Western Australia’s (WA) home battery rebate is evolving, and fast. A growing lineup of inverter and battery brands has joined the approved list, giving homeowners a level of choice the program didn’t have before. From big names like SolarEdge and SMA to emerging players such as Hyxi Power and EsySunHome, the field is suddenly wider and more competitive. That’s great news if you’ve been waiting for the right system or price point, but it also means the decision has become less straightforward. More options bring more fine print, from Virtual Power Plant (VPP)-readiness to hidden hardware costs.
Understanding what’s changed and how to turn these new options into real long-term value is now key to getting the most out of WA’s rebate.
The new wave of battery options
For years, WA homeowners eyeing a home battery rebate faced a narrow field of choices. Most of the approved systems came from a handful of major brands, limiting flexibility and locking many households into high upfront costs or technical compromises. That’s now changing.
The state’s latest update has opened the door to a broader range of inverter and battery combinations, including new names like SolarEdge, SMA, Solis, Solplantet, Hyxi Power, and EsySunHome.
This reflects the growing maturity of Australia’s home battery market.
| Brand | What They Offer | Ideal For | Considerations |
| SolarEdge | Premium hybrid inverters and all-in-one systems; known for efficiency and reliability. | Homeowners wanting a long-term, brand-backed solution. | Higher upfront cost; ensure model is VPP-ready. |
| SMA | New “Sunny Boy Smart Energy” hybrid inverters with built-in storage control. | Homes upgrading existing solar to include battery storage. | May require additional setup to connect to a VPP. |
| Solis | Budget-friendly hybrid inverters supporting modular battery setups. | Cost-conscious homeowners looking for solid value. | Some systems need a Catch Power Gateway for rebate eligibility. |
| Solplanet | Sleek, mid-range hybrid inverter range (ASW series) suited for small to medium households. | Families adding batteries to rooftop solar. | Check model compatibility with installer; some require extra hardware. |
| Hyxi Power | New entrant offering compact hybrid systems designed for easy installation. | Homeowners wanting a smaller footprint and lower cost of entry. | Limited local track record; verify warranty support. |
| EsySunHome | All-in-one battery systems that combine an inverter and storage in one unit. | Those wanting plug-and-play simplicity. | May need Catch Power Gateway to qualify for rebate. |
Established players like SolarEdge and SMA bring proven reliability and support networks, while newcomers such as Hyxi Power and EsySunHome are entering with compact, all-in-one systems designed to simplify installation and reduce costs.
Mid-range brands like Solis and Solplanet, meanwhile, offer a balance between affordability and smart functionality, catering to households that want a strong return on investment without sacrificing performance.
This diversification is a real advantage because you can choose a system that aligns with your lifestyle, energy goals, and budget. More brands also drive competition, which can translate into better pricing and innovation across the board. The key is knowing how to assess which of these new players offers genuine value and which might come with hidden strings attached.
What this means for homeowners
This update doesn’t just add names to a list, but it changes the playing field. For homeowners, it means greater freedom to tailor systems to their property energy habits and budget. A few years ago, the rebate favoured higher-end setups that only suited tech-savvy or early adopters. Now, the inclusion of mid-range and entry-level brands is broadening access to solar storage for more families.
This is also a shift toward simpler, integrated battery designs that reduce installation complexity and cost, an important step for households looking to maximise rebate value without diving into technical jargon. Still, more options also mean more homework. Understanding which systems are truly rebate-ready, which need add-ons like control gateways, and which have a strong support network will be key to turning choice into savings.
Systems that are rebate-ready
The new additions to WA’s approved battery list are promising, but not all are ready for rebate claims straight out of the box. Some models meet every requirement immediately, while others still need extra components or setup before they quality.
Knowing the difference could save homeowners hundreds in unexpected costs and delays.
| Brand | Rebate-Ready Status | Add-Ons or Requirements | Support Strength in Australia |
| SolarEdge | ✅ Fully rebate-ready | No add-ons required; models already listed as VPP-compatible. | Strong — long-standing presence and installer base. |
| SMA | ✅ Fully rebate-ready | Requires standard VPP setup; no external gateway needed. | Strong — established service network nationwide. |
| Solis | ⚠️ Partially rebate-ready | Some hybrid models require the Catch Power Gateway to qualify. | Moderate — growing network, check local installer experience. |
| Solplanet | ⚠️ Partially rebate-ready | Needs Catch Power Gateway for certain models. | Moderate — newer presence, verify support and parts availability. |
| Hyxi Power | ⚠️ Conditional | Models must be VPP-ready and installed by approved partner. | Limited — confirm warranty coverage and servicing options. |
| EsySunHome | ⚠️ Conditional | Requires Catch Power Gateway integration to access rebate. | Limited — newer brand; check importer warranty. |
Being “rebate-ready” means more than just having your model appear on the approved list. It means your system can communicate with WA’s grid network (usually through VPP compatibility) meets safety and performance standards, and is installed by a recognised professional.
If you’re planning a battery installation soon, it’s worth confirming these three things with your installer before signing off:
- Is my chosen model listed as rebate-approved and rebate-ready?
- Are these extra parts or software needed (like Catch Power Gateway) to qualify?
- Who handles warranty and support if issues arise?
A few questions at the start could prevent costly surprises later, ensuring that the system you choose qualifies for the rebate and performs reliably for years to come.
VPP-readiness: Smart move or smart marketing?
One of the key conditions behind WA’s home battery rebate is VPP-readiness. It’s a term that sounds impressive (and in many ways, it is,) but for most homeowners, it can also be confusing. At its simplest, being VPP-ready means your battery can communicate with the grid and respond to demand events, such as releasing stored power when the grid needs support or storing excess solar when there’s too much supply.
From an energy-management perspective, this helps stabilise WA’s grid and keeps electricity prices steadier over time. For homeowners, it can mean lower upfront costs and potential future incentives for joining a VPP program. However, readiness doesn’t automatically mean participation. A VPP-ready system can connect, but joining a program is voluntary, and it’s worth understanding the trade-offs before opting in.
The takeaway is that VPP readiness can be a smart move because it future-proofs your system and keeps you eligible for rebates. But joining a VPP program should be an informed decision, not an automatic one. For many, the best strategy is to install a VPP-capable system now, claim the rebate, and decide later whether participating makes sense based on performance, provider effort, and comfort level with shared control.
How to make competition work for you
The expansion of WA’s approved battery list has done more than just create buzz. It’s quietly changed the balance of power toward the homeowner. More brands now competing for approval means installers and manufacturers are under pressure to deliver better pricing, clearer warranties, and more transparent installation packages. For households considering battery storage, that’s a valuable position to be in.
- Get multiple quotes: Don’t settle for the first offer. Collect at least two or three quotes from Clean Energy Council (CEC)-accredited installers to compare pricing, warranties, and inclusions.
- Check rebate eligibility: Make sure each quote clearly states whether the system is rebate-approved and rebate-ready, including all required components such as control gateways or VPP setup equipment.
- Negotiate smartly: With more manufacturers vying for customers, there’s often room to negotiate, whether for better pricing, extended warranties, or upgrade options between newer and established brands.
- Look beyond price: Some brands now offer modular systems that can grow with your household, while others feature smart energy management that automatically optimises when and how power is used.
- Think long-term value: Evaluate performance, expandability, and after-sales support. A system that lasts longer and performs better often delivers higher lifetime returns.
The rebate makes solar storage more affordable, but real savings come from choosing a system that fits your lifestyle and energy goals. In an expanding market, informed buyers gain the most lasting advantage.
WA’s expanded battery rebate brings homeowners more brands, better prices, and smarter systems. But savings depend on clarity, knowing which models qualify, what add-ons are needed, and who supports them. Compare carefully, ask the right questions, and you’ll get a battery that pays off long after the rebate does.
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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