Power Up This Winter with Energy SA: Labor’s $2.3B Battery Boost Unveiled

April 10, 2025

Solar Batteries

Featured

Community

Winter in South Australia means higher energy bills and unpredictable power demands—but what if you could turn the season to your advantage? On April 6, 2025, the Labor Party announced a game-changing $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, promising a 30% discount on household batteries if re-elected. At Energy SA, we’re here to break down what this means for you and how our tailored solar and battery solutions—already designed to maximise savings—can amplify these benefits.

Let’s dive in and get your business or home ready to save more this winter.

Labor’s Battery Subsidy: The Fine Print

Labor’s plan, set to launch on July 1, 2025, if they win the May 3 election, aims to get 1 million more Australian households, small businesses, and community facilities equipped with batteries by 2030. Here’s what you need to know:

The 30% discount—delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)—offers approximately $372 per kWh of usable capacity (theoretical maximum), minus admin fees, potentially saving you around $4,000 on an 11.5 kWh battery.
Eligible systems range from 5kWh to 50kWh, though you can install up to 100kWh. Batteries must be VPP-capable (no participation required) and attached to a new or existing solar system—legislation limits this to solar-connected setups.
Batteries installed from now until July 1 will be eligible (if Labor wins), but cannot be switched on until the program starts.
You can “double-dip” with state incentives, install additional systems if you already own a battery, and claim subsidies for multiple properties. The scheme is uncapped, and the government will buy SRES certificates, ensuring no upward pressure on power prices.

Note: The subsidy will decrease over time, like the SRES, so acting early maximises your savings. Learn more about rebates.

Why Batteries Matter This Winter

Winter’s shorter days don’t dim solar’s potential—South Australia still gets 4-5 peak sunlight hours, even in June. Our solar systems (from 3kW) paired with batteries like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ let you store daytime energy for those chilly evenings. This means fewer blackouts, lower bills (savings of up to $2,300 annually for new solar-battery setups, per Labor estimates), and energy independence. With energy prices up 5% since July 2025 (Financial Review), batteries are a smart shield against winter spikes. For businesses, it’s a sustainability edge that aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals while keeping operations humming.

Energy SA’s Offer: Maximise Your Savings

We’re already ahead of the curve with our competitive solar and battery bundles, designed to fit your needs—whether you’re a homeowner or running a business. Our packages include top-tier panels (Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, REC) and inverters (Enphase, SMA, SolarEdge), all installed by our Solar Accreditation Australia-certified team. With Labor’s subsidy, your upfront costs drop even further, and our government rebate expertise ensures you claim every dollar available, including STCs and feed-in tariffs. Plus, our HVAC systems like ducted reverse cycle can complement your setup, keeping you warm efficiently all winter.

What This Means for You

This announcement couldn’t be timelier as winter ramps up energy demands. Whether you’re a small business dodging peak rates or a homeowner tired of high bills, we can help you harness this subsidy to its fullest. Combine it with our offers, and you’re looking at unmatched savings, resilience, and sustainability—just in time for the cold months.

Let’s Make Winter Work for You: Don’t wait for July—start planning now. Call us at 08 8374 1491 to strategise about what Labor’s battery boost means for you. We’ll tailor a solar, battery, or HVAC solution that keeps your winter costs down and your energy up. Contact Energy SA today and let’s power through winter together.