The Tesla driving sparkie’s guide to home batteries, rebates and VPPs

From July 1, households across Australia will be able to access the federal government’s long-awaited battery rebate, which will offer 30% off the upfront cost of installing a home battery. It’s a major push to help people make the switch to cleaner energy, reduce power bills, and support a smarter, more resilient grid. But while the rebate is generous, navigating the battery market is anything but simple. How do you choose the right battery? What should you look for in an installer? Can you stack federal and state rebates? And what’s a virtual power plant—and why does your battery need to be part of one to be eligible? To help cut through the noise, the Tesla-driving sparkie from Get Off Gas, Brendan Lang, breaks down the key things to consider before buying a battery, from system sizing and blackout protection to VPP compatibility and why energy efficiency upgrades shouldn’t be forgotten. Whether you're already solar-powered or just starting to explore your options, this episode offers practical guidance on storing solar, taking control of your energy use, and playing a part in the energy transition.