Batteries under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program earn STCs only if the product, the installer and the installation all meet the program’s conditions. The product check is the one you can do before anything else, and it takes a few minutes.
How to search the CEC battery list
- Open the Clean Energy Council’s approved products program and go to the approved batteries list.
- Search by manufacturer and by the exact battery model name or code.
- Open the entry. Check the listed capacity, the status and the listing dates.
- Check the entry for VPP capability, since the program requires a VPP-capable battery.
- Save a dated copy.
Many installers search the full system as well, since the battery and any inverter or power conversion equipment may be listed separately, and a modular system lists the main unit and its modules.
The conditions at a glance
| Condition | What to check |
|---|---|
| On the CEC approved batteries list | Exact model, current on the install date |
| VPP-capable | Capable of connecting to a virtual power plant |
| Size | 5 to 100 kWh usable, up to 50 kWh counted |
| Installer | Accredited installer, per the CER |
| One per property | No previous claim at that address |
| Solar | New or existing solar is fine |
| Evidence | Geotagged, timestamped photos and serials matching the REC Registry |
The factor and tiers then decide the number of STCs; see the battery rebate by size and the factor schedule.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using the marketing name of a battery and not the registered model code.
- Assuming a different capacity variant of the same product line is also listed.
- Ignoring the usable versus nominal capacity: the calculation uses usable kWh.
- Forgetting that STCs need serial numbers that match the registry. The CER requires photos showing serials on each battery and any new inverter.
- Missing the VPP requirement because the customer does not plan to join a VPP. The battery must be capable, which is a hardware and firmware condition.
When the list and the quote disagree
If the model on the quote is not on the list, stop. Ask the installer to confirm the registered model code in writing, or choose a listed alternative. Do not sign on the basis that it will be sorted out later.
What this means for you
Homeowners can ask for the listing page or a screenshot on the quote. Installers should check at quote time and again against the delivered serials. Use the battery STC calculator once the model is confirmed, and read the battery STC overview and the battery submission guide. To see the rate paid for the certificates, check pricing or start trading.