The Western Australian Government has released more details on its upcoming Battery Rebate Scheme, announced earlier this year as part of its election commitments.

Applications for the rebates and loans are not yet open.

We encourage all WA members installing residential batteries to review the scheme organisers’ presentation to access full and complete information, which outlines the latest information and, importantly, the technical requirements installers must meet for battery eligibility. Click here to access the presentation.

Note: The remainder of this document provides a high-level summary of the presentation linked above combined with other Government resources and does not include the full technical detail.

Batteries installed before the commencement of the WA Battery Scheme will not be eligible for the rebate or loan funding.

The scheme is set to commence on or before 1 July. Please confirm this has commenced prior to installing the batteries eligible for the rebate.

We recommend discussing the necessary procedures with your chosen eligible retailer before installation to ensure all criteria are met.

WA’s Building and Energy Department has issued the following warning:

  • “Companies who have taken deposits and promised specific equipment, delivery times, prices, or access to the rebate and are unable to fulfil these promises once details are confirmed may find themselves dealing with Consumer Protection.
  • Companies who are not approved as Scheme participant would need to provide a full refund and release the customer from any contract”

Once the WA Battery Scheme is operational a mechanism will be in place to remove the scheme approval for businesses who violate good faith working arrangements.

What’s Up for Offer

$ Rebate Value $

WA State-based rebates are as follows:

WA Rebate Value WA + Federal Rebate Combined
Synergy Up to $1,300 ($130 per kWh of battery capacity) Up to $5,000 towards the cost of a 10kWh battery
Horizon Up to $3,800 ($380 per kWh of battery capacity) Up to $7,500 towards the cost of a 10kWh battery

Rebates apply between 5kWh – 10 kWh and will only be available for stand alone battery installations (one per property).

$ Loan Value $

Loans will also be available and include the following features:

  • Up to $10,000
  • Zero interest
  • Available for households with a combined income of less than $210,000
  • Maximum 10-year repayment period

Loans can be used for batteries and new or upgraded equipment such as inverters and solar panels, as long as they are installed with a battery.

Eligibility Requirements

Installer Eligibility Requirements

To be a battery installer under the system, you must:

  • Have Grid Connected Battery System (GCBS) accreditation via Solar Accreditation Australia (this will be checked at the point of the battery retailer claiming a rebate).
  • Have a Western Australian business address
  • Be familiar with relevant industry standards and practices as outlined by Building and Energy Western Australia
  • Installations are subject to safety compliance audit regime with inspections being conducted after the payment of rebate and loan funding assistance.
  • Be compliant with the relevant technical requirements
    • For Synergy customers, installers will need:
    • Submit invoice for installation service, with SAA number, to retailer.  Correct process for this is yet to be released.

Note that installations will be subject to compliance audits to ensure electrical contractors and workers hold the appropriate licenses and accreditation.

Electrical contracting businesses will be subject to removal from the WA Battery Scheme if they violate good faith working arrangements

Payments of the rebate will only be completed when a notice of completion is provided.

Please click here to read about recent updates to eNotice requirements.

Battery Retailer Requirements

The batteries you install must be from retailers that meet the following criteria:

  • Approved sellers under the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC)
  • Passed appropriate due diligence checks to register with WA Residential Battery Scheme
  • Undertake training to participate in the Scheme.
  • Are meeting installers that meeting the installer criteria.
  • A Western Australian address for their business.

A list of approved retailers is likely to be released.

Eligible Battery Systems

  • New, additional and replacement battery systems, with minimum 5kWh storage capacity will be eligible.
  • Installed after scheme commencement date (1 July)
  • New, additional and replacement solar panels will also be eligible for loan funding assistance where they are installed as part of a package involving installation of a battery system.
  • Battery systems will need to be connected to Virtual Power Plant readiness, i.e. that the system can connect to the electricity grid and respond to signals. This readiness will also include a requirement for an ongoing internet connection, with regular testing (and be compliant with Synergy/Horizon Powers’ respective technical requirements)
  • Horizon Power and Synergy will each publish a list of supported equipment solutions, based on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list and the relevant technical requirements in their service areas.
  • Installed in a WA residential property with one connection per property
  • All goods must be on the State and (Synergy & Horizon) eligible equipment lists.

For more information on the scheme, visit the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety page here.