National push for residential battery scheme

Call for Bipartisan Support for National Battery Scheme in Australia

Energy groups and experts are urging bipartisan backing for a national battery initiative in Australia, highlighting its potential impact akin to the solar rebate scheme. This move aims to address disparities in energy access, particularly for households currently left behind.

The appeal, made on Monday, follows energy-related announcements by both the Labor party and the coalition. There were speculations that Labor might introduce low-cost loans or subsidies to facilitate the adoption of residential batteries.

Benefits of Residential Batteries

Currently, over four million Australian homes have rooftop solar panels, with only about 270,000 of them utilising batteries for energy storage. Making residential batteries more affordable could offer dual advantages, as stated by Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Douglas. This includes reducing energy bills and alleviating pressure on the grid.

By integrating batteries with existing solar setups, households can potentially save up to $1200 annually. This additional saving is attributed to avoiding peak demand periods when electricity costs are at their highest, thus providing both short-term relief and long-term financial benefits.

National Battery Program Proposal

Residential solar batteries typically cost between $10,000 and $15,000, excluding installation expenses. While some states and territories offer rebates and interest-free loans for certain households, a national battery scheme could help bridge the gap in access to such technology.

Advocates believe that a federal rebate for batteries could have a significant impact, particularly benefiting rural and regional areas with high solar usage. This initiative is seen as crucial for enhancing energy grid stability, promoting energy independence, and reducing the need for extensive new infrastructure.

According to Swinburne University’s energy expert Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, pairing solar systems with batteries could lead to a more resilient and sustainable energy network. While energy bill rebates provide temporary relief, a comprehensive battery program is viewed as a strategic step towards a cleaner energy future.

State and Territory Initiatives

Various states and territories in Australia have introduced schemes to support residential battery adoption:

Western Australia: Plans to offer substantial rebates and interest-free loans for up to 20,000 households by July 2025.
NSW: Provides rebates under the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme for households with solar panels.
Victoria: Offers interest-free loans for eligible properties and households meeting specific criteria.
ACT: Provides interest-free loans for energy-efficient upgrades, including residential batteries.
NT: Offers grants for residential battery installations based on capacity.
Tasmania: Provides interest-free loans for battery storage systems through the Energy Saver Loan scheme.

These initiatives aim to encourage the uptake of residential batteries and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape across Australia.