Queensland Unveils Generous $4,000 Home Battery Rebate for Solar Households

Queensland Launches Battery Booster Scheme to Support Consumer Energy Transition

The Queensland government has opened its $10 million Battery Booster scheme to approximately 2,000 households in the state. The program offers a rebate of up to $3,000 for households with an income of $180,000 or less who have, or are installing, rooftop solar systems with a capacity of 5kW or higher. Households with an annual income of less than $66,667 can access a slightly higher rebate of $4,000. However, experts are calling for more support from the federal government to ensure that households in lower income brackets can afford the batteries. Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas suggests that combining the rebates with no-interest loans would make it more feasible for residents facing a cost-of-living crisis.

The Battery Booster scheme is part of a broader effort to promote renewable energy in Queensland. The state already offers battery rebates in all states except Tasmania, where a no-interest loan for general household energy upgrades is available. The federal government’s Household Energy Upgrades Fund will soon provide low-interest loans as well. Clean Energy Finance director Tim Buckley emphasizes the need for multiple programs to support the energy transition and suggests rolling out the Battery Booster scheme on a limited monthly basis to allow for better planning and training.

Queensland Government Encourages Solar and Battery Adoption

The Queensland government aims to take advantage of the state’s abundant sunshine and high rate of rooftop solar installations. With approximately 150 rooftop solar installations occurring daily, Queensland has the highest rate of rooftop solar installations in Australia. The Battery Booster initiative is specifically targeted at households that may not have previously considered purchasing a solar battery. The government has approved 100 installers and offers batteries from 46 different brands, all with a capacity of 6kWh or higher.

The decision to implement the Battery Booster scheme comes after the Queensland government previously emphasized investing in large-scale storage as a means to lower power prices. However, the government has now recognized the importance of helping consumers, especially those with lower incomes, access resources to reduce their bills and emissions. The government has already provided a $550 energy rebate to every household and offered cash back on energy-efficient appliances.

Consumer Energy Resources Key to Energy Transition

The Queensland government’s focus on batteries reflects the growing recognition that consumer energy resources are crucial for accelerating the energy transition. While large transmission and generation projects have lengthy timelines, adding batteries to homes can help lower transmission and distribution costs for everyone. John Grimes, CEO of the Smart Energy Council, highlights that household batteries can reduce the expenses associated with transmitting and distributing electricity, benefiting the entire electricity system. Tim Buckley suggests that Australia should aggressively pursue consumer energy resources like batteries to expedite the energy transition, as rooftop solar installations are expected to increase significantly in the coming years.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecasts that the National Energy Market (NEM) will incorporate 85 GW of rooftop solar by 2030, a five-fold increase from current figures.