Oct 01 2025

From 1 July 2025, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed another rise in electricity prices under the Default Market Offer (DMO). For many households, this adds even more pressure to already stretched budgets.

Families are frustrated, businesses are cutting costs, and power bills feel endless. But there is a way out. Solar, especially when paired with a battery, allows you to generate your own electricity, reduce your reliance on the grid, and protect yourself from these constant hikes.

What’s Changing with Power Prices in 2025?

The latest DMO update shows sharp increases across the country. In New South Wales, household bills are up 8.3% to 9.7%, which means an extra $159 to $249 a year. South Australia faces rises of 2.3% to 3.2%, or around $120 more. In South-East Queensland, bills have increased 0.5% to 3.7%, or about $61 to $119 annually.

Small businesses are also hit, with hikes ranging from 0.8% to 8.5% depending on location. Wholesale electricity costs, network charges, and other retail costs drive these increases. The bottom line: Sticking with grid power means paying more every year.

How Rising Power Prices Hit Households

For many families, higher electricity prices mean tough choices. Some reduce appliance use, limit heating or cooling, or worry about unexpected bill spikes. Small businesses are also under pressure, with higher operating costs eating into profits.

Rising bills aren’t a one-off event. They are part of a long-term trend that shows no signs of stopping. If you stay on the same electricity plan, your bills will only keep climbing. That’s why households across Australia are seeking more innovative solutions to achieve control and stability.

Why Is the Solar System a Smart Protection?

Solar is a smart shield against rising bills. Panels use free sunlight to generate electricity, which reduces how much you buy from the grid. Every unit of solar power you use is one less unit you pay for. With energy prices increasing year after year, these savings make a significant difference.

Solar also gives long-term security. While electricity retailers can keep raising rates, your solar panels keep producing free power for decades. It makes solar one of the most effective ways for Australians to counter rising power prices.

Extra Savings from Adding a Battery

Adding a battery makes your solar system even more powerful. During the day, your panels often produce more electricity than you use. Instead of sending it back to the grid for a small credit, a battery stores that energy. At night, or during expensive peak times, you can use your stored power for free.

A battery also keeps your home running during blackouts, powering essentials like lights, the fridge, and Wi-Fi. In the long run, solar plus battery gives you greater energy independence. You’ll rely less on the grid, avoid price spikes, and enjoy peace of mind when outages happen.

Government Support & Rebates

The Federal battery rebate 2025, known as the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, makes batteries more affordable. It gives about 30% off upfront costs, or roughly $330–$370 per usable kWh, for up to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity.

That means thousands in savings, for example, a 10 kWh battery can save you around $3,300 to $3,700 upfront. To qualify, the battery must be new, paired with solar, and installed on or after 1 July 2025. Systems must be VPP-capable (for on-grid use), products must be CEC-approved, and installers must be SAA-accredited. At Zip Solar, a NETCC-approved retailer, we handle all this for you.

Why It’s Best to Act Now?

Electricity prices rise almost every year, and waiting only means paying more. The rebate value under the federal program will also gradually step down until 2030. It means early adopters get the most significant savings, while late adopters will miss out on thousands in support. Demand is already high, which can lead to longer wait times for installation. By acting now, you lock in today’s rebate amount, secure a faster installation, and start saving sooner. Oversizing your battery today may also be a smart move, as the rebate is applied per kilowatt-hour. The earlier you act, the better your long-term savings will be.

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Take Control of Rising Bills Today

Power prices are going up, but you don’t have to keep paying more each year. Solar, combined with a battery, gives you the tools to fight back against rising bills. Additionally, federal rebates and state incentives make these systems more affordable than ever.

At Zip Solar, we are a NETCC-approved retailer, which means we deliver trusted products, accredited installation, and full support through the rebate process. Don’t wait for another price hike to hit your budget. Contact Zip Solar today for a free solar consultation or quote, and see how much you can save in 2025 and beyond.

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