How the Federal and NSW Battery Rebates Can Benefit Your Business

With electricity prices rising and solar export tariffs (often referred to as the sun tax) cutting into feed-in profits, more Australian businesses are turning to solar battery storage for better energy control and long-term savings. Thanks to significant government support—including the Federal Battery Rebate through The Cheaper Home Batteries Program and the NSW Battery Rebate—businesses now have an unprecedented opportunity to invest in clean energy at a reduced upfront cost.
Why Solar Batteries Make Business Sense
For commercial properties, especially those with high daytime electricity usage, pairing solar with battery storage provides major financial and operational benefits:- Energy cost savings by reducing reliance on the grid
- Avoidance of peak demand charges
- Backup power for operational resilience during outages
- Protection from the sun tax, which penalises grid exports
- Higher return on solar investment through greater self-consumption
This is especially important now that many businesses face reduced feed-in tariffs and increased energy volatility. A battery allows you to store and use solar energy on your terms.
The Federal Battery Rebate: Up to $17,500 Available
The newly launched Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a Federal Government initiative offering generous battery rebates of up to $17,500, making solar battery systems significantly more affordable for eligible households and small businesses.This rebate covers a wide range of premium battery options, including:
The rebate is scaled depending on your system size, location, and income eligibility—making it especially appealing for small to medium-sized businesses aiming to cut operating costs and future-proof against grid instability.
Key Features of the Federal Rebate:
- Covers batteries from an approved list of high-performing products
- Available for new installations or battery retrofits with existing solar
- Must be installed by accredited providers
- Available nationwide with some state-specific delivery partners
The NSW Battery Rebate
In addition to the Federal program, NSW businesses and households may also qualify for support under the NSW Battery Rebate, depending on their location and usage. This rebate is typically smaller (ranging from $1,600 to $4,000) but can be stacked with the Federal incentive for even greater savings.Eligible businesses must:
- Have an operational solar PV system or plan to install one
- Meet location and income eligibility (for some programs)
- Use approved batteries and accredited installers
How the “Sun Tax” Impacts Your Business
The introduction of solar export tariffs, or the so-called sun tax, means businesses are now being charged for sending excess solar energy back to the grid. This makes storing and consuming your own energy far more attractive.
Rather than losing value through exports or being penalised, businesses with battery storage can store energy during the day and use it when needed—maximising returns and reducing grid dependency.
Next Steps for Your Business
If your business is considering a solar battery upgrade, now is the time to act. The combination of the Federal rebate (up to $17,500) and state-level programs like the NSW Battery Rebate makes premium battery systems more accessible than ever.
At Smart Energy Answers, we’re helping businesses across Australia take advantage of these rebates, design high-efficiency systems, and simplify the application process.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're running a commercial facility, warehouse, or small office, battery storage is no longer just a sustainability upgrade—it’s a smart financial decision.
Get in touch today for a free business energy consultation and see how much you could save with Tesla Powerwall 3, Sigenergy, or ESY Battery, backed by the Federal and NSW battery rebate programs.