Western Australia is one of the few states that still runs its own battery scheme beside the federal program. The two add together: the federal discount comes off the price through STCs, and the WA scheme pays a state rebate for batteries that join a virtual power plant.
How the total is built
| Component | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| STC discount | Federal | 6.8 STCs per kWh at the time of writing, first 14 kWh at 100 percent, then 60 and 15 percent bands |
| WA rebate | State | Reported to vary by network area; confirm current terms |
| VPP offers | Providers | Credits or event payments, not guaranteed |
| Interest-free finance | State | Reported for eligible households, check eligibility |
A worked federal example: a 10 kWh battery produces 68 STCs, so about $2,600 to $2,700 at STC prices of roughly $38 to $40. Add the WA rebate for your network area to estimate the total. Use the battery STC calculator for the federal part.
The VPP condition
The federal program already requires the battery to be VPP-capable. WA goes further and requires you to be connected to an approved VPP to receive its rebate. Ask what the VPP will do with your battery, how often it can discharge it, and what you earn. The VPP incentive stack explains how these offers differ.
Why WA totals look different
The STC part of the discount is the same Australia-wide, but it is only the federal part. Homes in WA often quote a higher combined figure than those in states with no battery scheme. Two reminders: scheme funding can open and close, and rules can change mid-year, so a total from an advertisement a few months old may be out of date. The detailed scheme is on WA residential battery scheme and the existing stacking question on WA battery rebate stack.
What this means for installers
WA jobs carry two sets of requirements. The federal claim needs the usual CEC-approved model, accreditation, photos and assignment form. The state rebate has its own registration, and some installers must be approved to deliver it. Keep both evidence packs, and check that the VPP provider is named on the job. See battery STCs and the battery submission guide.
From the desk: if the customer’s quote says “total rebate” with no split, ask for the federal STC count and the state amount separately. It is the only way to check the arithmetic.
For how STC buyers price the federal side, see pricing.