What’s the Real ROI on Solar and Battery Systems in 2025?

With power prices climbing and energy uncertainty continuing, solar panels have become a no-brainer for many Aussie households. The federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries program offers a 30% discount on battery installations from July 1st. This makes combining solar and battery storage a smarter investment.

So what kind of return on investment (ROI) can you expect? And how long will it take to pay off your system? Let’s dig in.

Why Batteries Make More Sense Than Ever

There’s no doubt solar has been a game-changer for households — especially in sunny regions like Shoalhaven and the South Coast. But adding a battery means you can take it further:

• Store excess solar to use later, instead of exporting it for a tiny feed-in tariff

• Use solar after dark when electricity prices peak

• Avoid blackouts with secure backup power

• Protect against bill shocks by reducing grid reliance

Now, with the federal government’s 30% discount and the NSW battery rebate, the upfront cost is much lower. This makes the payback period faster than ever.

How the 30% Battery Rebate Works

The federal Cheaper Home Batteries program:

• Provides a 30% discount at the time of installation

• Applies to households, small businesses and community facilities

• Works alongside existing state rebates

• Was included in the 2024–25 federal budget with $2.3 billion in funding

• Aims to get 1 million batteries into Aussie homes by 2030

This rebate is already factoring into quotes and installations — no more waiting.

What’s the ROI on Solar + Battery Systems?

Let’s run the numbers for typical Shoalhaven homes:

Scenario 1: 6.6kW Solar + 13.5kWh Battery

• Retail cost: $10,000

• Federal rebate : -$3,500

• NSW rebate: -$2,400

• Out-of-pocket: $4,100

• Estimated annual savings: $1,800

• Payback period: 2.5 years

Scenario 2: 10kW Solar + 27kWh Battery (Large family + EV)

• Retail cost: $18,000

• Federal rebate: -$5,400

• NSW rebate: -$4,750

• Out-of-pocket: $7,850

• Estimated annual savings: $3,200–$3,500

• Payback period: 2–3 years

Scenario 3: Battery-Only Retrofit to Existing System

• Battery cost: $9,000

• Federal rebate: -$2,700

• NSW rebate: -$2,400

• Out-of-pocket: $3,900

• Estimated annual savings: $1,500–$1,800

• Payback period: 2–3 years

More Than Just Bill Savings

Rewiring Australia says a household battery can save you $1,000 to $2,300 each year. This depends on your system and how you use it. But the benefits go further than cost:

• Stabilises your bills against market volatility

• Protects against blackouts and grid instability

• Enables EV charging with solar

• Improves resilience during disasters

One battery might not change much — but 1 million batteries? That can help lower electricity prices for everyone.

What Affects ROI?

Several factors influence how quickly your system pays for itself:

Don’t Forget the Bigger Picture

• Australia’s energy market is volatile — batteries flatten those peaks and troughs.

• Solar feed-in tariffs are falling — and will continue to.

• Electricity demand is changing — batteries allow homes to shift power usage.

A solar battery is more than a financial tool. It provides energy security and independence. It helps you take control.

Ready to Calculate Your ROI?

We’ll take a look at:

• Your recent electricity bills

• Solar system size and export levels

• Household usage patterns

• Rebate eligibility

Then we’ll show you exactly how long it’ll take to break even — and how much you’ll save over time.

Power Your Home and Your Future

• There are federal and state rebates available.

• Battery prices are lower now.

• Battery technology has improved.

• This is a great time to invest.

Call Shoalhaven Solar on (02) 4464 1597 or request a free quote. We’ll help you unlock the full value of your solar and battery system — with fast payback and long-term peace of mind.