the network operator or an energy company can draw a small amount of stored energy to support the grid. How often the battery can be called on, and what you receive in return, depends on the VPP product you sign up for.
Synergy customers can choose a Synergy VPP product, or an alternative supplier that meets the WA Government criteria. Horizon Power customers must join a Horizon Power VPP product. It is worth reading the contract terms before you sign, including how often the battery may be called on, any minimum reserve you keep for yourself, and how long the commitment lasts.
Who Is Eligible?
The scheme is for households, with conditions that include:
- You are a permanent Australian resident aged 18 or over, and a Synergy or Horizon Power customer.
- The property is in Western Australia, used mainly for residential purposes, and has an ongoing internet connection.
- You own the property, or you rent it with the landlord’s written consent. Units need owners corporation approval.
- The battery was bought after 1 July 2025. Rebates cannot be applied backwards to earlier purchases.
After conditional approval you have six months to install and settle, or you may need to reapply. That is another reason to sort out the equipment and installation date before you start the application.
What Your Installer Needs to Be
Both schemes put requirements on the installer as well as the battery. For the state scheme the installer must be a licensed electrician with Solar Accreditation Australia grid-connected battery accreditation, and must meet the Synergy or Horizon Power technical requirements. Under the federal program the battery must meet the Australian battery installation standard (AS/NZS 5139) and be installed in a single job with eligible equipment. Always ask to see accreditation details, not just a promise.
Choosing the Right Battery and Inverter
- Usable capacity, not just the label: rebates are calculated on usable capacity, so compare that figure.
- VPP capability: the inverter must be able to participate in a VPP. Our guide to hybrid solar inverters explains why this matters.
- Backup option: some systems can power selected circuits during an outage, but not all do. Ask exactly what is covered.
- Warranty and support: ask who handles claims and what the battery is guaranteed to retain over time.
If you are still deciding whether a battery suits your household, start with our guide to home battery storage.
How Sunflare Solar Helps in WA
We service Perth and the surrounding area. We check which rebates apply to your property, make sure the battery and inverter meet the scheme requirements, and explain each discount as its own line on your quote. We tell you plainly if a scheme setting has changed.
Sources
- Clean Energy Regulator: Cheaper Home Batteries Program
- WA Government: Residential Battery Scheme requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine the WA battery rebate with the federal one?
Yes. The state Residential Battery Scheme and the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program can be combined for an eligible battery.
How much is the WA home battery rebate?
Synergy customers receive $130 per kWh up to $1,300, and Horizon Power customers receive $380 per kWh up to $3,800, calculated on usable capacity up to 10 kWh.
Does my battery have to join a virtual power plant?
Yes. Taking part in a VPP is a condition of the WA state rebate, and the inverter must be able to participate.
Is there a different rebate for Horizon Power customers?
Yes. The per-kWh rate and the maximum are higher for Horizon Power customers than for Synergy customers.
Can I claim for a battery I bought before the scheme started?
No. The scheme began on 1 July 2025 and rebates cannot be applied retrospectively to earlier purchases.
How long do I have to install after approval?
After conditional approval you have six months to install and settle, otherwise you may need to reapply.
Can renters or unit owners apply?
Renters can apply with the landlord’s written consent, and unit owners need owners corporation approval. Check the current requirements for your situation.
Do I need to lodge the rebate paperwork myself?
No. Sunflare Solar handles the paperwork for the rebates that apply to your system.
Ready for a clear answer for your property? Book a free assessment with Sunflare Solar or call 1300 385 880. We install across Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and Western Australia. See the areas we serve.
