If you are planning to install a solar panel system, you will know that solar batteries are rather expensive and may be looking to see if there are solar battery rebates available. While the price of solar panels keeps dropping, the solar battery price is still relatively high.
Solar panels are more affordable than ever, and you will even get a federal solar rebate. But what about solar batteries? Are there any rebates that will help cover your battery costs? In this article, you will find the answer.
First of all: Do you really need one?
No, in most cases solar panel systems do not have a battery. Only one-fifth of all Australian households with solar systems have a system with battery storage.
Most Australians choose a grid-connected solar system without battery storage. If the solar system produces more electricity than is needed, the surplus energy will be transferred to the grid.
If your system produces too small amounts of energy, you can import energy from the grid. In other words, you do not necessarily need a solar battery for energy storage.
However, for Australians who choose a stand-alone solar panel system without a grid connection, a battery is an essential part of the system. This way you will be able to store energy that can be used when the solar panels do not produce enough electricity,
PS: It is also possible to choose a hybrid solar panel system, which means that the system is grid-connected while also having a battery.
Can I get a federal solar battery rebate?
Currently, there are no national solar battery rebate schemes in Australia. In other words, you will not be able to get a financial rebate from the federal government when investing in solar batteries.
If you install a solar system with a battery, your solar panels and inverter will usually be covered by the national solar rebate, but not the battery.
Are there any state battery rebates in Australia?
Yes, in some Australian states, you will be able to get a solar battery rebate! However, rebates like this are only offered in a few states. The support can vary greatly from state to state.
Let’s take a closer look at the rebate schemes available!
Battery rebate in ACT
For Australians located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), there are a number of different solar rebates besides the national solar rebate scheme. In addition to a solar rebate program for low-income households, you can receive a battery rebate.
The Next Gen Battery rebate might cover 50% or $3,500 of your battery costs (whichever is the lowest).
Battery rebate in VIC
Last year Solar Victoria advised that the $2,950 battery rebate scheme will stop accepting new applications after 30 June 2023. Interest-free loans up to $8,800 will replace the battery rebate. From 1 July 2023, homeowners looking to reduce the upfront cost of installing a battery on their home can apply for an interest-free loan through the new scheme, with 4,500 loans of up to $8,800 to be made available in 2023-2024.
Battery rebate in NT
Australian households located in the Northern Territory are also able to get a local battery rebate besides the federal STC rebate. Through the “Home and business battery scheme” you can get up to $5,000 of your installation costs covered.
The battery rebate will give you a rebate of $400 per kWh installed, up to the maximum grant.
Battery rebate in QLD
Eligible Queenslanders can apply for a rebate when they buy and install a home battery energy storage system to use with new or existing rooftop solar systems.
Through the Battery Booster program you may be eligible for a $3,000 to $4,000 rebate.
What about New South Wales, Tasmania and other states?
If located in Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland or New South Wales, there are currently no available solar battery rebate schemes. However, you will be able to get the national solar panel rebate which might cover a great deal of your total solar costs.
What do they cost?
In general, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 per kilowatt hour or kWh of battery storage. If you buy a small 3 kWh solar battery, it will typically cost you around $4,000.
However, if you live in an area that offers a battery rebate scheme, the cost might be much lower (sometimes less than 50% of what you originally would pay). The cost might also be affected by quality, installation costs and other factors.
Is a solar battery worth it?
If you do not have access to a battery rebate scheme, the solar battery cost is relatively high. At the same time, the expected lifespan of the battery is no more than 5 to 15 years, while the payback period is usually longer.
Because of this, a solar battery might not be worth it. However, if you get a high-quality solar battery it might last for many years and eventually pay off.
Do you consider getting a solar panel system with a battery included? If so, we recommend you consult a solar installer for recommendations and a price quest. The installer will help find the best solar system for your needs.