Home battery numbers take a breather as the market cools in January 2026, marking the first time since the rebate launch in July 2025. New data from SunWiz reveals a 17% decline in small-scale battery registrations, totaling 983 megawatt-hours in January, down from 1.2 gigawatt-hours in December. This dip is attributed to installers' well-deserved break during the summer holidays, rather than a drop in demand. Despite this, the federal battery rebate continues to fuel growth, with changes set to take effect in May. However, markets in most states contracted by over 20% in January, with Victoria as the exception, showing a slight 3% increase. The average battery system size remains robust, reaching 35.64 kWh in January. Rooftop solar installations, a seasonal trend, saw a 32% decline in January, mirroring last year's numbers. Commercial solar installations, particularly in the 50-70 kW segment, experienced a 57% decline, while residential installs fell by 24%. This data highlights a natural market fluctuation, with a strong finish to 2025 and a typical January slowdown. The industry awaits further insights into the impact of the rebate changes and the overall market trajectory.
