The Federal Government says more than 100,000 households and small businesses have installed batteries through the Cheaper Home Batteries program.
In four months, home battery capacity has increased more than 50 per cent through the program, with 2GWh of battery storage delivered in total.
“Australia is a solar nation – with the highest rate of rooftop solar anywhere in the world,” Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said. “Our program takes the next step, delivering a game changer for household bills.”
Bowen said the 100,000 installed batteries is helping “cuts bills and cuts emissions for good”.
Attorney-general Michelle Rowland echoed Bowen’s sentiment.
“In communities across north-west Sydney, families are seeing the benefits of batteries firsthand, using more of their own solar power, lowering their energy bills and doing their bit for the environment,” she said.
“This is not a story of the inner city; it’s a story of the outer suburbs and the regions leading the way on cheaper, cleaner energy.”
The $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries program enables Australian households and businesses to get a discount of around 30 per cent on the upfront cost of installing a small-scale battery system.
Subsidies, which are available for batteries connected to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, are reviewed at least annually and will gradually decline until 2030 as battery prices drop.
According to the Climate Council, as of June 30 this year, there were around 80 home battery options available in Australia, with a 5kWh battery starting at around $4000. A 30 per cent saving would see the price drop to $2800.
Battery costs range from $10,000 to $13,000 for the average Australian household.
Subscribe to Energy and discover all you need to know about the energy transition.
