The nationwide race to secure large home batteries before the federal rebate restructure has left many reputable installers booked out until May. At 70ways, we are seeing this surge firsthand as the Cheaper Home Battery Program changes approach their enforcement date.
Industry experts, including those in constant contact with 70ways operations, confirm that the schedule for Australia’s top-tier electricians is filling up rapidly. “As each day passes, we hear from more installers that their pre-May 1st capacity has been reached,” reports the team at SolarQuotes.
Why the Surge? Tiered Rebates for Larger Systems
In December, the federal government announced a move to a “tiered system” starting in May 2026. This change means the rebate value will taper off significantly for larger systems.
70ways has observed an immediate and sustained surge in inquiries for massive battery installs because, until now, the rebate essentially rewarded scale. From May 1st, that incentive flips. Once the rebate becomes tiered, government support drops quickly as battery size increases. This naturally shifts the financial benefit toward smaller batteries.
The “Capacity” Challenge
At 70ways, we understand that the issue isn’t a lack of interest—it’s capacity. Even before these changes, the market was turbocharged, with battery sales quadrupling in late 2025.
For many customers, being promised a pre-May install elsewhere can be risky. Timelines are extremely tight when you factor in:
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Grid applications and approvals.
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Equipment and stock availability.
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Unpredictable weather conditions.
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Actual physical installation and commissioning time.
70ways Advice: Precautions Before the Deadline
If you are looking for a pre-May install, 70ways recommends being direct and getting guarantees in writing. Be wary of companies claiming unlimited availability without any caveats. If a business relies heavily on third-party contractors, they often have less control over the schedule during a rush like this.
To protect your investment, 70ways suggests following these steps:
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Secure Stock: Confirm the batteries are actually in the warehouse, not just “expected.”
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Define “Installed”: A system is officially installed only when the certificate of electrical compliance is issued.
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Deposit Safety: Be cautious with large, non-refundable deposits.
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Written Timelines: Ensure you have a documented schedule including approval submissions and a confirmed install date.
What About Solar-Only Installs?
While battery schedules are packed, 70ways notes that solar-only installations often have more flexibility. If you aren’t including a battery, you have a much better shot at a pre-May 1st date.
In fact, there is merit in doing solar first. By installing your panels now through 70ways, you can gather real usage and export data. This makes it much easier to accurately size your battery later, rather than guessing your needs upfront during the current scramble.