Solar Battery Rebates Changes After May

If you are planning to install a solar battery, there are important changes coming from 1 May 2026 that will affect how much rebate you receive.

There are two key changes:

1. The overall rebate value is decreasing
2. Larger battery systems will receive less rebate per kWh

Understanding both is critical when choosing the right battery size.

The Rebate Is Reducing for All Battery Sizes

From May 2026, the STC factor, which determines your rebate, will drop from 8.4 to 6.8.

This means:

• All solar batteries will receive fewer STCs
• Even smaller systems under 14kWh will get a lower rebate than before

A Tiered System Now Applies Based on Battery Size

From May 2026, the rebate is also applied differently depending on battery size:

• 0-14kWh: 100% of the STC factor
• 14-28kWh: 60% of the STC factor
• 28-50kWh: 15% of the STC factor

This means:

• The first 14kWh receives the strongest support
• Additional capacity receives reduced support

Why 14kWh Still Matters

Even though the rebate drops overall, 14kWh remains the most efficient size.

Why?

• It receives 100% of the available STC factor
• It avoids the reduced rebate tiers applied to larger systems

However, it is important to understand that a 14kWh battery after May will still receive less rebate than the same system installed before May

Is a 10-14kWh Battery Enough for a Home?

For many households, yes.

A battery in this range can typically cover:

• Evening usage
• Appliances like lighting, fridge, internet, and TV

It offers:

• Strong daily value
• Better rebate efficiency compared to oversized systems

Larger systems may still suit:

• High energy users
• Homes with EVs or heavy air conditioning

But the rebate reduces significantly as size increases.

What About Expanding a Battery Later?

If you install a battery and expand it later:

• The total system size is assessed, not individual components
• Adding extra capacity may push the system into a lower rebate tier

This is important when considering systems like modular batteries or expansion packs.

Key Takeaway

From May 2026:

• The rebate is still available
• But it is lower for all systems
• And drops further for larger batteries

For most homeowners, a battery around 10–14kWh remains the best balance between cost, performance, and rebate outcome.

Need Help Choosing the Right Battery?

If you are unsure which battery size is right for your home, SolarBright can help you find the best option based on your energy usage and goals. Contact SolarBright or book a free consultation with our team.