The Queensland Government is now providing grants for household and small business to install batteries to store solar power and cut their power bills.
Energy Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, said almost half a million households in Queensland are generating power from rooftop solar.
“This places us in a great position for the next wave of our renewable journey: storing this solar power through home battery systems,” Dr Lynham said.
Queensland households can now apply online 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,” Dr Lynham said.
“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.”
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 2018 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,” Ms Linard 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, and 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.
