Hungary has opened applications for its new Home Energy Storage Program, offering households a non-refundable grant of up to HUF 2.5 million for the installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The first application window runs from February 2 to March 15, 2026.
The program has a total budget of HUF 100 billion (approximately $270 million) and will cover up to 80% of eligible investment costs per household. The typical cost of a battery and inverter system for families is around HUF 3.2 million. Support is available for systems with a minimum capacity of 10 kWh and may be used to cover design, permitting, construction and other technical expenses.
To qualify, applicants must install the storage system at their permanent residence and either already operate a solar PV system or commit to installing one simultaneously. Households that have previously received state support specifically for energy storage are not eligible, although prior support for solar-only installations does not disqualify applicants. Priority will be given to households under gross settlement schemes or those expected to join by the end of 2030, as well as residents of small rural settlements with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.
Secretary of State Gábor Czepek stated that regulatory amendments have been introduced to broaden participation. Applicants who need to replace an inverter when installing a battery system will retain their annual balance settlement entitlement until the original deadline. Successful applicants will continue to benefit from the ten-year favorable settlement period even if technical modifications are required to integrate the storage system.
The program has also expanded eligibility to individual entrepreneurs and primary producers, provided no economic activity is carried out at the property. Residential properties owned by churches are now included as well, subject to written consent from the church and a declaration confirming that the property is used solely for residential purposes.
An amendment introduced on January 29 simplifies administrative procedures. Applicants are no longer required to provide proof of balance settlement status, as this will be verified automatically by the National Energy Efficiency Agency (NEÜ Zrt). While applicants must still declare any economic activity, the reporting requirements have been clarified and standardized. The maximum inverter capacity will be determined based on the valid grid connection contract, with a technical tolerance of 1 kW.
The second phase of applications will open on March 16, with submissions accepted until September 30, 2026. According to Czepek, the initiative aims to double Hungary’s current household energy storage capacity, helping reduce electricity imports, ease grid pressure and lower system operating costs nationwide.
