INTRODUCTION TO THE NSW SOLAR BATTERY REBATE

The battery rebate is a monetary incentive from the NSW government to lower the cost of batteries so more are installed.

Here are the key things to know.

• PDRS = Peak Demand Reduction Scheme : this is the official name of the solar battery rebate in NSW. As you might guess it is all about installing more batteries to reduce peak demand on the power grid.
• PRC = Peak Reduction Certificate : These are the battery rebate certificates that are issued for each battery installation.
• VPP = Virtual Power Plant : A VPP is a program that solar battery owners can sign up to. It means that in times of peak electricity demand on the grid the VPP operator can take the power stored in your battery. They pay you for it and feed it into the grid to meet the grid demand. This is the second part of peak reduction.

HOW MUCH IS THE SOLAR BATTERY REBATE NSW WORTH?

If you qualify, the battery rebates will be worth:

Savings of $1,600 to $2,400 on the cost of a battery. The rebate depends on the size of the battery and the geographic location. The solar needs to be in place when the battery is installed. A 10kWh battery will have a rebate of $2,000.

Rebates of $250 to $400 if you connect to a VPP. To get these your battery must have 6 years warranty left when you sign up (most come with 10-year warranty). Over the life of the battery, you can claim these only twice and there must be a 3-year gap between applying.

One important point to consider is VPP’s are a great concept. However, it may affect the warranty if the battery is cycled (drained and charged) multiple times a day as it can shorten the battery life.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THE NSW SOLAR BATTERY REBATE

To qualify for the NSW government rebate, we understand that:

• If you already have solar panels, you’re eligible for the battery installation rebate.
• If you don’t have solar panels yet, the battery incentive can be included in the quote for a new system that has solar panels and a battery. The solar must be connected to the grid first before the battery is installed. DO NOT wait until November to order your solar and battery
• It must be a new battery on the scheme’s approved battery list – existing batteries don’t qualify
• If the property already has an existing battery, a new battery installed at the same address will not qualify
• If the property already has an existing battery, a new battery installed at the same address will not qualify
• Use a program approved CEC certified solar installer
• If you want the VPP rebate the battery must meet the 6-year battery warranty requirement

WHAT SOLAR BATTERIES QUALIFY FOR THE REBATE?

The batteries on the approved list will have to meet certain specifications including:

• Storage size between 2 and 28kW
• 10-year product warranty
• Operate in a temperature range of -10 to 50°C.
• Usable capacity of at least 70% after 10 years
• Have a battery management system and internet connection for control and monitoring of the battery and allowing the battery to connect to a VPP

It seems likely that all current CEC approved batteries will be eligible for rebates (to be confirmed).

PREPARE NOW FOR THE HOME BATTERY REBATE IN NSW

With the new incentives launched on November 1, 2024, it’s a smart idea to start planning now. Avoid the mad rush in November.

• Research : Look into battery options from CEC accredited installers. Prepare questions to ask about the incentives and the installation process.
• Get Solar Now : If you don’t have solar do not wait until November 1 to order your solar and battery. Order now or you will be jammed into a long queue of customers waiting for both solar and batteries. The solar can be installed now ready to take the battery after Nov 1 so you get the battery rebate.
• Budget : Factor the rebate into your budget. While the upfront cost of battery storage can be substantial, the long-term savings on energy bills make it a worthwhile investment.
• Act Early : Given the potential increase in demand and the possibility of price adjustments, it may be beneficial to start the process early to secure the best deals and avoid delays.
• Solar Rebates Fall in January : Keep in mind the solar system rebate (STC’s) decreases on 1 Jan 2025. This means that if your solar installation is still in the queue, you will pay more for the solar system.

IS THE NSW BATTERY REBATE RIGHT FOR YOU?

The NSW Battery Rebate is a great opportunity for homeowners and businesses who already have a solar system installed. Obviously, the system needs to be of a sufficient size and produce enough excess energy to support a battery.

In some instances, it might be advisable to invest in a new battery and additional solar combo, taking advantage of the Federal solar and the separate NSW battery rebate.

After a thorough analysis of your system production and power bills, a Captain Green Solar consultant can offer a precise proposal to maximize your home’s solar production and financial return on a battery investment.

Here are some factors to consider which might make a battery worthwhile:

• Are you looking to lower your electricity bills permanently?
• Do you want to reduce your reliance on energy retailers & the grid?
• Do you have enough rooftop space for a solar system big enough to support a solar battery?

SO WHY CHOOSE CAPTAIN GREEN?

The team at Captain Green Solar is committed to helping you understand the new NSW battery rebates and make the most of your solar investment. Book a meeting with one of our solar experts, they will design the right solar and battery system for your needs. Our team will assist you with:

• Understanding Incentives : We’ll explain how the new battery incentives work and how you can benefit from them.
• Choosing the Right System : We’ll help you select the best battery and solar system for your needs and budget.
• Accredited Installation : Our CEC accredited installers ensure a seamless and efficient installation process, applying the incentives directly to your costs.
• Ongoing Support : From initial meeting to post-install support, we’re here to answer your questions and ensure you’re satisfied with your solar and battery system.
• Proven Experience : Unlike other solar companies, we have been established for over a decade, long enough to demonstrate a solid reputation and prove that we honor our customer warranty and stand behind your solar power system.
• Best Value : If you happen to find a lower qualified price for the same product, we will try our best to either beat it or match it. We want you to have peace of mind that you are getting the best value out of your solar system.
• Trusted for over 14 years (Established since 2010) : We are proud of being one of the top solar companies in Australia. Established since 2010, we have installed over 276585 of the best solar panels in Australia. Our history and long establishment speaks for itself.
• 100% Australian Owned and Operated : We are one of Australia’s longest serving solar companies. We only employ local qualified staff and work with the best solar installers.
• Quality Assurance : Since installing solar panels in Australia, we have tested many products and brands. Many have come and gone. We have learnt from the mistakes of our past competitors. We carefully ‘hand pick’ the best quality solar panels to offer you.
• Industry Wide Endorsement : We are an Approved Solar Retailer of the NETCC. We carry various industry accreditations, recognitions and memberships. We are ‘Veterans’ of Solar power in Australia, being around since the Early Adoption Phase.

CONCLUSION

The New South Wales (NSW) Solar Battery Rebate, a government initiative aimed at supporting households to adopt solar battery storage. This program was designed to help NSW residents reduce their electricity bills and reliance on the grid by offering financial incentives for installing solar battery systems. Over its run, the rebate enabled thousands of households to make sustainable energy choices more affordable and accessible. The conclusion of this initiative marks a shift towards new energy strategies and solutions, reflecting the evolving landscape of renewable energy policies in NSW.