The Real Value of Combining WA’s Battery Rebate with the Federal Scheme

Western Australians have been quick to jump on the new state battery rebate, and it’s easy to see why. The program offers up to $1,300 in Synergy areas or $3,8000 in Horizon Power regions, making it one of the most generous state-backed incentives in the country. Add the federal government’s national battery rebate on top, and the savings can look even sweeter, sometimes totalling more than $600 off a typical 10kWh system. 

But before you rush to claim both, there’s more to stacking rebates than meets the eye. Each scheme comes with its own rules, conditions, and hidden costs that can turn a great deal into a complicated one. Some homeowners may find that accepting the state rebate means handing over a bit of control—literally— to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) operator. Others might discover that their chosen inverter isn’t quite as “supported” as it first appeared. 

So, is stacking worth it? Or are you better off keeping things simple and claiming one?

Understanding the two rebates

WA’s Residential Battery Scheme is designed to kick-start household energy storage, helping more homes utilise their solar power and stabilise the grid. The rebate amount varies depending on your location. 

• If you’re in Synergy’s service area (which covers Perth and the South West Interconnected System), you can claim $130 per usable kilowatt-hour, capped at 10 kWh — a maximum of $1,300. 
• In Horizon Power’s region, which includes regional and remote communities, the rebate is far higher at $380 per usable kilowatt-hour, up to $3,800. 

What makes this scheme stand out is that it can be combined with the federal battery rebate, part of the national Battery Booster program. The federal rebate typically offers around $330 per usable kWh, depending on the system’s capacity and location. It’s designed to make approved batteries more affordable and boost the adoption of VPP-ready technology. 

Stacking the two can deliver serious savings. A homeowner in a Synergy area could claim roughly $6,600 off a 10 kWh battery, while someone in a Horizon Power zone could see around $7,100 in combined incentives. But as attractive as that sounds, the overlap isn’t seamless. Each rebate has its own eligibility rules, and those fine details can make a big difference in how the deal plays out. 

The fine print behind stacking

While it’s tempting to think of the two rebates as a simple “double discount,” the truth is that each program comes with its own rulebook. The biggest difference lies in what you have to agree to in exchange for the savings. 

Under the WA state rebate, homeowners must connect their system to an approved VPP. In practice, this means your battery may discharge to the grid during peak demand or be limited at certain times to help stabilise supply. The federal rebate, on the other hand, only requires that your system be VPP-ready, not actively enrolled. That small distinction gives you the option to stay independent if you choose. 

There’s also a catch with hardware. Even if your inverter or battery appears on the supported systems list, you may still need extra equipment to qualify. For example, several newly approved inverter models require a Catch Power control device (an additional piece of hardware that enables grid communication and control). It can add a few hundred dollars to installation costs, which can eat into the rebate benefit if not factored in upfront. 

In short, stacking can work beautifully if you meet all the criteria. However, it’s not automatic. To get the full benefit, your installer must ensure every component aligns with both programs’ approval lists, communication standards, and VPP requirements. Missing even one small detail could mean losing eligibility for one or both rebates. 

The control question — Who runs your battery?

When you sign up for a VPP under the WA rebate, you’re essentially agreeing to share control of your battery with the network operator. It’s not as dramatic as handing over the keys, but it doesn’t mean your system can be adjusted remotely during certain grid events. For example, Synergy or Horizon Power may temporarily discharge your stored energy to support the grid when demand peaks, or limit your export if the network becomes congested. 

For some households, that’s a fair trade for the financial benefit. Your battery still works day to day as usual, storing solar energy for use at night and reducing reliance on the grid. The difference is that during critical periods, your battery becomes part of a larger energy management system, helping to keep the lights on across your community. 

Others, though, value full autonomy over their system. They want to decide when and how their stored power is used, without outside intervention. For these homeowners, skipping the state rebate and relying solely on the federal one might make more sense. It offers the flexibility to stay VPP-ready without any ongoing commitment, giving you control while still securing some upfront savings. 

The decision comes down to your comfort level with shared control. If you see your solar setup as a personal energy reserve, a VPP might feel restrictive. But if you view it as a way to play an active role in WA’s clean energy transition, it can be a win-win. 

When stacking pays off

These figures show that stacking rebates can deliver substantial upfront savings, but they’re only part of the equation. Homeowners still need to weigh the practical trade-offs, like joining a VPP and adding control hardware, against the financial benefit. 

For most households with steady evening power use, stacking shortens the payback period and helps future-proof the home for rising energy costs. But for those who prioritise full system control or have modest consumption, it may make more sense to take the federal rebate alone and stay VPP-ready on their own terms.

Stack smart, not blind

Stacking both rebates can be a win, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all choice. The right move depends on how you use energy, how much control you’re comfortable sharing, and the system you plan to install. 

If you live in a Horizon Power area, stacking always makes sense. The higher state rebate, combined with the federal incentive, delivers strong returns even after factoring in hardware costs. For households in Synergy’s network, the decision is less clear-cut. The rebate is smaller, and VPP participation can limit flexibility, so it’s worth confirming that your usage pattern will actually translate into meaningful savings. 

Before you commit, make sure your installer confirms compatibility with both rebate schemes, including any required control hardware. Double-check that your inverter and battery appear on the latest supported systems list, and ask about any extra configuration fees tied to VPP setup. 

The smartest approach is to think long term. Rebates can make batteries more affordable, but your system’s value extends well beyond the upfront discount. Whether you stack or skip, the real goal is a setup that fits your lifestyle, lowers your bills, and supports WA’s shift toward a more stable, renewable grid. 

Stacking rebates can be a smart move if you understand the trade-offs. Take time to check your system, usage, and comfort with VPP participation before signing up. The biggest savings come not just from rebates, but from choosing a setup that works efficiently for your home year after year.

Energy Matters has been in the solar industry since 2005 and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.

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