Date: 17 January 2026
Solar battery rebate update for Brisbane & Redlands: January 2026 rates and the May 1 drop
Electrical Licence 158145 | Solar S3133262 | Air Con L207205
What is the solar battery rebate in January 2026, and what happens on 1 May 2026?
In January 2026, the federal battery discount is commonly worth about $319–$336 per usable kWh (headline value, based on typical STC pricing) — and many quotes land closer to ~$300/kWh once retailer/agent admin costs are included. From 1 May 2026 (subject to regulations), the discount is expected to drop and become tiered, with the strongest support on the first 14 kWh and reduced support above that. If you want the bigger pre-May discount, the battery needs to be installed and signed off before 1 May 2026.
- It dropped on 1 January 2026 (smaller discount than 2025).
- It drops again on 1 May 2026 and changes shape (tiered by battery size).
- Typical 10 kWh example: around $600–$640 less discount if installed after 1 May (depending on STC value and fees).
If you’re in Brisbane or the Redlands and you’ve been “thinking about a battery this year”, the timing matters. This post breaks down what the discount is worth right now, what’s changing on 1 May 2026, and why many households are choosing to move sooner rather than later.
If you’re still at the “should I get solar first?” stage, start here: Thinking about switching to solar. For the full program overview, have a read of our recent article on the Cheaper Home Battery Program.
What rebate are we talking about?
When people say “solar battery rebate” in 2026, they’re usually referring to the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program. It’s typically delivered as an upfront discount on your quote through small-scale technology certificates (STCs) — similar to how solar panel discounts work.
Most homeowners don’t apply directly. The key thing to know is that the discount amount is tied to the installation/sign-off date, not the date you pay a deposit.
What it dropped to from 1 January 2026
The discount stepped down on 1 January 2026. In plain terms, the headline value many calculators use is now around $319–$336 per usable kWh (based on common STC values), and plenty of real-world quotes show it closer to ~$300 per usable kWh once admin/agent costs are included.
Quick example (10 kWh usable): roughly $3,190–$3,360 headline discount value in Jan–Apr 2026 (your quote may be a bit lower depending on fees).
Want an accurate figure for your home and usage? Start here: Solar Battery Systems (installation).
How big the May 1 drop is (and why bigger batteries are hit harder)
From 1 May 2026 (subject to regulations), two things are expected to happen:
- The discount value steps down again (fewer STCs created per kWh).
- The discount becomes tiered by battery size: strongest support for the first 14 kWh, then reduced support above 14 kWh, and reduced again above 28 kWh (up to 50 kWh supported).
Below are simple, realistic examples that show the difference in discount if the same battery is installed before vs after 1 May 2026. These use typical STC values and are intended as a guide — your exact discount depends on the STC value at the time and any retailer/agent fees.
| Usable battery size | Jan–Apr 2026 discount (headline) | From 1 May 2026 discount (headline) | Likely difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kWh | $3,190–$3,360 | $2,580–$2,720 | $600–$640 less |
| 13.5 kWh | $4,310–$4,536 | $3,488–$3,672 | $821–$864 less |
| 20 kWh | $6,384–$6,720 | $4,548–$4,787 | $1,836–$1,933 less |
| 30 kWh | $9,576–$10,080 | $5,866–$6,174 | $3,710–$3,906 less |
Why the drop is bigger on larger systems: from May, the discount is expected to taper after the first 14 kWh. So the “extra kWh” beyond 14 gets a smaller discount, and beyond 28 smaller again (up to 50 kWh).
Why it’s changing in May
The program has been extremely popular. The May changes are designed to keep the discount sustainable through to 2030 and keep the strongest support focused on typical household battery sizes (rather than very large systems absorbing the bulk of the funding).
The other practical takeaway: even after May, the discount continues — it’s just smaller, and structured differently.
What we see on-site in Thornlands, Brisbane & the Redlands
This is what we commonly see in bayside and Redlands homes: good solar production through the day, then heavy usage from late afternoon into the evening (cooking, lighting, hot water recovery, and air con). That’s exactly where a battery can help — you store more of your own solar and use it when power is usually most expensive.
- Export doesn’t pay much anymore compared to what you pay to import at night, so self-consumption matters.
- Battery placement matters in QLD heat (ventilation, shading, clearances).
- Switchboard space and condition can make or break a clean install — we check this early so there are no surprises.
Want to beat the May drop?
If you want the pre-May discount, aim to have the battery installed and electrically signed off before 1 May 2026. We can tell you what size makes sense for your usage and whether your existing solar and switchboard are battery-ready.
How to act before May without rushing the decision
1) Check you’re a good battery fit
Batteries tend to suit households with meaningful evening usage, low feed-in tariffs, and/or a desire for backup power on essential circuits.
2) Size it for your life (not just the rebate)
For many Brisbane and Redlands homes, 10–13.5 kWh is a common sweet spot. Larger systems can still be right (big families, EV charging, heavy night loads), but after May the discount tapers harder above 14 kWh, so it’s worth doing the maths properly.
3) Make sure your home is battery-ready
We check switchboard capacity, inverter compatibility, safe placement, and whether you want backup circuits. If you’re still early in the process, this guide helps: Thinking about switching to solar.
4) Don’t rely on an April deposit
The discount is tied to the installation/sign-off date. If you’re trying to beat 1 May, the job needs to be completed and signed off before then.
Safety and fine print (worth reading)
- Discount values are estimates and can vary with STC value and retailer/agent fees.
- Program changes from 1 May 2026 are noted as “subject to regulations” — we’ll confirm the current rules on your quote.
- Battery installation involves high-voltage electrical work and must be completed by appropriately licensed professionals in Queensland.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the battery rebate myself?
Usually no. The discount is typically applied through your retailer/installer as an upfront discount on the quote.
If I pay a deposit in April, does that lock in the higher discount?
Not necessarily. The discount is tied to the installation/sign-off date. If it’s installed after 1 May 2026, the post-May settings apply.
Will the May change affect normal household battery sizes?
Yes, the per-kWh value drops for everyone. The bigger hit is for larger batteries because the discount is expected to taper above 14 kWh (and again above 28 kWh).
Where’s the best place to install a battery in a Brisbane/Redlands home?
It depends on heat, ventilation, clearances, access, and impact risk. Garages and shaded external walls are common, but we recommend the safest compliant location after a site check.
Next steps
If you’re even slightly interested in a battery this year, the smart move is to get the numbers done now — especially if you want to beat the May step-down.
Talk to a local team that installs batteries every week
We’re based in Thornlands and install across Brisbane and the Redlands. If you want a clear recommendation (size, placement, compatibility, and a quote that shows the discount properly), get in touch.