The New South Wales (NSW) government is taking bold steps to boost the adoption of renewable energy by offering a new rebate for solar battery installations.
Starting this Friday, eligible households and small businesses in the state can access rebates of up to $2,400 for installing solar batteries.
This initiative is designed to assist over 100,000 NSW households, reducing the upfront cost of installing solar batteries and making renewable energy more affordable.
The rebate program aims to help thousands of residents lower their electricity bills and increase their energy independence.
Types of Eligible Solar Battery Installations
The rebate is available for two types of installations: for those who already have solar panels and want to add a battery, as well as for those installing both solar panels and a battery for the first time.
For a new installation, the total cost of solar panels and battery storage typically ranges between $18,000 and $22,000, and the rebate could cover up to 13% of the overall expense.
Rebate Program Details
Starting November 1, 2024, NSW residents can claim the solar battery rebate for two scenarios: adding a battery to an existing solar power system or installing both solar panels and a battery from scratch.
Here’s a breakdown of rebate amounts for different battery sizes:
- 6.5 kWh battery: $770 to $1,150 rebate
- 13.5 kWh battery: $1,600 to $2,400 rebate
The rebate will be provided directly to accredited suppliers, who will pass the savings on to customers through licensed installers.
This streamlined approach ensures ease of access for customers and a smoother rebate claiming process.
Eligible Battery Installations and Rebates
The solar battery rebate program offers significant savings for different battery capacities:
- 6.5 kWh Battery: Rebate of $770 to $1,150 for battery addition to existing solar systems
- 13.5 kWh Battery: Rebate of $1,600 to $2,400 for combined solar panels and battery systems
For homeowners without solar panels, the NSW government offers a combined discount for both solar panels and batteries, making the transition to renewable energy more affordable.
Cost of Solar Battery Installation
The cost of installing solar battery systems can vary depending on the manufacturer and battery capacity.
Below are approximate costs for popular battery options available in NSW:
- BYD Solar Battery (13.8 kWh): Around $12,200
- Tesla Powerwall 2 (13.5 kWh): Around $15,500
- Sungrow Battery (12.8 kWh): Around $11,400
These prices reflect the current market value and may fluctuate based on supplier rates and installation fees.
With the rebate, eligible residents could see substantial reductions in the overall cost of solar battery installations.
How to Apply and Claim the Rebate
The process to apply for the solar battery rebate is simple:
- Ensure the battery system meets the requirement of having a capacity between 2 and 28 kWh.
- Visit the NSW government website to find a list of accredited suppliers and installers.
- Contact accredited suppliers for quotes on battery installations, ensuring that the rebate will be applied.
- Choose a NSW government-accredited installer to qualify for the rebate.
- Request necessary documentation and installation plans from the supplier.
- Sign the nomination form allowing the supplier to receive the rebate on your behalf.
- Schedule your installation date with your chosen supplier.
- Complete the installation and verify that all criteria are met.
- Keep all final installation documentation and receipts for future reference.
The Benefits of Installing Solar Batteries
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe emphasizes that over 1 million NSW households already have solar panels.
Adding a solar battery can maximize the benefits by allowing homes to store excess energy for use during non-sunny hours. Key advantages of installing a solar battery include:
- Storing excess energy generated during the day to use at night or during peak hours, when electricity from the grid is more expensive.
- Reducing reliance on the grid, leading to lower electricity bills, even when solar panels aren’t producing power.
- Supporting the state’s transition to a cleaner energy future by optimizing renewable energy usage.
The solar battery rebate is an important step forward in promoting renewable energy in NSW. By providing financial incentives for the adoption of solar batteries, the program aims to enhance energy efficiency, lower electricity costs, and contribute to the state’s renewable energy goals.
If you’re thinking about adding a solar battery to your current system or installing a new one, this rebate is a great opportunity.
Transitioning to renewable energy is not only an economically sound choice but also an environmentally responsible one.
