The New South Wales (NSW) Government has introduced a battery rebate scheme to encourage the adoption of home battery storage systems, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and support the state’s renewable energy goals. This initiative, effective from November 1, 2024, offers financial incentives to households and businesses installing eligible battery systems.
Key Features of the NSW Battery Rebate Scheme:
- Upfront Installation Discount:
- Amount: Between $1,600 and $2,400, depending on the battery’s usable capacity.
- Eligibility: Available to homes and small businesses in NSW with existing solar systems or those installing combined solar and battery systems.
- Purpose: To reduce the initial costs of battery installation, enabling users to store excess solar energy and reduce reliance on grid electricity.
- Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Connection Incentive:
- Amount: An additional $250 to $400 for connecting the battery to a VPP, claimable twice with a minimum interval of three years.
- Purpose: Encourages integration into VPPs, allowing stored energy to be shared across the grid, thereby improving stability and efficiency.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Solar Panels: Must be installed on the property.
- Battery Capacity: Usable capacity between 2 kWh and 28 kWh.
- Approved Products: Battery must be listed on the Clean Energy Council’s approved products list. Some of our favourite products include the Sungrow SBH series and the Tesla Powerwall.
- Installation: Must be performed by an installer accredited with Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA), like Solar Set.
- Warranty: Battery must have a 10-year product warranty, guaranteeing at least 70% usable capacity after 10 years.
- Technical Requirements: Battery must be internet-connectable, remotely programmable, and meet specific environmental conditions (operating temperature between -10°C to 50°C).
How to Access the Rebate:
- Choose an Accredited Installer:
- Contact local solar and battery installers directly or use third-party comparison websites to find accredited suppliers.
- Ensure the installer is partnered with an accredited supplier participating in the scheme.
- Obtain Quotes:
- Request multiple quotes to compare offerings and ensure the best deal suited to your needs.
- Discuss installation timelines, as high demand may lead to wait times.
- Installation and Connection:
- Once an installer is selected, proceed with the installation of the battery system.
- If opting for the VPP incentive, work with your installer to connect your battery to a VPP.
Benefits of Participating:
- Cost Savings: Reduce electricity costs by storing and using more solar energy.
- Energy Independence: Maintain power during outages.
- Environmental Impact: Decrease your carbon footprint by utilizing more renewable energy.
- Grid Support: Contribute to a more reliable and stable electricity grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand periods.
By participating in this scheme, you can enhance your energy efficiency, contribute to environmental sustainability, and support NSW’s goal of reducing emissions by 70% by 2035 and achieving net zero by 2050.
