Townsville battery rebates drop again on 1 January 2027
Right now the federal rebate is worth about $252 per usable kWh. From 1 January it steps down to roughly $211 — around $550 less on a typical 13.5kWh battery, for exactly the same install. Lock in today's rate while it's still on the table.
- Rebate deducted off your quote — no claim, no paperwork
- Installed by local Townsville electricians, not fly-in crews
- Sized around your actual usage, so you don't lose rebate to tapering
Get your free battery quote
Tell us a bit about your place and we'll come back with your exact rebate figure and a fixed price. Same business day, no obligation.
What's changing on 1 January 2027
The Cheaper Home Batteries rebate doesn't end — it shrinks, twice a year, every January and July. Most companies mention it in passing. Here's what it actually means for your quote.
About $252 per kWh
The rebate is currently 6.8 certificates per usable kWh. On a 13.5kWh battery that's roughly $3,400 straight off the price.
Drops to about $211 per kWh
The rate falls to 5.7 certificates per kWh. Same battery, same install, several hundred dollars less support.
It keeps stepping down
Unlike the solar rebate, the battery rebate reduces twice a year through to 2030. Waiting costs you money every time.
What you lose by waiting
Federal rebate today vs from 1 January 2027, by usable battery size.
| Battery size | Rebate now | From 1 Jan 2027 | You lose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kWh | ~$1,258 | ~$1,055 | $203 |
| 10 kWh | ~$2,516 | ~$2,109 | $407 |
| 13.5 kWh | ~$3,397 | ~$2,847 | $550 |
| 14 kWh | ~$3,522 | ~$2,953 | $570 |
Estimates only. Based on the small-scale technology certificate factor of 6.8 per usable kWh (to 31 December 2026) falling to 5.7 from 1 January 2027, at an assumed certificate price of $37. The full rate applies to the first 14kWh of usable capacity; larger systems taper, so an oversized battery earns proportionally less. Actual certificate prices fluctuate, admin fees vary, and eligibility conditions apply. The rebate is applied up front by your installer. We'll confirm your exact figure in writing before you commit.
The simple version
Every month you wait, the same battery costs you more. Get the number in writing now, then decide — there's no obligation either way.
Check My RebateWhy batteries make particular sense in Townsville
We generate more sunshine here than almost anywhere in the country, and get paid very little for exporting it. A battery closes that gap.
- Big daytime generation. North Queensland sun means most homes make far more power than they use between 9am and 3pm.
- Low feed-in tariffs. Exporting that surplus earns a fraction of what you pay to buy it back at night.
- Storm season. Backup circuits keep the fridge, lights, fans and internet running when the grid drops out.
- Air conditioning after dark. Local homes use their heaviest load at exactly the time solar stops producing.
Sized around your place, not a package deal
Oversizing a battery now costs you rebate under the tapering rules. Undersizing wastes your solar. We design to your actual usage.
- Adding a battery to existing solar. We check your inverter and switchboard first, so there are no surprises on install day.
- Solar and battery together. Designed as one system from day one, which is cheaper than retrofitting later.
- Planning for an EV. We leave headroom in the design so charging at home doesn't mean starting again.
Every system is Clean Energy Council compliant, installed by licensed electricians, and built for heat, humidity and coastal conditions.
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Why Townsville homeowners pick O'Brien
Chris and the local crew handle the site visit, the design, the rebate paperwork and the install — and they're still here afterwards.
Battery-ready from day one
Systems designed so adding storage later doesn't mean paying twice for the same work.
Local licensed electricians
Townsville-based crews who understand the heat, humidity, storms and coastal corrosion here.
Straight rebate advice
Clear numbers in writing, the rebate taken off up front, and no pressure to decide on the spot.
What we do
Solar & battery solutions
Residential & commercial solar
Battery installation & upgrades
Servicing & fault finding
See a recent Townsville install
Start to finish on a local roof — the same crew that would do yours.
Filmed on a recent O'Brien Electrical & Solar install in Townsville.
What Townsville locals say
Chris and the team have been fantastic through the process of having a solar battery added to my existing setup. The installation process went well. A small change in scope was necessary but that was addressed very quickly. The Sigenergy battery they have installed looks good, functions well and I have found the interface very intuitive and easy to use. I also made use of their finance agent for part of the installation and was impressed with their rates and fees. They got us a deal I was very happy with. Overall I would be happy to recommend everyone make use of this business as they have everything from quoting, finance, products and installation nailed down. Thank you again.
10 out of 10!! Excellent company to have install our Solar. They provided a large team who worked really well together, each knowing their role to play. I couldn't fault their professionalism and workmanship, This was a great experience from Day 1, with individualised explanation of how the solar rebates work. Thanks O'brien Electrical and Solar, you guys rock!
This is our third solar install at different addresses. Had mixed experiences previously; but found O'Brien Townsville to be incredibly professional. Chris, the head guy, promptly undertook a site visit before quoting as we had some issues with battery location. Despite their promptness and professionalism, their quote was very competitive. One of the issues with the other earlier suppliers was that they were always putting job off due to lack of stock/supply issues. Obrien delivered on time just before summer heatwave. Their install team were clearly a well-run team and all of them seemed like fine young men invested in their work. Nothing was too much trouble. We appreciated their work immensely - and bought them a couple of cartons of beer for the trip home from Magnetic Island (driver excluded) in appreciation. Couldn't recommend them more highly. Dave and Kym (Picnic Bay)
I could not be happier with the service and products supplied. The install team were polite and efficient. Chris and staff have been great with sorting out a few teething issues we were having with our system. I would genuinely recommend this company.
We couldn't' be happier with the team of young tradesmen who installed our solar at Magnetic Island. They worked incredibly hard in extremely hot conditions and never once complained. Their attitude, professionalism and work ethic were outstanding. The quality of their work was excellent. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and hardworking crew.
Could not be happier with our solar installation. Great communication, all the little extras covered like hot water on a smart switch. Installation was smooth and professional. Could not recommend more!
Had a great experience with our solar installation! The installers were fantastic—professional, friendly, and efficient. Communication was clear and consistent from start to finish, and everything was left neat and tidy. Installers provided a thorough run down of the system after the install was completed. Highly recommend!
Very happy with the service. Chris was very helpful, answering my questions even after installation. The price was good too compared to other quotes
Excellent service from the whole team. Well mannered and very professional from start to finish. I do not hesitate to recommend this company for any electrical or solar work.
The team at O'Brien Townsville were exceptional. Great people, great service. No issues.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the battery rebate worth right now?
Do I have to claim the rebate myself?
Why does a bigger battery get proportionally less?
Do I need a battery, or is solar alone enough?
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
How long does installation take?
What products do you install?
What warranties do I get?
- Up to 25 years performance warranty on solar panels
- 10–15 years manufacturer warranty on batteries
- 5–10 years workmanship guarantee from O'Brien Electrical
Can I monitor what the system is doing?
Do you offer finance?
Lock in today's rebate before 1 January
Free site assessment, exact rebate figure in writing, fixed price. No obligation and no pressure — if a battery doesn't stack up for your place, we'll tell you.
What we do
- Solar battery installation & upgrades
- Solar system design & sizing
- Grid-connected & hybrid systems
- Inverter installation & replacement
- Servicing & maintenance
- Performance checks & fault finding
Also
- Residential solar power systems
- Commercial solar solutions
- Government rebate assistance
- Clean Energy Council compliant installs