How the federal discount is actually worked out
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries discount comes from small-scale technology certificates (STCs), not a flat percentage. The formula is usable kWh × certificates per usable kWh × the current certificate price. Since 1 May 2026 the rate is 6.8 certificates per usable kWh, and certificates trade up to the Clean Energy Regulator's $40 Clearing House cap, commonly a little under that on the open market, which is how the "roughly $250 per usable kWh" figure you'll see quoted is built.
| Battery (usable) | x 6.8 certificates | Roughly worth |
|---|---|---|
| 10kWh | 68 certificates | $2,400 to $2,700 off |
| 13.5kWh | 92 certificates | $3,300 to $3,600 off |
That federal figure applies to every state. The NSW incentive (up to ~$1,500 (VPP)) is calculated separately, on its own terms, and paid on its own timeline, so the calculator above always shows the two as different numbers rather than one combined figure. For the full step-down schedule (the rate falls again on 1 January 2027), see when the battery rebate ends.