WA Battery Scheme 2026: What It Covers, Who Qualifies, and How to Apply Through an Approved Installer
The WA Residential Battery Scheme launched on 1 July 2025 and is one of the most significant home energy incentives in Western Australia’s history. It offers eligible households a government rebate to reduce the upfront cost of installing a home battery, with the goal of building a network of grid-connected storage that can stabilise WA’s electricity network during peak demand.
The bottom line: Synergy customers can receive up to $1,300 toward a battery installation. Horizon Power customers in regional WA can receive up to $3,800. Combined with the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, total savings can reach $5,000 to $7,500 depending on battery size.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how the two schemes differ, who qualifies, which batteries are approved, how the rebate is calculated, and the exact steps to apply through an approved installer like Talk Energy.
Key facts at a glance:
- Scheme launched: 1 July 2025
- Available rebates: Up to $1,300 (Synergy) or $3,800 (Horizon Power)
- No-interest loan: $2,001 to $10,000 for eligible households
- Approved batteries: Must be on the Clean Energy Council approved list
- Applications: Submitted by your approved vendor on your behalf
- Scheme administrator: Plenti
Synergy Battery Scheme vs Horizon Power: What’s the Difference?
The WA Residential Battery Scheme operates under two separate retailer streams depending on where you live. Your electricity retailer determines which stream applies to you, and the rebate amounts differ significantly between the two.
Synergy (South West Interconnected System)
Synergy services metropolitan Perth and most of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). If you receive your electricity bill from Synergy, this is your stream.
- Rebate rate: $130 per kWh of usable battery capacity
- Maximum rebate: $1,300 (capped at 10 kWh)
- Minimum battery size: 5 kWh usable capacity
- Grid operator: Western Power manages the poles and wires network
- VPP provider: Synergy’s own VPP program, which pays $0.70 per kWh exported during activation events (capped at 30 events per year)
A 5 kWh battery earns a $650 rebate. A 10 kWh battery (or larger) earns the maximum $1,300. Any battery above 10 kWh still receives the $1,300 cap; the federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate continues to apply above that threshold.
Horizon Power (Regional and Remote WA)
Horizon Power services regional and remote Western Australia, operating as a fully integrated utility that both supplies electricity and manages local networks and microgrids.
- Rebate rate: $380 per kWh of usable battery capacity
- Maximum rebate: $3,800 (capped at 10 kWh)
- Minimum battery size: 5 kWh usable capacity
- Grid operator: Horizon Power manages its own network
- VPP provider: Horizon Power’s Community Wave program and related VPP products
The higher rebate for Horizon Power customers reflects the greater grid stability challenges in regional and remote areas, where battery storage provides more direct network benefit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Synergy Customers | Horizon Power Customers |
|---|---|---|
| Service area | Metro Perth and SWIS | Regional and remote WA |
| Rebate rate | $130/kWh | $380/kWh |
| Maximum rebate | $1,300 | $3,800 |
| Minimum battery | 5 kWh | 5 kWh |
| VPP requirement | Yes (2-year minimum) | Yes (2-year minimum) |
| Combined max (with federal) | ~$5,000 | ~$7,500+ |
Who Qualifies for the WA Battery Scheme?
Eligibility covers both the applicant and the property. You need to meet all of the following criteria, as confirmed in the WA Government’s official scheme guidelines.
Applicant Requirements
- Australian permanent resident aged 18 or over
- Current Synergy or Horizon Power customer
- Able to verify your identity through the scheme process
- Must sign a supply agreement for the eligible battery installation
Property Requirements
- Located in Western Australia
- Standalone home or unit-titled property (with all relevant approvals in place)
- Owner-occupied or rented (renters need written consent from their landlord)
- Used primarily for residential purposes (a home-based business does not disqualify you)
- Must have a reliable internet connection for ongoing VPP monitoring and system testing
- Government-owned properties, properties owned by telecommunications companies, and properties owned by mining and resources companies are excluded
Solar System Requirement
This is the most commonly misunderstood eligibility rule. You do not need to have had solar panels for years to qualify. The scheme accepts:
- Existing solar customers adding a battery to a working grid-connected solar system
- New solar and battery installations where both are installed at the same time
Your existing solar system does not need to be a specific brand, size, or age. It simply needs to be a functioning grid-connected system at the time of battery installation. Off-grid solar systems do not qualify.
VPP Participation Requirement
All eligible participants must join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program as a condition of receiving the rebate or loan. The minimum commitment is two years. After the initial two-year period, you are free to opt out. During VPP activation events, Synergy customers earn $0.70 per kWh exported from their battery.
Important: Batteries installed before 1 July 2025 are not eligible for the rebate or loan under any circumstances.
Approved Battery Brands and Equipment Requirements
Not every battery on the market qualifies for the scheme. The WA Government requires that all equipment meet strict technical standards to ensure grid compatibility and long-term performance.
Battery Requirements
All batteries must:
- Have a minimum usable capacity of 5.0 kWh
- Be listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Battery List
- Be included on either the Synergy or Horizon Power Supported Solutions List, depending on your retailer
- Be a new installation (replacement batteries for existing systems also qualify)
The scheme is limited to one battery per property.
Approved Battery Brands
The following major battery brands are represented on the CEC Approved Battery List and are widely supported under the scheme:
| Brand | Notes |
|---|---|
| BYD | Battery-Box range; widely installed across Perth metro |
| Tesla | Powerwall 3; one of the most recognised home battery systems |
| Sungrow | SBR series; popular for hybrid solar and battery setups |
| Enphase | IQ Battery series; modular design, suits a range of home sizes |
| Alpha ESS | SMILE series; strong option for larger storage needs |
Note: The specific model must be confirmed against the Synergy or Horizon Power Supported Solutions List at the time of your installation. Talk Energy’s team checks this as part of every quote process, so you don’t need to cross-reference lists yourself.
Inverter Requirements
The inverter is a separate compliance requirement. It must appear on the relevant Synergy or Horizon Power Supported Solutions List for your grid area. Battery modules and inverters must also be compatible with each other. Approved vendors, including Talk Energy, are responsible for confirming compatibility before submitting your application.
What the Scheme Does NOT Cover
- Batteries installed before 1 July 2025
- Off-grid battery systems
- Second batteries at the same property
- Systems where the inverter is not on the Supported Solutions List
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Through an Approved Installer
You do not apply directly to the WA Government for this rebate. All applications are submitted by your approved vendor on your behalf. This is a deliberate design feature of the scheme: it ensures the installer has confirmed your eligibility, checked equipment compliance, and obtained grid connection approval before any rebate funds are committed.
Talk Energy is a registered approved vendor under the WA Residential Battery Scheme, which means the entire process is managed in-house from your first quote through to final installation.
The Application Process
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility Review the criteria above, or simply contact Talk Energy for a free assessment. The team can check your address against the scheme’s eligibility database and confirm whether your existing solar system (if any) meets the requirements.
Step 2: Get a quote from an approved vendor Request quotes from vendors accredited under the scheme. Talk Energy will assess your property, recommend an appropriate battery system from the approved product list, and provide a full quote that shows the rebate deducted from the total cost. You see the discounted price upfront.
Step 3: The vendor submits the application Your Talk Energy installer submits the rebate application (and no-interest loan application, if applicable) on your behalf through Plenti, the scheme’s third-party administrator. If your application is conditionally approved, you have up to six months to complete the installation before the approval expires.
Step 4: Grid connection approval Before installation proceeds, your installer obtains grid connection approval from the relevant network operator (Western Power for Synergy customers, Horizon Power for regional customers). This step confirms your system meets all technical requirements for safe grid connection.
Step 5: Installation and VPP enrolment Your approved battery system is installed by a licensed electrician holding Grid Connected Battery Systems accreditation with Solar Accreditation Australia. Once commissioned, the system is registered with the relevant VPP program. Talk Energy’s in-house electricians handle this directly, with no sub-contracting.
Step 6: Rebate and loan processing Once the system is installed, commissioned, and enrolled in the VPP, the rebate is processed and applied. If you took the no-interest loan, Plenti finalises the loan terms. The rebate reduces your invoice; you pay the balance.
No-Interest Loan Option
Eligible households can also access a no-interest loan of between $2,001 and $10,000 to cover the remaining cost after the rebate. Key loan terms:
- Interest rate: 0% for the full loan term
- Repayment period: 3 to 10 years, with flexible terms
- Income threshold: Household gross income must be under $210,000
- No early repayment fees: Pay it off sooner at no cost
- Credit check: Plenti conducts standard credit and prudential checks
The combined value of the rebate and loan cannot exceed the total purchase and installation cost.
Installer Accreditation: What to Look For
Under the scheme’s requirements, all installers must:
- Hold a current electrical contractor licence
- Hold Grid Connected Battery Systems accreditation with Solar Accreditation Australia (formerly the Clean Energy Council)
- Comply with Synergy’s DER Installation Handbook or Horizon Power’s Technical Requirements (depending on your location)
- Have a verifiable Western Australian business address and at least six months of operating history in the WA solar and battery market
Talk Energy meets all of these requirements and is fully accredited to install batteries under both the Synergy and Horizon Power streams of the scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the rebate if I already have solar panels?
Yes. The WA Battery Scheme is specifically designed for homeowners who already have a grid-connected solar system and want to add battery storage. Your existing solar does not need to be a particular brand, size, or age. The only requirement is that it is a functioning grid-connected system at the time the battery is installed. If you do not yet have solar, you can install solar and battery simultaneously and still qualify.
Do I need to apply for the rebate myself?
No. You do not apply directly to the WA Government or to Plenti. Your approved vendor handles the entire application process on your behalf. Talk Energy, as a registered approved vendor, submits the rebate application and (if required) the no-interest loan application through Plenti before your installation proceeds. The rebate is then deducted directly from your invoice.
How much can I save in total, combining WA and federal rebates?
For a 10 kWh battery, a Synergy customer receives $1,300 from the WA scheme. When combined with the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program (delivered through Small-scale Technology Certificates), the total rebate for a 10 kWh system reaches approximately $5,000. For Horizon Power customers with a 10 kWh battery, the combined saving can reach $7,500 or more. Larger batteries continue to attract the federal rebate above the 10 kWh WA cap.
Which battery brands are approved under the scheme?
Batteries must be on the Clean Energy Council Approved Battery List and on the relevant Synergy or Horizon Power Supported Solutions List. Widely approved brands include BYD, Tesla, Sungrow, Enphase, and Alpha ESS. The specific model matters, not just the brand. Talk Energy confirms model-level compliance as part of every quote, so you are never left to cross-reference government lists yourself.
Is the scheme still open, and how long will it last?
The WA Residential Battery Scheme launched on 1 July 2025 with funding for up to 100,000 rebates. As of mid-2026, significant funding remains available. The scheme does not have a fixed end date, but rebate availability is subject to funding limits. If you are considering a battery installation, acting sooner rather than later ensures you secure your rebate before funding is exhausted. Contact Talk Energy for a free quote and eligibility check.
Get Started with Talk Energy
Talk Energy is a registered approved vendor under the WA Residential Battery Scheme, serving both Synergy and Horizon Power customers across metropolitan Perth and regional Western Australia. With in-house licensed electricians, Grid Connected Battery Systems accreditation through Solar Accreditation Australia, and over 250 five-star reviews, the team manages every step of the process from eligibility check through to final commissioning.
Ready to claim your rebate? Get a free quote from Talk Energy or call (08) 6255 5914. The team will confirm your eligibility, recommend an approved battery system suited to your home, and handle the entire application on your behalf.
