South Australia has kicked off its government subsidised home storage battery program with the first of 40,000 units installed today by Australia’s largest solar and battery installer, Natural Solar.
South Australia is the first state to introduce a renewable energy subsidy which provides residents with up to $6000 to help fund their home battery storage solution.
This means residents can reduce their power bills by up to 90 per cent and also reduce demand on the energy grid.
This will not only lower costs for those who install a home battery system but also reduce prices for all South Australians.
The subsidy applies for a deep cycle battery, like the SonnenBatterie supplied by Natural Solar, for a solar power system.
Customers can also purchase new or additional solar panels which can be financed through the Commonwealth Government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
SonnenBatteries are now being made in Australia and their installers, like Natural Solar, will receive priority in the rebate.
The first Australian resident to receive their subsidised battery was 64-year-old Ray O’Hara from North Brighton in South Australia.
“It’s a hugely momentous day for Natural Solar to have installed the first home battery under the South Australian Home Battery Scheme,” said Natural Solar CEO Chris Williams.
“We have no doubt this is going to change the face of renewable energy in Australia, and as one of the largest partners of sonnen in the country, we are excited to be a driving force behind bringing battery power to the masses.
“With 40,000 batteries set to be installed in South Australia, it’s clear that battery technology is no longer a product solely for early adopters.
“This subsidy represents the mainstream market, and real world savings and return on investment for households.”
Natural Solar has released a calculator so South Australian residents can work out how much of a rebate will apply to them.
The subsidy is calculated by the size of the solar battery system installed and also calculated on the kilowatt hour capacity of that battery.
The subsidy will be capped at a maximum of $5000 per installed solar battery and $6000 for Energy Concession Holders.
For example, if a customer decided to install an 8kWh SonnenBatterie – the rebate would be $4000 for standard households and $4800 for Energy Concession Holders.
“This is the first major breakaway from Federal policy by a state government, and this progressive move to back home batteries represents a significant milestone and a turning point for the country,” Williams said.
“Due to ongoing Federal uncertainty around energy policy, it is refreshing to see the South Australian government set an impressive benchmark supporting the renewable industry and specifically home energy storage which is undoubtedly the way of the future.
“We see this no longer as just an innovative product, but a mechanism to reduce energy bills and promote grid stability and independence across the country. “
Customer interest in battery power and the rebates has been incredibly strong.
Within 24 hours of the subsidy being announced, Natural Solar receiving more than 4,000 enquiries.
Natural Solar has received more than 250,000 enquiries nationally in the past 24 months for battery power.
“We are certain these subsidies will only bring the industry further forward. Feasibility is no longer in question for many consumers, and in the right circumstances, consumers can expect to receive genuine savings, protect their energy security and have flexibility for when, why and how they use power,” Williams said.
“This is all in conjunction to adding asset appreciation to properties, while also reducing their initial investment and exponentially improving the ROI.”
Natural Solar also the company driving SonnenFlat, a program that enables homeowners to purchase a solar system and battery appropriate for the size of their home and receive a $0 bill from their electricity supplier.
