Starting this Friday, the New South Wales government is offering rebates of up to $2,400 for solar battery installations, available to both households and small businesses across the state. This new initiative aims to significantly lower the initial cost of solar battery systems, which could lead to reduced electricity bills for thousands of residents.
From November 1, homeowners who already have solar panels installed can apply for a discount on battery installation. For those without solar panels, a combined discount on both solar panels and battery installation is also available.
The rebate offers varying amounts depending on the size of the battery. For example, discounts range from $770 to $1,150 for a 6.5 kWh battery and $1,600 to $2,400 for a 13.5 kWh battery. The rebates are provided to accredited suppliers, who will then pass these discounts on to customers through their installers.
Energy Minister Penny Sharpe highlighted that this initiative aims to make solar batteries more affordable and accessible to NSW households and businesses. With over a million households in the state already using solar panels, adding a battery will allow these homes to use solar energy even when the sun isn’t shining, further reducing their reliance on the grid and lowering their electricity costs.
This rebate program is also a key part of the state’s broader efforts to transition to renewable energy. The cost of installing solar batteries varies depending on the brand and capacity. For example, a 13.8 kWh BYD solar battery typically costs around $12,200, while a Tesla Powerwall 2 (with a 13.5 kWh capacity) can cost $15,500, and a Sungrow battery (with a 12.8 kWh capacity) is priced around $11,400, according to Solar Quotes.
How to Access the Solar Battery Incentive
The rebate is not paid directly to the customer but is instead provided as an upfront discount to accredited suppliers. These suppliers then pass the savings on to the customer through the installer. The rebate is only available for new battery installations and the batteries must have a storage capacity between 2 kWh and 28 kWh to qualify.
To access the incentive, you’ll need to choose an accredited installer and sign a nomination form that allows the supplier to claim the rebate on your behalf. More details on eligible batteries and approved installers can be found on the NSW government’s official website.
Early Adoption of Solar Battery Rebates
Several battery providers, such as VoltX Energy, have already begun offering early rebates for households, anticipating an increase in demand once the official incentive begins. One such early adopter, Rosenbaum, installed a 10 kWh battery. Originally priced at $7,500, including installation, the cost was reduced to $5,900 thanks to a $1,600 rebate.
Rosenbaum expressed relief at the savings, especially given the rising costs of living. “The savings on our energy bill are a big help at a time when everything seems to be getting more expensive,” Rosenbaum said, highlighting that energy bills, especially electricity, are a top priority for many families.
This new incentive is expected to encourage more NSW residents to invest in solar battery systems, helping them save money while contributing to the state’s clean energy future.
