The Queensland State Government has unveiled its Battery Booster program, which will offer rebates of up to $4,000 to about 2,000 eligible households to install a solar battery system.
The government said the initiative is aimed at tackling cost-of-living pressures.
Households who purchase a battery system will be able to store power for when the sun isn’t shining, further cutting power bills and emissions, and reducing load on the grid.
The $10 million program will allow homes with a new or existing solar PV system of at least 5kw a rebate of between $3,000 and $4,000 to purchase a solar battery system of 6kWh or more.
Rebates are means-tested, and $3,000 cash back is available to eligible households with a combined annual household taxable income of $180,000 or less.
Queenslanders with an annual income of less than $66,667 may be eligible for the higher rebate of $4,000.
To qualify, homeowners must use an approved installer and an approved battery system.
The government said the Battery Booster program will give Queenslanders access to cleaner, reliable and affordable electricity – a key aim of the government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, which enshrined 80 per cent renewable energy by 2035.
Queensland State Minister for Energy, Mick de Brenni, said, “With about 150 rooftop solar installations every day, Queensland has the highest rate of rooftop solar installations in the nation, and it’s clear that Queenslanders are keen to embrace renewable energy and the economic and environmental benefits that come along with it.
“The new Battery Booster initiative invites eligible Queenslanders to make the most of Queensland’s mighty sunshine, to help keep household bills down.
“We know that all Queenslanders are passionate about taking action on climate and lowering their energy costs, and that’s why we’ve targeted this program specifically at those households who may not have previously considered purchasing a solar battery.
“Because of our ongoing partnerships with industry and advocates, including the Smart Energy Council and the Power Together Coalition, the Miles Government will always work hard to help ease cost of living pressures and deliver cleaner, cheaper and more reliable power to Queenslanders,” Mr de Brenni said.
Smart Energy Council Chief Executive, John Grimes, said, “Queensland is the Sunshine State and the Solar State, and the Battery Booster program will make it the Solar Battery State, leading the nation in the uptake of household batteries.
“The Battery Booster program will help Queensland families save money on their power bills, whilst building a stronger, more resilient energy grid. The great news is that the more solar and batteries that are in the energy grid, the cheaper electricity is for everyone.
“The Smart Energy Council welcomes the strong commitment from the Queensland Government to quality and safety in the Battery Booster program. The focus on qualified people, quality products and quality services will deliver a program with safety and integrity at its core,” Mr Grimes said.
