Why the New Rebate Is Perfect for Farmers, Homeowners and Businesses Looking to Go Off-Grid

With the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program officially launching on July 1, 2025, there’s never been a better time to take your property off-grid.

Whether you're a farmer looking to reduce diesel reliance, a rural homeowner chasing energy independence, or a business aiming to cut long-term costs, this rebate offers significant savings on battery storage—even if you're completely off-grid.

One Rebate, Big Impact

Let’s start with the basics. The new scheme allows eligible Australians to claim up to $375 ($330 after admin fees) per usable kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery storage, with rebates capped at $18,500 per property. That’s around 30% off the cost of a typical battery system.

Key facts:

  • Rebate applies from July 1, 2025
  • Installations from April 6 onwards qualify, as long as they aren’t turned on until July 1
  • Maximum usable capacity eligible for rebate is 50 kWh
  • Systems up to 100 kWh can still be installed—you’ll just receive the rebate for the first 50 kWh
  • Off-grid systems are eligible, despite the requirement for VPP-readiness in grid-connected installations
  • One rebate per property—so if you own multiple properties with solar, each may be eligible individually

Why It’s Ideal for Off-Grid Living

Here’s the kicker: while the rebate mandates that grid-connected batteries must be VPP-ready, it does not exclude off-grid setups. That means if you’re in a remote area or deliberately running your property without any connection to the grid, you’re still fully eligible.

This opens up major opportunities for:

  • Cattle stations, sheep farms and broad-acre properties
  • Remote homesteads or eco-retreats
  • Rural businesses or workshops that operate independently

For many regional Australians, energy reliability has always been a challenge. Whether you're dealing with blackouts, poor grid infrastructure, or long connection timelines, an off-grid system with solar and battery storage offers control, consistency, and now—a serious financial incentive.

Many rural operators switch to solar + battery setups to cut down on generator run-time, saving thousands in fuel and servicing costs.

Maximise Your Energy Independence

A 50 kWh battery (or larger) can power a working property for extended periods, especially when paired with a well-designed solar array and backup generator. And with power prices still on the rise, investing in your own standalone energy system can reduce your running costs for decades.

Now, with the rebate covering up to $18,500, the return on investment just got a lot faster.

Got Multiple Properties?

Here’s another advantage: the rebate is per property, not per individual. That means if you own multiple farms or houses (and they each have a solar setup), you can claim the rebate for each location—potentially saving tens of thousands across your portfolio.

Battery storage compensates for low-sun periods. Most off-grid systems also include a backup generator (often diesel or petrol) for extended cloudy conditions or maintenance periods.

It’s Time to Act

With installations from April 6 onward qualifying—as long as batteries are not switched on before July—you can get the ball rolling now.

AusPac Solar specialises in off-grid solar + battery systems designed for rural and agricultural life. From the Outback to the Tablelands, we’ve helped farms, sheds, pump stations, and full homesteads run 100% independently.

Want to go off-grid with a major discount?
We’ll help you design the right system, apply the rebate, and get you energy independent.

👉 Chat with the AusPac team today.

Or read more about the rebate HERE.

Learn more about Batteries here: