Tag Archive for: Solar

Solar batteries have been available in the Australian market for decades, and reality is battery storage has never been as affordable, safe, and accessible as it is today. Solar batteries are the future for thousands of suburban households across the country and with ever increasing electricity bills, solar batteries are a no brainer if you want to save.

A rooftop PV installation allows you to generate free electricity from the sun. However, there are times when your rooftop PV installation won’t be producing energy and saving you money – like at night. It is at those times that you can experience high charges from grid consumption.

 

Without a solar battery

Without a solar battery

 

Adding a Solar battery to your original Rooftop PV system makes sense, especially in Australia, since we pay some of the highest rates to buy electricity from the grid in the world. Simply put, any power you use at home that comes from your solar and not from the grid will provide savings in your energy bills – and a battery will allow you to extend the benefits of your solar, storing the energy generated throughout the day so you can use at times like at night.

 

With a solar battery

With a solar battery

 

 

You’re better off utilising your FREE solar power rather than selling it for a standard feed-in tariff and then having to buy your electricity back at a much higher rate to power your home at night. The combination of rooftop solar system and battery will help lower your energy bills dramatically and lead the way to a more renewable future, while reducing your carbon footprint.

A solar battery can store excess solar generation instead of sending it straight to the grid. Once the battery is charged, you will still get a feed-in tariff. (Are you shopping for a better feed-in tariff?)

 

SBG-AddBattery

 

Use your own solar power at night, reduce your reliance on grid prices

As we mentioned before, you’re better off utilising your solar energy rather than selling it for a standard feed-in tariff and then having to pay your electricity retailer a much higher rate to power your home at night.

Keep your home powered even when the grid fails, if you choose a model that offers blackout protection. Since this is not a part of a standard installation, we recommend you talking to our solar superheroes about blackout protection at the time of quoting. If you already have a battery that supports blackout protection that hasn’t been wired, we can help you organise for an installer to come and enable it.

It is important to remember choosing the right-sized battery will maximise these benefits.

Want to learn more about how much money you can save by adding a solar battery?

Then talk to our Solar consultants at Solar Battery Group on 1300 223 224 and let us help you.

 

 

If you’re a solar homeowner and you’re connected to the grid, you may be very familiar with the concept of feed-in tariffs. While you are still charged for your energy consumption from the grid and a daily supply charge, most electricity retailers offer a feed-in tariff, or FiT, as the payment that you receive in exchange for any excess energy you feed back into the grid. Consider it an incentive for generating clean energy and allowing others to use it.

However, as solar becomes more popular, FiT’s have been steadily decreasing. More than 10 years ago, FiT’s that residential households were eligible to receive were a lot higher than what’s offered today. Take the state of Victoria for example, where this tariff has gone from 60 c/kWh back in 2009 to 5.20 c/kWh starting 1 July 2022 – a reduction of over 91%!

We have talked before about solar batteries being a great way of maximising your PV generation, as they allow you to store some of that excess energy and use it when you need it most, like at night.

 

 

Even so, especially with a big enough solar system, you might be able to charge your storage AND still send some excess energy to the grid. When it comes to clawing back from rising electricity costs, every single cent counts.

 

Who sets the feed-in tariff you get paid?

Minimum feed-in tariffs are updated every year by governmental bodies or independent regulators depending on your place of residence – like the IPART in NSW or the ESC in VIC.

However, the entity that ultimately pays you a FiT is the one that also sends you a bill: your electricity retailer. Electricity retailers must offer the minimum FiT mandated but can offer any amount above that if they choose to do so.

Therefore, the feed-in tariff you get paid can vary from retailer to retailer, and in some instances, from plan to plan even within the same retailer. There is a myriad of options out there, with some rates tied directly to the wholesale market spot price, time-varying vs flat or plans that require the household to have a solar battery or electric vehicle. So how do you go about choosing what’s best for you?

Fortunately, there are tools to help you navigate these complexities and compare between retailers’ offers like the Victorian Energy Compare and the Energy Made Easy websites (for VIC and non-VIC residents respectively). You usually enter information about your address and current energy usage, and in exchange will get a list of different energy plans available to you.

If you identify a more suitable plan for you, you simply need to contact your new chosen retailer and arrange for your electricity service to be switched over.

 

FiT

 

So, a plan with higher feed-in tariffs is better?

Not quite. Some retailers may offer a high feed-in tariff in a plan that has higher electricity rates too. Before switching it is important you analyse the rate plan as a whole, taking into account:

  1. Electricity rates and your usage times (especially important for time-of-use plans)
  2. Any limits to export at certain feed-in tariff rates. There are plans in the market that offer a tempting FiT that is limited to a capped amount of kWh’s a day
  3. Daily supply charge, which you pay regardless of the amount of electricity you consume from the grid
  4. Any conditional discounts (like ‘pay on time’ or ‘bundled’ plans)
  5. Early termination, late payment or disconnection fees
  6. Other relevant terms and conditions

 

FiT

 

Is there an easier solution?

No matter how hard you look, feed-in tariffs are designed to be lower than the electricity rates you pay to your retailer. That is why using as much of that free energy you already generate at home is a more straightforward way to save on rising living costs.

By using your own solar power, there are no overheads, no transmission costs, no tricky sales conditions. Solar PV requires little maintenance and is an investment you can maximise for decades.

Even better, solar batteries allow you to squeeze the most out of your solar, gain independence from the grid (and those pesky electricity retailers), as well as providing other bonuses like protecting your home from blackouts and added monitoring capabilities that put you behind the steering wheel of your life once again.

 

 

Installing solar panels on the roof is arguably one of the best investments any homeowner can make. One of their best features is that solar PV systems are not difficult to maintain, mainly because they have been designed and built to withstand all kinds of weather, remaining outdoors throughout most of their product life.

However, to get the most value out of your solar panels and ensure they last you for the next 25-30 years*, it’s important to understand your PV system’s required regular maintenance needs. So, whether you are thinking of adding new panels to your home or have had them for a while, read on and we’ll explain what you need to keep everything in tip top shape.

 

Your step-by-step guide on solar panel maintenance

 

Step # 1: Keep your panels in full sun

Sounds obvious, no? Technically, this is not related to the maintenance of the panels themselves, but it should come as no surprise that ensuring your panels receive as much sunlight as possible is very important for maximum energy generation.

For this one, keep an eye out on trees and other structures that may partially block your PV system. Remember: if you don’t have microinverters (and most systems don’t), the efficiency of the whole array will be reduced to the weakest performing panel!

microFX

 

Step # 2: Your panels should be cleaned at least once a year

Your panels are exposed to the elements day and night; as you can imagine then, dust, bird droppings, leaves and all kinds of debris can build up quickly and obstruct the surface of the panels – blocking sunlight which will impact your system’s performance.

A golden rule is that once a year, you need to get on your roof or pay for your panels to be cleaned. This will vary depending on the climate, the tilt of your panels, etc. For example, if the solar panels are completely horizontal, they’ll need cleaning more often than when they’re angled.

If you decide to do it yourself, we recommend you doing some prior research on solar cleaning kits, as some domestic cleaning products can be too harsh or leave scratches on the panel’s surface that will have the opposite intended effect of maximising your solar output. Also, stay away from pressure washers or walking on top of the panels!

If you prefer to organise for your solar panels to be cleaned by a professional, simply search for reputable companies near you and get a few quotes in. Professional cleaning can cost you up to $20 per panel, but that cost should be easily covered with the electricity savings you enjoy throughout the life of your PV system.

 

Solar-panels

 

 

Step # 3: Pay attention to your monitoring app

We know it is not possible to be on the roof looking at your panels every day – enter your solar monitoring app. Keeping a regular eye on the app of your solar (and battery) will serve as a good first indicator there could be an issue with your system.  Be on the lookout for any drops in production or other irregularities for no apparent reason – this is a common signal your solar may need some maintaining. It is a good idea to check on the panels themselves, search for cracks or scratches, or perhaps it may be time for a clean. In very rare cases, you could identify a technical issue with your panels; your solar installer will need to be contacted to arrange a home visit.

 

MonitoringAPP

 

Step # 4: Organise a regular inspection of the system

We recommend you hiring a professional to inspect your system once a year. Essentially, during a solar panel inspection, someone – could be your solar installer, a licenced electrician or a Clean Energy Council-accredited entity, will come to your home and ensure every component of your PV system is working properly. You can even ask to combine an inspection with the annual recommended clean to save in travel costs.

An annual inspection should ensure:

  • Panels are clean, free of defects and secure on the roof
  • Switches and wiring have no defects and are securely attached
  • Electrical checks are passed for safe operation
  • There is no corrosion or deteriorated parts
  • Any recorded faults in the inverter display panel are reviewed
  • Access to the isolator switch is maintained
  • Emergency procedures for shutdown and isolation are clearly displayed

It is important to note that most solar panel warranties require proper maintenance of the panels for full coverage.

 

Panels-Maintenance

 

The bottom line

Solar panels require very little maintenance since they are designed for outdoor use and have no moving parts. In most cases, your PV system won’t need much outside of an annual inspection and cleaning. It is also a good idea to trim trees around the house that may be shading your panels.

The best indicator that your system is in need of some additional maintenance is a sudden drop in energy output. Your app – and even your bill, can help you identify a problem early on, in which case you should schedule a service appointment with a professional.

Depending on your solar panel installer, you may have a number of maintenance visits included in your purchase, or discounts that cover regular maintenance and cleaning. The cost of these regular visits will be minimal, and in turn ensure your system lasts you for a long, long time.

 

 

* 25-30 years is an indicative average product life for solar panels, but this will ultimately depend on the brand, quality of installation and harshness of the elements where you live. Please refer to your solar installer for specifics regarding your PV system.

Solar batteries have been in the Australian market for decades, and reality is battery storage has never been as affordable, safe and accessible as it is today. What was originally only thought of by people living off-grid in remote communities is now a reality for thousands of suburban households across the country.

Truly, the solar battery storage revolution has begun, albeit slowly. Adding batteries to your solar setup makes sense, especially in Australia, since we pay some of the highest rates to buy electricity from the grid. Simply put, any power you use at home that comes from your solar and not from the grid will provide savings in your energy bills – and a battery will allow you to extend the benefits of your solar, storing the energy generated throughout the day so you can use at times like at night.

 

 

The benefits of solar + battery vs. solar only

A rooftop PV installation allows you to generate free electricity from the sun. As long as the sun is out, and if your solar was correctly designed for your energy needs, you will be able to power your appliances, turn on your lights and run your home as if you were only connected to the grid, with the significant difference that you will be paying much less to your electricity retailer – because you can use free solar energy instead of having to purchase it!

In addition, solar households can export the excess energy they produce to the grid, and receive a payment called a feed-in tariff (or FiT). As you could expect from large electricity retailers, FiTs are never as high as the rates you pay when you consume electricity from the grid (especially at peak times like at night). While this helps somewhat reduce your bills, most households still use a significant amount of power at night, when their solar PV is no longer producing,

Solar batteries are the latest advancement in the solar industry and have rapidly improved in recent years. If you’re considering investing in a solar battery or are just interested in learning more then read on below to learn why you would get one and how they can save you extra money.

 

What a solar battery can do for you (and your wallet)

As we mentioned before, there are times when your rooftop PV installation won’t be producing energy and saving you money– like at night. It is at those times that you can still incur in high charges from grid consumption.

 

 

A solar battery can help you:

  • Store excess solar generation instead of sending it straight to the grid. Once the battery is charged, you will still get a feed-in tariff.
  • Use your own solar power at night, reducing your reliance on the grid. You’re better off utilising this power rather than selling it for a standard feed-in tariff and then having to pay your electricity retailer a much higher rate to power your home at night.
  • Keep your home powered even when the grid fails, if you choose a model that offers blackout protection. Since this is not a part of a standard installation, we recommend you talking to our solar superheroes about blackout protection at the time of quoting. If you already have a battery that supports blackout protection that hasn’t been wired, we can help you organise for an installer to come and enable it.

It is important to mention these benefits will be maximised when you choose the right-sized battery for your energy needs.

To learn more about how you could save with a solar battery and discussing the best option for you, call our solar superheroes at Solar Battery Group on 1300 223 224.

 

 

Solar Battery Group Icon

Solar energy is becoming more of a necessity with energy prices from the grid continuing to rise. A solar battery will allow you to store free energy you generate during the day from your solar panels, so that you can use it when the sun isn’t out. This is a perfect way of not only lowering your electricity bills, but also maximising the return you get from your solar investments. That’s why choosing the right storage is tremendously important. There are multiple brands, sizes, and models to choose from, but luckily for you we have handpicked the best battery brands in an effort to help make that decision easier.

 

The Tesla Powerwall 2 solar battery at a glance

Wouldn’t you love to look at your next electricity bill with excitement? Well, that can be made a reality thanks to Tesla’s solar energy storage battery, the Powerwall 2. This solar battery has 13.5kWh of battery storage, with 7kW of peak and 5kW continuous power. The Powerwall 2 offers 10 years of Warranty which can give you some comfort and keep your mind at ease.

Tesla Powerwall 2

The Powerwall 2 design can be described as modern and compact. The compact all in one construction allows for easy installation indoors or outdoors, either on the wall or floor. If you are worried about the outdoor conditions damaging the Powerwall, then worry no more, the Powerwall 2 is rated IP65 and should be tough for all weather conditions.

 

 

Tesla app

With the free Tesla App, you can monitor your home’s energy production and consumption in real time, 24 hours, 7 days a week. Set your preferences to optimise for energy independence, outage protection or savings – you can control your system from anywhere. You can also set instant alerts and remote access, the Tesla App gives you all the information of what is happening with your rooftop solar and battery storage system in an easy-to-understand format.

SBG Tesla App

Features include:

  • 24/7 Monitoring system
  • Remote settings
  • Storm watch
  • Ability to customise
  • Backup reserve for grid outages

 

Blackout protection feature

For an optional additional price, the Tesla Powerwall 2 includes a feature called backup protection. In order to install this feature modifications to your switchboard will need to occur. If you choose to add backup Power your Tesla Battery will be able to detect outages automatically, becoming your home’s energy source. Just pair with the solar on the roof and your appliances will be working from daytime to nighttime. The Blackout protection can run 5kWh’s of power at a time.

 

It is important to talk to one of our solar battery superheroes who can assist you in determining if the tesla Powerwall 2 is the battery for you, to meet your home and your energy needs.

Join millions who are already making the change to renewable energy in the want for a cleaner future.

 

 

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The evolution of solar battery technology

Australia has paid some of the highest electricity prices in the world for the last decade. As more and more renewables integrate with the grid, wholesale prices are forecasted to start falling in most places. However, retail prices and the rising cost of living, as well as a demand for a cleaner energy future, is prompting Australians to turn to solar battery technology.

Government incentives, coupled with huge improvements in the technology behind solar batteries, has made solar storage more accessible than ever. But how did it all start? And more importantly, where are we headed towards? Read on for a brief history on solar batteries.

 

The beginning of solar storage technology

1980 marks a pivotal point for solar batteries today. The invention of Lithium-ion batteries revolutionised rechargeable battery technology, and it made possible for the brand Sony to produce the first commercial rechargeable battery to hit the market in 1991.

Safer, smaller and more effective than its predecessors, Lithium-ion battery technology opened up a myriad of possibilities – mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles and the first solar batteries were introduced to the public.

 

As research and development continued, Li-ion solar batteries gained better power outputs, higher depths of discharge, longer warranties, more competitive pricing and lower maintenance needs. It comes as no surprise that Lithium-ion technology has cemented itself dominantly in the Australian domestic battery market today.

 

 

The new era of solar batteries

The first Tesla Powerwall was launched to the market in 2015. In less than a year, the Powerwall 2 shook the market again by doubling the storage capacity at the same price point!

Other manufacturers were quick to follow in Tesla’s footsteps. Solar battery storage went from being an off-grid dream for the few to the reality for thousands of Australians wanting independence from the grid, big savings in their bills, and a need to transition to renewable sources of energy.

Solar battery homeowners store excess solar energy and lower their consumption from the grid, but the market today keeps advancing. There are many different solar battery models to choose from, and as scientists work tirelessly to uncover new and efficient ways to store solar energy, solar batteries evolve fast.

 

What the future holds

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), responsible for the management of Australia’s electricity and gas systems and markets – like the electricity spot prices and decisions that have an impact on the grid prices we pay, has recently announced a new goal for itself to be capable of handling 100% renewable energy penetration on the grid by 2025. This clearly indicates a trend towards more renewable sources of energy, out of which solar and batteries play an important role.

Another hot topic of late has been the so-called ‘solar tax’. The draft determination has been finalised now by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) – the rule-maker for Australia’s energy markets. Essentially, the changes force networks to support feed-ins and renewable energies no matter where you are in the country, as some areas are currently solar export-limited or banned.

 

Although there will be paid solar export options, to be introduced no earlier than July 2025, network operators must also offer a free service option by then. This move should encourage solar homeowners to store energy when prices are low and send it to the grid when rates are higher. A solar battery and other options like solar EVs are perfect for the changes that lie ahead!

 

We can also taste some of what is coming in terms of merging Distributed Energy Resources with the grid, thanks to Virtual Power Plants and community-based battery storage projects announced all over our states and territories.

The more solar batteries are installed in our homes and businesses, the more different ways will take us by surprise as to how we can maximise their usage and provide benefits for all of us.

Rapidly advancing Innovations promise a bright future for the landscape of solar batteries.

As experts in solar storage, Solar Battery Group is committed to stay ahead of the game when it comes to solar news and technology. We only supply the best and latest products in the market, at the best price points.

Have a conversation with our solar superheroes, find out which solar battery is right for you and start living in the future today.

 

 

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Solar energy is becoming more of an essential with ever increasing electricity bills. Through a solar battery, you can store some of the free energy you generate during the day from your solar panels. This is a perfect way to fully maximise the use of your solar investment. That’s why choosing the right storage has never been more important – and this decision is not as straightforward with the multiple brands, sizes, and models to choose from. Thankfully you’re in luck, because at Solar Battery Group we have handpicked the best battery brands to help make that process easier.

 

The AlphaESS Smile-Bat-10.1P solar battery at a glance

Do you want to erase all memory of a bad electricity bill? Well, that can be made a reality thanks to AlphaESS, one of the leading energy storage and service providers in the global market. At Intersolar 2015, the world’s most influential solar exhibition held in Munich this June, Alpha ESS entered the top 10 finalists of the EES Award.

Alpha ESS SMILE5 10.1Today, AlphaESS have produced a premium storage battery for you… The Smile-Bat-10.1P, an exceptional solar battery expandable from 10.1 to a massive 60.6kWh of storage. This Alpha battery is VPP ready, with 24/7 phone monitoring. Alpha ESS also adds 5 years product warranty and 10 years of performance warranty, which gives you as a customer some reassurance that you are supported.

 

 

This Smile model has been designed for a long service life with one of the safest battery chemistries available in the market – LFP or Lithium Iron Phosphate. Rated IP65, the Smile-Bat-10.1P is tough against all weather conditions weather and its simple design makes for a quick and easy ‘plug & play’ installation.

 

Ready for blackout protection

As an option on top of a standard installation price, the Alpha Smile-Bat-10.1P has blackout protection capabilities. To install this feature, modifications to your switchboard will need to occur. Should you choose to add backup power, your battery will have the ability to detect outages automatically, becoming the energy source for your home while the grid is down. Once paired with the solar on your roof, the backed up circuits can run through a 4kW continuous UPS for critical loads.

 

Alpha Cloud monitoring

Alpha ESS have developed an app which enables owners of the Smile-Bat-10.1P to see their battery’s status in real time with 24/7 monitoring. Alpha Cloud will let you check the performance of your system in 3 areas:

 

alpha_Cloud_mediums

  • Power Summary

Here you can monitor you PV system and see in real time the amount of energy produced by the solar panels. The real time load consumption of your system and where the load is drawing from is displayed in a user-friendly pie chart.

 

  • System Status

Here you can view the load consumption, PV generation, feed-in and grid charge for the day. You can also view historical data pulling up information since the system was installed. This can be displayed in several easy-to-read graphs and charts.

 

  • System information

Here you can go under the hood of your Alpha system in the palm of your hand, you view the configuration of your system, the array size of your PV system, the inverter size and battery capacity.

 

It is important to talk to our Solar Battery Superheroes who can assist you in determining if the AlphaESS Smile-Bat-10.1P is the battery for you, to meet your home and your energy needs.

Join millions who are already making the change to renewable energy in the want for a cleaner future.

 

 

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Australia receives energy from the sun that is approximately 10,000 times larger than its total energy consumption. It comes as no surprise that we are number 1 in the world when it comes to solar uptake per capita – as they say, when life gives you lemons, go solar!

This incredible boom of the solar industry in Australia has been supported through a diversity of government programs that encourage households (and businesses in some jurisdictions) to claim rebates or get subsidies on new solar battery installations.

These programs will vary from place to place, so it is important you familiarise yourself with the relevant one to where you live. This entry will dive specifically into the rebate available in the ACT.

For residents of other states and territories, please visit:

 

Without further ado…

 

Next Gen Battery Storage Program – Solar battery rebates for ACT residents

The ACT’s Next Gen Battery Storage Program is aimed at helping with $825 per kW* off the cost of a solar battery in Canberra, Hall, Tharwa and Oaks Estate. After the rebate for example, an Eveready Energy Vault solar battery with a 3kW inverter would save you $2,475 (ex GST) off your installation.

 

* It is worth mentioning this rebate is capped at $24,750 and is based on inverter size not battery capacity. In the example above, the Eveready solar battery with a 3kW inverter gets $825 x 3 = $2,475 rebate.

 

This is how the Next Gen Battery Storage Program works:

  1. You assess your eligibility with the criteria of the program (see below for more details).
  2. You contact us, an authorised solar provider, for a battery quote.
  3. You submit your order for rebate approval.
  4. You pay the outstanding balance of your quote directly to us. Remember we have financing and payment plan options available for this step.
  5. Once approved, we install your new battery system at your premises.

 

Homes and businesses in the ACT (excluding Jervis Bay Territory) wanting to claim this rebate need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • the new battery system must be coupled with solar panels
  • the premises are connected to the electricity grid
  • only for new systems that have not already been supported by the program
  • sourced from an approved battery supplier.

 

 

If you would like more information on the Next Gen Battery Storage Program, please visit: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/next-gen-energy-storage

 

Solar Battery Group Icon

About 1 in 4 homes in Australia have installed solar as of the end of 2020. Our country receives a massive amount of energy from the sun every year, enough to supply approx. 10,000 times our total energy consumption. Therefore, it comes as no surprise we have the highest uptake of solar per capita globally – as they say, when life gives you lemons, go solar!

This incredible boom of the solar industry in Australia has been supported through a diversity of government programs that encourage households (and businesses in some jurisdictions) to claim rebates or get subsidies on new solar battery installations.

These programs will vary from place to place, so it is important you familiarise yourself with the relevant one to where you live. This entry will dive specifically into the rebate available in VIC.

For residents of other states and territories, please visit:

 

Without further ado…

 

Solar Homes Program – Solar battery rebates for VIC residents

Victoria is home of the Melbourne Cup, the largest tram system in the world, and up to $3,500 point of sale rebate for households aiming at installing a solar battery.

This is how the Solar Homes program works:

  1. You assess your eligibility with the criteria of the program (see below for more).
  2. You contact us, an authorised solar provider, for a quote. If contacting another provider, make sure all products included in your quote are on this approved products list.
  3. We will claim the rebate on your behalf. If approved, the rebate amount (up to $3,500 for this round) will be deducted from the cost of your overall system and installation.
  4. You pay the outstanding balance of your quote directly to us. Remember we have financing available for this step.
  5. We install your new battery system at your premises.
  6. Upon completion of the installation, a Licensed Electrical Inspector is required to attend your premises and lodge a Certificate of Electrical Safety for the newly installed battery system. This is organised by the authorities, so you could experience delays due to lockdowns and restrictions applicable in your area.

Victorian residents wanting to claim the Solar Homes rebate for batteries need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • the property already has solar PV panels with a capacity equal to or greater than 5kW
  • pre-approval is obtained from your Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) to safely connect a battery to the grid
  • the energy storage solution is listed on Solar Victoria’s Approved Battery List and the property does not have an existing energy storage system
  • they are the owner-occupier of the property where the system is to be installed
  • the combined household taxable income of all owners is less than $180,000 a year (based on your Australian Tax Office Notice of Assessment)
  • it is an existing property, valued at under $3 million based on the current council rates notice
  • the owner/s agrees to receive information from their Distribution Network Service Provider about taking part in battery trials to maximise the value households get from them
  • they have not already received a rebate as an owner-occupier under the Solar Homes Program
  • the property address has not previously taken part in the Solar Homes Program.

Unfortunately, these last points mean that if you claimed the Solar Homes Program rebate when installing your solar PV system (panels only), you are not eligible to receive the battery rebate. However, households can arrange to have their solar PV panels and solar battery installed at the same time.

 

 

If you would like to know how many rebates are remaining in the current release, please visit: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-battery-rebate

If you would like more information on the Solar Homes Program’s General Terms and Conditions, please visit: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/applicant-terms-and-conditions

 

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Australia’s potential for solar generation is unparalleled. Our solar industry has seen continuous growth, with thousands of new solar PV and battery installations every year, thanks to the fact we receive much more energy from the sun than we need. A solar investment in Australia makes economic and environmental sense, which is why we claim the number one spot in the world for solar uptake per capita – as they say, when life gives you lemons, go solar!

This solar boom has also been supported through a diversity of government programs that encourage households (and businesses in some jurisdictions) to claim rebates or get subsidies on new solar battery installations.

These programs will vary from place to place, so it is important you familiarise yourself with the relevant one to where you live. This entry will dive specifically into the subsidy available in the SA.

For residents of other states and territories, please visit:

 

Without further ado…

 

Home Battery Scheme – Solar battery subsidies for SA residents

Our beautiful state of South Australia has pioneered solar solutions from the get-go. Its Home Battery Scheme aims at providing SA residents with subsidies of up to $2,000 on the cost of a battery and low interest finance options available.

Current subsidy levels are $250 per kWh for energy concession holders, and $150 per kWh for all other households, up to a maximum subsidy per battery installation of $2,000.

This is how the Home Battery Scheme works:

  1. You assess your eligibility with the criteria of the program.
  2. You contact us, an authorised solar provider, for a quote. Your quote can include solar PV panels too, but the subsidy will only apply to the battery component of the system.
  3. We will claim the subsidy on your behalf.
  4. You pay the outstanding balance of your quote directly to us. Remember we have financing and payment plan options available for this step.
  5. We install your new battery system at your premises.

 

South Australians wanting to claim the Home Battery Scheme subsidy need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • only one subsidy per residential property
  • the site must be connected to a distribution network authorised under the Electricity Act 1996 that forms part of the interconnected national electricity system
  • only approved eligible equipment to be installed by a qualified system provider
  • the applicant must be the owner of the property or have consent from the owner of the property to install a battery system.

A key feature of this subsidy is that it can be accessed more than once, for multiple residential properties you own – you are allowed to access the subsidy once per residential property.

 

 

If you would like more information on the scheme, please visit: https://www.homebatteryscheme.sa.gov.au/about-the-scheme

If you would like more information on the Home Battery Scheme Terms and Conditions, please download: https://www.homebatteryscheme.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/441873/DEM_HBS_Subsidy_Terms.pdf

 

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