Western Australian homeowners are set to benefit from a significant boost to their solar energy capabilities, thanks to the Labor government’s proposed Residential Battery Scheme. This initiative, with its substantial rebates and interest-free loan promise, is designed to bridge the gap of home battery storage to more people.
A game changer for home energy requiring greater consideration
The centrepiece of the Residential Rebate Scheme is a limited rebate program, offering up to $5,000 for households connected to the main grid (Synergy) and an even more substantial $7,500 for those in regional areas served by Horizon Power. Financial assistance will significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing a home battery system, a key barrier for many homeowners. With no second round announced, the $328 million allocated will serve an estimated 20 to 30,000 homes within a 900,000-dwelling network across the state.
To support middle to low-income households in adopting the proposed WA solar battery rebate/Residential Battery Scheme, the government is introducing a no-interest loan to bridge the adoption gap. This initiative will allow eligible households to borrow up to $10,000 to cover the remaining costs, saving an anticipated $1500 per annum reduction in home energy costs.
Benefits beyond savings
The proposed scheme brings advantages beyond the $1500 p/a in electricity bill savings. Until now, solar battery storage has enjoyed a steadily increasing organic adoption rate among an early adopter market segment. With a proposed WA solar rebate, a broader market can now experience the benefits of energy storage with solar.
- Synergy Tariff flexibility: An alternative to the Home Plan A1 tariff is the Synergy Midday Saver Tarrif or the EV add-on Tarrif. Many energy users use an adequately sized battery to bridge the Peak period surcharge until grid costs are lower.
- Increased Energy Independence: With a home battery, households become more energy self-sufficient, removing the dependence on grid power. Further, shielding customers from increasing supply rates and providing resilience during power outages.
- Environmental Contribution: By utilising solar energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, homeowners can play a role in Western Australia’s transition to a cleaner energy future.
Locally proven industry collaboration
To ensure the smooth rollout of the Residential Battery Scheme, the government is partnering with key providers in the solar industry. PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse are among the first companies to announce a commitment to local representation in the program. The program will provide eligible homeowners access to quality battery systems and professional installation services.
A diverse mix of providers tends to surface where rebates are involved. Choosing a proven West Australian solar company [list] will help ensure greater confidence in company availability once the proposed WA solar battery rebate runs out.
Eligibility and implementation
While the contents of eligibility criteria have yet to be released, the proposed WA solar battery rebate will be available to a broad range of households. The no-interest loan program will be means-tested to ensure that those who need it most can access it.
The Residential Battery Scheme is slated to commence on July 1, 2025, assuming Labor is re-elected in the upcoming March 8 election. This timeline gives homeowners time to research their options and prepare for the installation of their new battery systems. With internationally shipped stock forecasted and pre-ordered from manufacturers, adequate supply to meet demand is expected in late 2025, emphasising a limited product availability window for the eligible 20 to 30,000 candidates.
The WA Labor government’s proposed solar battery rebate and loan scheme represents a significant step towards empowering homeowners to take control of their energy supply while shielding energy market volatility. By making home battery storage more accessible, the Residential Battery Scheme promises to save households money while contributing more sustainable and diverse power to Western Australia’s energy mix.
