Question 1

What is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?

Accepted Answer

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a federal government initiative that provides approximately 30% off the upfront cost of eligible home battery systems connected to rooftop solar. It started on 1 July 2025 and is available to households, businesses, and community organisations across Australia. The discount is delivered through Small-scale Technology Certificates and is applied directly by your installer at the point of sale. No vouchers are required.

Question 2

Why might my real payback differ from my installer's quote?

Accepted Answer

Installer quotes often use industry-wide average household consumption rather than your actual energy data. They may also use solar generation estimates that do not reflect your specific roof orientation and shading, omit battery degradation over time, or assume a tariff structure that does not match your current plan. Real payback periods for Australian homeowners typically range from 4 to 8 years. Our valuation uses your actual half-hourly interval data to give you a figure that reflects your home, not a statistical average.

Question 3

What interval data do I need and how do I get it?

Accepted Answer

You need a half-hourly consumption CSV from your electricity retailer, ideally covering the past 12 months. Log in to your retailer's online portal and look for a Usage Data or Energy Data Download section. Most Australian retailers provide this free of charge. If you cannot find it, contact your retailer and ask for your NMI interval data in CSV format. This is your data and you are entitled to it.

Question 4

Do you install batteries?

Accepted Answer

No. BuyerSideEnergy is strictly an advisory and valuation service. We do not install, sell, or refer battery systems. This independence is the foundation of our service and our only interest is giving you an accurate financial picture.

Question 5

Are you against home batteries?

Accepted Answer

Quite the opposite. We believe home batteries are an important part of Australia's energy future and can be an excellent investment for many households. Our goal is to help you understand exactly what a battery will mean for your home financially, so you can make a confident decision based on evidence rather than estimates.

Question 6

What states do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We serve homeowners in all Australian states: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. Our solar generation profiles are calibrated to each state using real meteorological data.

Question 7

Is this only for home battery systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for now. Our valuation is designed for residential home battery systems. We are working on a small business offering and will announce it when it is ready.

Battery Storage Insights

What is a home battery payback period?