Home batteries let you store solar power made during the day and use it at night. For a long time the upfront cost put them out of reach for many households. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which began on 1 July 2025, set out to change that. It offers a discount of around 30 per cent on eligible batteries installed with solar.
The program has changed since it started. From 1 May 2026, the discount is staggered by battery size and it falls at set points over time. This guide explains how the discount works now and what makes a battery eligible. It also covers what to check before you sign a contract.
Heating water is one of the biggest energy costs in many Australian homes. In Victoria, hot water makes up around 18 per cent of household energy use. If your old electric storage tank is near the end of its life, the replacement you choose will shape your power bills for years. A heat pump is one of the most efficient electric options you can buy.
This guide explains how heat pump hot water systems work and what to think about before you buy. It covers sizing, noise, placement, cold weather and running a heat pump from rooftop solar. It also looks at the small scale technology certificates that can lower the upfront price. Rules and incentives differ between states, so check what applies where you live.