Why EVs, Solar, and Batteries are the Perfect Match
Australia is in the middle of an energy revolution. Electric vehicle (EV) ownership is growing at a record pace, rooftop solar is the most popular household energy upgrade, and now – with the launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program in July 2025 – it’s finally affordable to add battery storage to the combination.
This combination is a game-changer:
- Solar panels capture clean energy during the day to power appliances and activities such as dishwashers, power washing the car, and laundry machines.
- A home battery stores excess energy for use at night.
- An EV charger lets you fuel your car from renewable energy.
In Victoria, especially, where solar penetration is high and electricity costs keep rising, households are realising they can cut energy bills and petrol costs at the same time.
This article is your complete, no-guesswork guide to charging your EV with home solar and a discounted battery system. We’ll explain the federal rebate, eligibility, installation process, savings scenarios, and FAQs – so you don’t need to read five different websites to understand your options.
Why Charge Your EV with Solar Instead of the Grid?
Most EV owners in Victoria plug into the grid overnight. That’s convenient, but it misses out on one of the biggest advantages of EV ownership – free or very cheap charging from solar panels.
Here’s the difference:
- Grid charging at night: ~30 – 35c per kWh (~$4.50 for 100 km of driving)
- Solar charging during the day: ~0c per kWh (if used instantly, near free driving)
- Solar + battery charging at night: Stored solar covers your evening EV charging
That means instead of filling up a petrol tank for $100+, you could drive the same distance on just a few dollars’ worth of stored solar power.
Additional Benefits:
- Avoids exposure to rising retail power prices.
- Maximises self-consumption of solar (instead of selling back to the grid for only 5-8c/kWh).
- Makes your EV truly “zero emissions” instead of grid-powered.
Understanding the Cheaper Home Batteries Program 2025
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP), introduced on 1 July 2025, is a $2.3 billion federal government scheme that provides a rebate for home battery installations to reduce the cost of installing batteries in homes and small businesses.
The program offers a maximum rebate of $372 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of usable battery capacity, which translates to approximately a 30% discount on the upfront cost of eligible systems.
By increasing access to affordable battery storage, the CHBP aims to help households reduce electricity bills by storing excess solar energy for later use, increase energy independence, and support the broader goal of a cleaner, more reliable energy system.
What It Offers?
- 30% upfront discount on approved batteries
- Calculated as $330–$372 per usable kWh, up to 50 kWh
- Applies automatically through your installer – no separate government paperwork.
Example Rebates:
- 10 kWh battery: $3,300 – $3,700 discount
- 15 kWh battery: $4,950 – $5,580 discount
- 20 kWh battery: $6,600 – $7,440 discount
Who’s Eligible for Cheaper Home Batteries Rebate?
- All households and small businesses in Australia (Victoria included)
- Battery must be paired with solar panels (existing or new)
- Batteries between 5 kWh and 100 kWh capacity
- On-grid batteries must be VPP-capable (but joining a Virtual Power Plant is optional).
- The installation must be by a Clean Energy Council (CEC)-accredited installer.
- Renters can access the rebate with landlord consent.
Why It Matters for Victorian Homeowners and Businesses?
- Victoria already has the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program supporting efficient appliances.
- By combining solar rebates, VEU incentives, and now the federal battery discount, Victorian households can cut thousands off system costs.
- With high electricity tariffs in Melbourne and regional towns, battery payback is now 3–5 years instead of 8–10 years.
Why Adding a Battery is Crucial for EV Owners
Without a battery, solar panels only help if you charge your car during the day. That’s fine if you work from home, but what if you’re out 9 – 5?
A home battery solves that:
- Your solar panels charge the battery while you’re away.
- At night, you plug your EV into a wall charger.
The battery discharges to cover your EV charging, instead of buying power from the grid.
Essentially, your solar + battery becomes your private EV charging station.
Example Scenario:
- Solar system: 6.6 kW (~24 kWh daily output).
- Battery: 10 kWh.
- EV: Hyundai Kona (~14 kWh/100 km).
- Commute: 40 km/day → ~6 kWh needed.
Outcome: Solar powers the house during the day, fills the battery, and still leaves enough stored energy to fully charge the EV every night.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Solar + Battery for EV Charging in Victoria
Step 1: Review Your Driving & Household Usage
- How many km do you drive weekly?
- What’s your EV’s energy consumption (kWh/100 km)?
- What’s your current household energy demand?
Rule of thumb: 1 kWh = ~6-7 km of EV driving.
Step 2: Size the Battery for Your Lifestyle
- Light driver (20–30 km/day): 5–10 kWh battery is enough.
- Average driver (40–60 km/day): 10–15 kWh battery.
- Heavy commuter or 2 EV household: 20–30 kWh battery.
Remember, the rebate maxes at 50 kWh usable.
Step 3: Choose an Accredited Installer
Your rebate is only valid if the system is supplied and installed by an accredited provider (AP).
Checklist for installers:
- CEC accreditation number.
- Battery is on the approved product list.
- Clear quote showing rebate applied upfront.
- Warranty + service agreements included.
Step 4: Installation & Rebate Application
- Installer supplies and installs the battery.
- Rebate applied at point of sale—you don’t claim it later.
- Old inverter upgrades (if required) are usually included in package.
Step 5: Add a Smart EV Charger
- Standard charging: 2.4 kW from wall socket (~12 hours to full).
- Smart home charger: 7 kW single-phase (~4–6 hours).
- Solar-aware charger: syncs with battery + solar to maximise renewable usage.
Step 6: Optimise Your System
After installation:
- Use the monitoring app to track energy flow.
- Set your EV to charge at times when solar/battery is available.
- Consider joining a VPP for extra bill credits.
Real Savings: Case Studies
Case Study 1 – Family of Four in Melbourne
- Solar: 6.6 kW system.
- Battery: 10 kWh.
EV: Tesla Model Y (drives 50 km/day). - Before: $2,000 annual household bill + $1,800 fuel.
- After: $600 household bill + $300 EV charging.
Total savings: $2,900/year.
Case Study 2 – Regional Victorian Business Owner
- Solar: 13 kW rooftop system.
- Battery: 20 kWh.
- EV: Nissan Leaf (daily driving 80 km).
- Business + home loads covered.
Fuel + power bill reduction: ~$4,500/year.
Solar-Only vs Solar + Battery for EV Charging
| Setup | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Solar Only | Free EV charging during the day | Limited if you’re not home; can’t store energy | WFH EV drivers |
| Solar + Battery | Store solar for night EV charging; greater savings; blackout backup | Higher upfront cost (rebate reduces this by 30%) | Commuters, families, multiple EV homes |
| Grid Charging Only | Simple, no setup | High cost, not renewable | Temporary/short-term |
The Payback Question
- Without rebate: 10 kWh battery ~$11,000 → payback ~8 years.
- With rebate: Net ~$7,700 → payback 3–4 years (thanks to EV fuel savings + bill reduction).
Tip: If you combine solar + battery + EV charger install in one package, you get maximum efficiency and fastest ROI.
Consumer Protections
- Rebate is only applied by accredited installers.
- Transparent quotes must show rebate + out-of-pocket cost.
- Batteries must meet strict safety and warranty standards.
- Renters must have landlord approval; body corporates must sign off for strata installs.
Why Choose iPromise Australia
- Accredited Installer in Victoria – rebate guaranteed.
- All paperwork handled – you don’t chase government forms.
- Tailored system design – we size solar, battery, and EV charger for your lifestyle.
- Support for renters & businesses – consent templates and VPP advice.
Trusted provider – hundreds of installations with real savings delivered.
| Book a free consultation today and see how much you can save
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can renters access the Cheaper Home Batteries rebate?
Yes, with landlord consent. - Do I need solar panels already?
Yes—battery must be paired with solar PV (existing or new). - Can I power my EV completely from solar?
Yes—if your system is sized correctly for your driving habits. Many homes cover 70–90% of charging needs. - What happens when the rebate ends?
It tapers until 2030. Installing early maximises your discount. - Do I have to join a Virtual Power Plant?
No, but your battery must be VPP-capable.
Summing it up
EVs, solar, and home batteries aren’t just the future—they’re today’s smartest choice. With the Cheaper Home Batteries Program in Victoria, you can finally afford to install battery storage, charge your EV cheaply at home, and slash both energy bills and petrol costs.
Instead of relying on the grid, you become your own power station—one that fuels your car, runs your home, and saves thousands every year.
Take the first step now: Check your eligibility by filling out the form here.