There are a number of rebates available for investing in solar Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) around Australia. Below are some of the current options available. There are always new incentives being released, so keep an eye on what may be merging in your area.
New South Wales
The Empowering Homes Program (EHP): Solar Battery Loan Program provides an interest-free loan to eligible NSW residents for installation of a new solar battery system or the addition of a battery to an existing solar energy system. Residents can borrow up to $14,000 for a new solar and battery system or up to $9,000 to add a battery to an existing solar system. To be eligible, residents must own and live in their own grid-connected home, have an annual household income of less than $180,000 and reside in specific postcodes.
Victoria
Victorian homeowners who install a solar battery from an approved supplier can receive up to $3,500. A certain number of rebates are released on the second Wednesday of each month and the remaining number is displayed on the Solar Victoria website.
To be eligible for the battery rebate, residents must own their home, have an existing solar system equal to or greater than 5kWh, have an annual combined household income of less than $180,000 and not have received a rebate or loan as part of the Solar PV Panel rebate.
The rebate is available to residents in any Victorian postcode; however, the property must be valued under $3 million (based on current council rates notice). The solar retailer will claim the rebate on the householder’s behalf and deduct it from the overall cost of the system and its installation. Approved suppliers can be found on Check Solar Victoria’s Approved Battery List. It should be noted that this rebate can’t be used to add a battery to an existing solar energy storage system.
For more information, go to the Victorian Solar Battery Rebate web page.
South Australia
South Australia’s Home Battery Scheme provides households with a loan of up to $2,000 for the installation of a solar battery. It is available to everyone and is calculated on the kWh capacity of the battery purchased. Energy Concession Holders are eligible for a higher subsidy – $250 per kWh, while other households are eligible for $150 per kWh. The battery system is required to be virtual power plant-capable. The subsidy will be phased down as uptake of the scheme increases.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory Government offers a rebate for solar battery installation. The Home and Business Battery Scheme offers homeowners, businesses and not-for-profit organisations and is calculated on the kWh capacity of the battery purchased.
The scheme offers a rebate of $450 per kWh of useable battery system capacity, up to a maximum of $6,000 for the purchase and installation of a solar battery, whether for a new or existing solar PV system. NT residents who own a home and a business can apply for the rebate for the installation of batteries and inverters on both properties. The battery systems must be purchased from an approved list. Eligible works must only commence after an application has been approved.
