Up to 42% of 235,000 of the Cheaper Home Batteries have been installed in regional homes.
Over 1000 Bendigo residents have taken up the offer of around 30 per cent off a home battery under the government scheme.
Australia is already a global leader in rooftop solar PV adoption, with over 4 million households generating their own electricity.
Solargain, one of Australia’s leading solar and battery specialists, showcased a live demonstration of its iStore home battery and backup system at a private residence in Bendigo, Victoria, highlighting the success of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
The event was attended by Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Hon Chris Bowen MP, Lisa Chesters MP for Bendigo, Solargain Dealership CEO Bryn Foletta, and Solargain Bendigo Managing Director Nate Ruff.
Homeowners across regional Victoria are saving money on energy bills with new batteries
The iStore solar power, battery, and backup system, installed by Solargain Bendigo, powers the home of Christopher Gibney, a regional Victorian resident who has experienced a dramatic reduction in electricity costs.
“I’m wrapped because our energy bills were just going up, up and up last year,” Gibney said. “Now I’m hopeful we won’t have any electricity bills.”
Nate Ruff, Solargain Bendigo CEO, was proud of the achievement and said, “Being a local, family-run company means that we get to create really strong relationships with our customers, like Chris, and hearing him speak on how positive his outcome has been with his system is really rewarding.”
Cheaper Home Batteries Program finds success in regional towns
Gibney’s solar battery was installed as part of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a government initiative rolled out in July 2025 that aims to accelerate the nation’s transition to a low‑carbon future by making battery storage accessible, reliable, and cost‑effective.
The Ministry for Climate Change and Energy, in conjunction with the Smart Energy Council and Solargain, organised the press conference to inform the public about the path to a renewable future and to demonstrate how they can achieve this massive transformation by working together.
MP Lisa Chesters spoke about the program’s role in helping regional communities store their own power, cut their bills for good, and take control of their energy use. Energy Minister Chris Bowen stated that “42% of the more than 235,000 Cheaper Home Batteries have been installed in regional homes.”
The press conference also highlighted how new battery installations are helping keep air conditioning, lighting, and other essential services running during heat waves and fire risk periods while relieving pressure on local energy grids.
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About Solargain
Solargain, a 4-time Canstar Blue winner for “Most Satisfied Customers”, has over 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry and is one of Australia’s leading solar installers with over 94,000 residential and commercial customers across Australia.
Contact details:
For more information regarding the information contained in this press release, please contact Solargain’s media contact, Jennifer, at jennifer.delmarre@solargain.com.au or on 0458 633 066.
