Solar Battery Delays in Australia: Supply Chain & Rebate Issues⚡

Australia’s Abrupt Demand for Solar Energy Storage

Initiated on 1 July 2025, the Federal Government’s ‘Cheaper Home Batteries Program’, a $2.3 billion scheme designed to make battery storage more accessible for households and businesses, and to support grid stability and Australia’s sustainability goals.

The program has fulfilled its promise of providing discounts of up to 30% on eligible battery storage options defined by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER). However, since the battery rebate’s operation, Australia’s demand for battery storage has sky-rocketed whilst global battery manufacturers have been left scrambling to increase battery supply and fulfil supply.

This logistical bottleneck has caused frustrations for not only customers, but installers and retailers as the Australian market is mostly dependent on brands from China and the U.S.

Courtesy of Wolfgang Weiser

Installers in Overdrive for Battery Installations

Earlier in the year, we got hints of an upcoming battery rebate, and so did potential customers. This glimpse of what could be, persuaded a large amount of customers to wait and delay their investment until there was more information around possible subsidies.

This hesitation of investing resulted in reduced demand for not only battery stock, but demand for battery installations throughout NSW.

As the year has progressed, we’ve seen a whiplash effect where installers have had reduced battery projects, to an absolute overload of customers wanting to take advantage of the federal government’s battery subsidy.

This significant change has taken installers by surprise, with local businesses not prepared with the required resources and of course, battery stock. Now we see installers eagerly waiting for orders to arrive to conduct projects that have been scheduled for months.

Geopolitical Tensions & Europe’s Energy Security

With ongoing geopolitical tensions worldwide, specifically what we’re seeing in Ukraine & Russia, it has surfaced Europe’s vulnerability to energy security. Because of Europe’s reliance on imported fossil fuel, it has prompted the region to strengthen its energy independence and increase its battery capacity.

Similar to Australia, Europe also have government incentives to help property owners adopt battery storage, and this paired with the growing demand for electric vehicles is creating a strong demand for battery cells and components worldwide.

The combination of not only Europe’s energy transition, but global renewable growth is a phenomenon that is greatly affecting battery supply.

Courtesy of Lina Kivaka

Courtesy of BYD

Growing Reliance on Chinese Panel & Battery Manufacturers

With continual trade and economic tensions between China and the U.S., both nations are racing to become the world’s leading technology provider.

China currently dominates the manufacturing of solar panels, battery cells, and critical mineral refinement like lithium. This dominance in the industry means that China is playing a large part in supporting Australia’s renewable energy transition.

Consisting of renewable energy component giants like Trina & JA Solar, Sungrow, BYD, and CATL, potential trade vulnerabilities could arise with varying tariffs, access to resources, and essentially who gets along with whom.

Whilst current shortages haven’t directly been affected by trade-related events, this has highlighted a stronger demand for a more diverse battery supply chain to avoid single-country reliance.

Currently, Europe, South Korea, and the U.S. are investing battery technology to bring production back onshore to maintain battery supply globally.

What Battery Brands & Models are Delayed in Australia?

Australia's battery supply delay comes down to the impact the federal battery rebate had, as well as external demands which have negatively impacted global supply.

The majority of batteries we install are from brands like Sungrow, BYD, Tesla, and Fronius. Whilst all have been delayed, there have been more availability in various brands and models that have provided a backup for extremely delayed options.

With such a high demand, Sungrow have the longest wait with hundreds of pending orders, with Fronius BYD, and Tesla also being noticeably delayed.

Depending on the circumstance and customer preferences, your installer may offer alternative battery options to help minimise the wait time and get a battery installed as soon as possible. This could be an option for those looking to get a battery installed if your installer has availability left for 2025.

Courtesy of Ingo Joseph

How Long are Battery Delays in NSW?

Battery installers are doing everything they can to get systems delivered and installed as soon as possible. Depending on your order status, chosen battery brand, and installer availability, you may still receive your system before the end of the year.

With stock completely out of your installer’s control, they will need to prioritise those who have been waiting the longest to complete all outstanding jobs as quickly as possible.

"The ongoing delays in battery storage have been frustrating for everyone. We're doing everything in our power to secure stock for our customers who are eager to start receiving benefits of their battery system."
Elite Power Group’s Scheduler said.

Battery delays in Australia are expected to reduce by mid-2026 with supply chains projected to supplement and catch up to global demand.

Missing Out on 2025 Federal Battery Rebate Discounts

As the Australian federal battery subsidy reduces each year, those who are quoted for next year will pay a little more for their battery. Using the battery rebate calculator’s rough battery discount estimates, a 13.5kWh battery like Tesla Powerwall 3 will receive a few hundred dollars less than 2025’s discount value.

This yearly price reduction follows in the same footsteps as the solar rebate in Australia, which both reduce until 2030.

Unfortunately, it is highly likely that your installer will now be quoting to 2026 STC prices as most installers are booked out for the remainder of the year.