The federal rebate is not a fixed sum. It is made up of small-scale technology certificates, so the dollar value depends on how many certificates your battery creates and what each one is worth.
The size of the rebate
Since 1 May 2026 the rebate is tiered. The first 14 kWh of usable capacity earns the full 2026 factor of 6.8 certificates per kWh, the next 14 kWh earns 60 per cent, and the next 22 kWh earns 15 per cent. Anything above 50 kWh earns nothing. Using a price of $38 to $40 per certificate, which is where the market has been at the time of writing:
| Usable size | Approx. STCs | Approx. discount |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kWh | 68 | $2,600 to $2,700 |
| 14 kWh | 95 | $3,600 to $3,800 |
| 28 kWh | 152 | $5,800 to $6,100 |
| 50 kWh | 174 | $6,600 to $7,000 |
What the figure depends on
Installers pass on the value after their trader takes a margin, so the discount on your quote may be a little below these figures. The rebate also falls on 1 January 2027, when the factor drops to 5.7, with another step to 5.2 on 1 July 2027. A 14 kWh battery in 2027 earns about 79 certificates, closer to $3,000.
You need an eligible battery (CEC approved, VPP-capable, 5 to 100 kWh usable), an accredited installer, and only one battery per property. Existing solar is fine. For how the sum is calculated see how the battery rebate is calculated.
What the rebate is not
It is not a grant paid to you, it is not means tested, and it is not a fixed amount. It also does not cover everything on the bill. A switchboard upgrade, backup wiring or network fees are normally outside the discount, so the headline rebate and the cheque you write are two different numbers.
What this means for you
For most households the first 14 kWh is where the rebate pays best. Our battery STC pillar explains the scheme, and the installer guide shows how the system works behind the quote. To see what the certificates are worth to an installer, check today’s rates.