Battery grants drive next renewable wave

The next wave of Queensland’s renewable revolution starts tomorrow, when grants become available for households and small businesses to install batteries to store their solar power.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham today announced the grants and loans scheme that will help up to 1500 Queensland households and small businesses cut their power bills by storing solar power and using it after sunset.

“Almost half a million households in Queensland are generating power from rooftop solar,” Dr Lynham said.

“This places us in a great position for the next wave of our renewable journey: storing this solar power through home battery systems.

“From tomorrow (Monday 19 November) Queensland householders can jump online and apply for interest-free loans of up to $10,000 and grants of $3000 to purchase batteries or combined solar-battery systems.

“A high energy-using household that contributes $2000 to $3000 towards the upfront cost of their solar and battery system may save $400 a year, even after taking into account their interest-free loan repayments.

“Queensland’s small businesses can also apply for up to a $3000 grant.

“With our policies, interest-free loans and grants incentives we are looking to add another 1500 to the 2500 battery storage systems in place around the state.

“Just as we have one of the highest penetrations of rooftop solar in the world, we are aspiring to be a world leader in battery storage.”

Dr Lynham announced the grants during a visit to a Brisbane family who have been using a solar-battery system for two years, storing their solar power and saving on their power bill.

The scheme offers:

• grants of $3000 and interest-free loans of up to $10,000 for up to 1000 combined solar and battery systems.
• grants of $3000 and interest-free loans of up to $6,000 for 500 batteries.

This is on top of the scheme that started in June offering interest-free loans of up to $4500 for solar systems. 

Dr Lynham said Labor’s policy mix had already been a catalyst for an estimated $2 billion worth of private investment in solar from households and small business.                                  

Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard encouraged small businesses and households to look into all of the government assistance for renewable energy options.

“The government is offering fair-dinkum incentives for people to join the switch to renewables,” she said.

“We have interest-free loans for families receiving Family Tax Benefit B, as well as the incentives today.

“This is about helping Queenslanders reduce their power bills, reduce our emissions as we make the transition to a renewable future.”

Dr Lynham said the roll out of these solar and battery packages was backed up with a strong safety focus.

Applicants for loans and grants select from a panel of approved suppliers who meet stringent safety standards.

BACKGROUND

To apply:

• Get a quote from an eligible battery supplier for an eligible battery system. You can find a list of eligible suppliers and batteries online at www.qld.gov.au/batteryloans.

• Apply online www.qld.gov.au/batteryloans. Applications can be lodged form 9am tomorrow (Monday 19 November).

• Get approved
• Tell your supplier you’re approved and get your system installed. (You cannot get it installed before approval or you’re not eligible.)
• Get back online to have your approved dollar amount paid to your supplier.
• You have six months from approval to get your system installed. We understand there is minimal wait time for most systems except for Tesla batteries which can be longer.

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Media contact: Jan Martin 0439 341 314