Joint media release: 50,000 cheaper batteries now powering Australian homes, businesses and community groups

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie

The Albanese Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries program has seen 50,000 batteries installed in homes, businesses and community groups across the country as of this weekend.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the milestone shows Australians are embracing clean energy and getting on with the job of lowering bills and emissions. 

“Australians know that batteries mean cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy. In just two months, 50,000 batteries have been installed, that’s thousands of households, small businesses and community groups taking control of their energy and their bills.” 

“This program is working in the suburbs, in the regions and in our cities. Australians are proving the naysayers and climate change deniers wrong - they want to be part of the clean energy future.” 

The Cheaper Home Batteries program supports households, businesses and communities with an average 30% discount on batteries to store their solar power and use it when it’s needed most, cutting peak bills and easing pressure on the grid. 

The 900 MWhs of battery storage capacity that has been installed under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program in the first 10 weeks is equivalent to 25% of the total reported home battery storage ever installed in Australia up to the end of 2024.

Take-up has been strongest in outer suburban and regional areas, with communities from Queensland to South Australia leading the way. 

“This is another clear sign that Australians want real action on climate change, and they want the benefits of renewable energy flowing to them and their communities,” Minister Bowen said. 

Local Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said people have turned to experienced and trusted local businesses like Penrith Solar to make the most of the Cheaper Home Batteries program.  

“I have seen Penrith Solar signs across the Emu Plains, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury regions. I’m not surprised that my electorate of Macquarie has regularly been in the top 10 for take-up of the program since it began.” Ms Templeman said.  

“People have calculated the long-term savings they can make, and the discount has made a difference with the upfront costs.”   

“There are times when my electorate and neighbouring areas are among the hottest places on the planet, so storing the energy when the sun is shining for use after sunset makes lots of sense.”   

“And the rest of us benefit too, because of the reliability and stability these batteries provide the grid by storing that surplus power during the daytime ready for use in the evening peak.” 

The program is part of the Albanese Government’s plan to deliver cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy, including Rewiring the Nation, the Capacity Investment Scheme and Community Batteries for Household Solar. 

Photos from the press conference can be found here.