Solar and battery rebates: What’s actually changing on May 1st?

12 April 2026

In recent weeks, there has been much speculation and disinformation online concerning the status of rebates for solar and batteries.

Here’s some clarification on what’s changing, and what’s not.

Solar rebates

The solar rebate is not ending.

The solar rebate (via the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme) is continuing. Its rebate value will reduce next year, on 1 January 2027.

Battery rebates

The federal battery rebate is not ending.

The Australian Government recently expanded the budget for the battery rebate program to $7.2 billion, to keep the scheme active until 2030.

However, the way the rebate is calculated is being changed on 1 May 2026. For smaller batteries (the ideal for most Inner West households) the rebate will reduce slightly, but will still provide a significant discount.

Get the full details on the 1 May 2026 changes from the official Australian Government source here: Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Summing up

Don’t be pressured into signing solar or battery contracts in a rush. The solar and battery rebates will continue to be available from 1 May 2026.