Solar and battery Gov support

You may qualify for various assistance on solar and solar battery power or other energy related Government support.
Eligibility conditions vary, and may change from time to time. Find the latest information below.
For more information for Government energy rebate avaiblitie and eligiblities visit https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates

NSW
QLD
SA
Business air conditioner discount

Overview

The Discounted energy-efficient air conditioners program provides eligible New South Wales small businesses with a discount of between $200-$1,000 off the installation price buying a high-efficiency air conditioner through an approved installer.

The installation discount will depend on the size of the air conditioned installed.

Benefits

a. receive $1,000 for installing a minimum 3.5 star energy rated air conditioner with 10kW capacity

b. receive $500 for installing a minimum 4 star energy rated air conditioner with 5kW capacity

c. receive $200 for installing a minimum 5.5 star energy rated air conditioner with 2.5kW capacity

d. reduce your electricity use, bills and greenhouse gas emissions

Key eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, you must:

a. be a New South Wales small business that uses a certain amount of energy annually

b. be on a small business tariff with your energy retailer

c. buy an eligible air conditioner

d. use an approved installer to purchase and install your air conditioner

e. own your business premises or have approval from your landlord to install the air conditioner

f. consent to your data being collected

For more information please go to website

Electricity feed-in tariff

Overview

Feed-in tariffs for renewable energy pay for excess electricity generated by small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) or wind power systems.

The amount paid varies between different retailers and can be compared using the Energy Made Easy website.

Benefits

Receive payment for excess electricity generated and fed back into the electricity grid.

Financial assistance to help with the cost of installing a small-scale solar system under the Australian Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) may also be available

Feed-in credits or payments you receive may have implications if you receive any Centrelink or other benefit payments, they may also be considered as assessable income by the Australian Taxation Office.

Key eligibility

To receive a feed-in tariff a solar PV system must be:

a. installed on a household or small-businesses

b. connected to the grid within the National Energy Market (NEM) Other conditions may apply.

Next steps

Check and compare available offers at: EnergyMadeEasy website

Appliance purchase loan assistance

Overview

The No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) offers individuals and families on low incomes access to safe, fair and affordable loans for purchasing appliances and some other essential household expenses.

Benefits

NILS is offered by more than 175 local community organisations in over 625 locations across Australia. To find your nearest loan provider go to the NILS website. The NILS scheme offers:

a. loans between $300 and $1,200 for essential goods and services including: fridges washing machines electrical goods such as TVs and computers other essentials such as text books, furniture, car related expenses and dental and medical services

b. no credit checks

c. no fees, interest or charges

d. repayments set at an affordable amount over 12 to 18 months

Key eligibility

To be eligible for NILS you must:

a.have a Health Care Card or earn less than $45,000 a year (after tax)

b.have lived in your current residence for a minimum of three months

c.have a willingness and capacity to repay the loan

A NILS loan is not a payday loan or a bank loan and cannot be used for cash, bond, rent arrears, debt consolidation, holidays or bills. Other conditions may apply.

Check your eligibility and find a loan provider at: http://nils.com.au

Household energy-efficient lighting assistance

Overview

The Energy efficient lighting offer makes it easier for households in New South Wales to reduce their energy use by replacing old inefficient halogen lights with energy-efficient (light emitting diode) LED lights. The cost of purchasing the LED bulbs and having them installed by a professional is subsidised.

Benefits

a. reduced maintenance as LEDs last longer than other types of bulbs

b. reduced electricity use, bills and greenhouse gas emissions

Key eligibility

To be eligible for the program, your home must:

a. be located in New South Wales

b. have halogen downlights

Check your eligibility and apply at: https://powertosave.nsw.gov.au/households/discounted-energy-efficient-lighting-households

Renewable power incentives

Overview

THouseholds and small businesses across Australia that install a small scale renewable energy system (solar, wind or hydro) or eligible hot water system may be able to receive a benefit under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to help with the purchase cost.

Benefits

Installing an eligible system allows the creation of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) with a value that can be redeemed by selling or assigning them. The number of STCs created is based on:

the amount of renewable electricity the system produces or the amount of electricity consumption it reduces

the climate region where it's installed

Key eligibility

Small-scale renewable systems which may be eligible for certificates include:

a. solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

b. wind turbines

c. hydro systems

e. solar water heaters, and

Owners have 2 options for receiving benefit for their STCs:

1. assigning them to an agent, usually the system installer, in exchange for a discount or delayed cash payment, or

2. selling the certificates themselves

There are 2 options for selling the certificates:

1. through the open STCs market with pricing subject to market forces, or

2. through the STCs Clearing House with the price fixed at $40 per STC, excluding GST

Check your eligibility and apply at: http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/About-the-Renewable-Energy-Target/How-the-scheme-works/Small-scale-Renewable-Energy-Scheme

Solar PV and battery storage assistance

Overview

The Empowering Homes Program will provide interest-free loans to eligible New South Wales residents to install solar PV and battery storage systems across the state over the next 10 years.

Interest-free loans of up to $9,000 for a storage battery or up to $14,000 for a solar PV and battery storage system will be available to owner-occupiers with an annual household income of up to $180,000. All applications will be subject to normal loan assessment criteria as part of the program requirements.

Please note, you can only register your interest at this time. It's expected that battery storage and solar PV and battery storage systems will be available for installation in summer of 2019/20.

Benefits

a. reduced greenhouse gas emissions

b. lower energy bills

Key eligibility

Interest-free loans will only be available to owner-occupiers with an annual household income of up to $180,000. All applications will be subject to normal loan assessment criteria as part of the program requirements.

Next steps

Check your eligibility at: https://energy.nsw.gov.au/renewables/clean-energy-initiatives/empowering-homes

Overview

The Discounted energy-efficient air conditioners program provides eligible Queensland small businesses with a discount of between $200-$1,000 off the installation price buying a high-efficiency air conditioner through an approved installer.

The installation discount will depend on the size of the air conditioned installed.

Benefits

a. receive $1,000 for installing a minimum 3.5 star energy rated air conditioner with 10kW capacity

b. receive $500 for installing a minimum 4 star energy rated air conditioner with 5kW capacity

c. receive $200 for installing a minimum 5.5 star energy rated air conditioner with 2.5kW capacity

d. reduce your electricity use, bills and greenhouse gas emissions

Key eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, you must:

a. be a Queensland small business that uses a certain amount of energy annually

b. be on a small business tariff with your energy retailer

c. buy an eligible air conditioner

d. use an approved installer to purchase and install your air conditioner

e. own your business premises or have approval from your landlord to install the air conditioner

f. consent to your data being collected

Electricity feed-in tariff

Overview

Feed-in tariffs for renewable energy pay for excess electricity generated by small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) or wind power systems.

The amount paid varies between different retailers and can be compared using the Energy Made Easy website.

Benefits

Receive payment for excess electricity generated and fed back into the electricity grid.

Financial assistance to help with the cost of installing a small-scale solar system under the Australian Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) may also be available

Feed-in credits or payments you receive may have implications if you receive any Centrelink or other benefit payments, they may also be considered as assessable income by the Australian Taxation Office.

Key eligibility

To receive a feed-in tariff a solar PV system must be:

a. installed on a household or small-businesses

b. connected to the grid within the National Energy Market (NEM) Other conditions may apply.

Next steps

Check and compare available offers at: EnergyMadeEasy website

Appliance purchase loan assistance

Overview

The No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) offers individuals and families on low incomes access to safe, fair and affordable loans for purchasing appliances and some other essential household expenses.

Benefits

NILS is offered by more than 175 local community organisations in over 625 locations across Australia. To find your nearest loan provider go to the NILS website. The NILS scheme offers:

a. loans between $300 and $1,200 for essential goods and services including: fridges washing machines electrical goods such as TVs and computers other essentials such as text books, furniture, car related expenses and dental and medical services

b. no credit checks

c. no fees, interest or charges

d. repayments set at an affordable amount over 12 to 18 months

Key eligibility

To be eligible for NILS you must:

a.have a Health Care Card or earn less than $45,000 a year (after tax)

b.have lived in your current residence for a minimum of three months

c.have a willingness and capacity to repay the loan

A NILS loan is not a payday loan or a bank loan and cannot be used for cash, bond, rent arrears, debt consolidation, holidays or bills. Other conditions may apply.

Check your eligibility and find a loan provider at: http://nils.com.au

Business energy efficiency assistance

Overview

The Energex Positive Payback for business scheme provides south east Queensland businesses with financial support to upgrade certain appliances, equipment and processes. Upgrades can include lighting, refrigeration, heating, ventilation and cooling, lifts and elevators, hot water and steam, motors, building management systems and power factor correction.

Benefits

a. upgraded equipment

b. reduce peak demand on the electricity network and on site

c. reduce your business's energy use

Key eligibility

To be eligible, your business must:

a. have an ABN

b. be located in one of the following areas:
the Beenleigh Region

the Caboolture Region
Gold Coast
inner Brisbane
northern Brisbane
south west Brisbane / Greater Ipswich
southern Brisbane
Sunshine Coast

Check your eligibility and apply at: https://www.energex.com.au/home/control-your-energy/positive-payback-program/positive-payback-for-business/get-inspired-and-be-rewarded

Battery storage registration incentive - Energex

Overview

The Energex battery energy resource register incentive provides eligible south east Queensland households with a one-off financial incentive for registering eligible battery energy storage systems on the Queensland Government ventilation and cooling, lifts and elevators, hot water and steam, motors, building management systems and power battery storage database

Benefits

a. one-off $50 payment for registering eligible battery energy storage systems

b. assists with managing the electricity network during peak demand

Key eligibility

To be eligible for this incentive, you must:

a. be an Energex customer in southeast Queensland

b.be either the registered owner of the property or the occupier of the property and have obtained the owner of the property's consent to submit an application form

c. have an eligible battery energy storage system installed at the property

d.have a battery energy storage system connection agreement

Other conditions may apply.

Next steps

Check your eligibility and apply at: https://www.energex.com.au/home/control-your-energy/smarter-energy/battery-storage/energy-resource-register

Energy-efficient air conditioning incentive - Energex

Overview

The Energex PeakSmart air conditioning program provides south east Queensland households and businesses with financial incentives of up to $400 for purchasing and installing a PeakSmart air conditioner or converting an existing air conditioner to PeakSmart. Up to 5 financial incentives can be claimed, if more than 5 are claimed then they will be reviewed at the discretion of Energex.

Benefits

PeakSmart is a solution to help manage peak demand on the electricity network.

a.receive $400 for purchasing and installing a PeakSmart air conditioner with 10kW or more cooling capacity

b.receive $200 purchasing and installing a PeakSmart air conditioner with 4kW to less than10kW cooling capacity

c. help reduce peak electricity demand

d.reduce your energy use and save money

Key eligibility

To be eligible for this rebate, your property must be served by the Energex electricity distribution network.

Check your eligibility and apply at: https://www.energex.com.au/home/control-your-energy/positive-payback-program/positive-payback-for-households/air-conditioning-rewards

Renewable power incentives

Overview

THouseholds and small businesses across Australia that install a small scale renewable energy system (solar, wind or hydro) or eligible hot water system may be able to receive a benefit under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to help with the purchase cost.

Benefits

Installing an eligible system allows the creation of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) with a value that can be redeemed by selling or assigning them. The number of STCs created is based on:

the amount of renewable electricity the system produces or the amount of electricity consumption it reduces

the climate region where it's installed

Key eligibility

Small-scale renewable systems which may be eligible for certificates include:

a. solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

b. wind turbines

c. hydro systems

e. solar water heaters, and

Owners have 2 options for receiving benefit for their STCs:

1. assigning them to an agent, usually the system installer, in exchange for a discount or delayed cash payment, or

2. selling the certificates themselves

There are 2 options for selling the certificates:

1. through the open STCs market with pricing subject to market forces, or

2. through the STCs Clearing House with the price fixed at $40 per STC, excluding GST

Check your eligibility and apply at: http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/About-the-Renewable-Energy-Target/How-the-scheme-works/Small-scale-Renewable-Energy-Scheme

Solar PV and battery storage system finance

Overview

Under the Affordable Energy Plan Queensland homeowners and other entities can apply for interest-free loans and/or grants of up to $10,000 to help pay for solar PV and battery storage system.

Householders can apply for the $10,000 interest-free loans and grants of $3,000 to purchase batteries or combined solar/battery systems.

Householders can also apply for interest-free loans of $4,500 for solar PV systems.

Small businesses, body corporates and trusts can only apply for grants of up to $3,000.

There are 3 different assistance packages available, you can only apply for 1:

1. Interest free loans for solar PV panels

2. Loan and grants for battery storage systems

3. Loan and grant for combined solar PV panels and battery storage system

Please note, grants and/or loans approved are capped.

Benefits

a. reduce electricity consumption and bills

b. reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Key eligibility

To be eligible for interest-free loans for solar PV you must:

Small-scale renewable systems which may be eligible for certificates include:

a. be a home owner

b. receive Family Tax Benefit Part B

c. have proof of electricity costs of more than $1,000 over the past 6 months, or more than $2000 over the past 12 months

d. provide proof of income to assess your capacity to repay the loan

e. agree to a credit check

To be eligible for loans and grants for battery storage systems and combined solar PV and battery storage systems you must:

a. be a home owner to apply for loans and grants

b. small business, body corporates and trusts can only apply for grants

Check your eligibility and apply at: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/concessions/energy-concessions/solar-battery-rebate

Overview

The Discounted energy-efficient air conditioners program provides eligible South Australia small businesses with a discount of between $200-$1,000 off the installation price buying a high-efficiency air conditioner through an approved installer.

The installation discount will depend on the size of the air conditioned installed.

Benefits

a. receive $1,000 for installing a minimum 3.5 star energy rated air conditioner with 10kW capacity

b. receive $500 for installing a minimum 4 star energy rated air conditioner with 5kW capacity

c. receive $200 for installing a minimum 5.5 star energy rated air conditioner with 2.5kW capacity

d. reduce your electricity use, bills and greenhouse gas emissions

Key eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, you must:

a. be a South Australia small business that uses a certain amount of energy annually

b. be on a small business tariff with your energy retailer

c. buy an eligible air conditioner

d. use an approved installer to purchase and install your air conditioner

e. own your business premises or have approval from your landlord to install the air conditioner

f. consent to your data being collected

Electricity feed-in tariff

Overview

Feed-in tariffs for renewable energy pay for excess electricity generated by small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) or wind power systems.

The amount paid varies between different retailers and can be compared using the Energy Made Easy website.

Benefits

Receive payment for excess electricity generated and fed back into the electricity grid.

Financial assistance to help with the cost of installing a small-scale solar system under the Australian Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) may also be available

Feed-in credits or payments you receive may have implications if you receive any Centrelink or other benefit payments, they may also be considered as assessable income by the Australian Taxation Office.

Key eligibility

To receive a feed-in tariff a solar PV system must be:

a. installed on a household or small-businesses

b. connected to the grid within the National Energy Market (NEM) Other conditions may apply.

Next steps

Check and compare available offers at: EnergyMadeEasy website

Appliance purchase loan assistance

Overview

The No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) offers individuals and families on low incomes access to safe, fair and affordable loans for purchasing appliances and some other essential household expenses.

Benefits

NILS is offered by more than 175 local community organisations in over 625 locations across Australia. To find your nearest loan provider go to the NILS website. The NILS scheme offers:

a. loans between $300 and $1,200 for essential goods and services including: fridges washing machines electrical goods such as TVs and computers other essentials such as text books, furniture, car related expenses and dental and medical services

b. no credit checks

c. no fees, interest or charges

d. repayments set at an affordable amount over 12 to 18 months

Key eligibility

To be eligible for NILS you must:

a.have a Health Care Card or earn less than $45,000 a year (after tax)

b.have lived in your current residence for a minimum of three months

c.have a willingness and capacity to repay the loan

A NILS loan is not a payday loan or a bank loan and cannot be used for cash, bond, rent arrears, debt consolidation, holidays or bills. Other conditions may apply.

Check your eligibility and find a loan provider at: http://nils.com.au

Home and business energy incentives

Overview

The Retailer Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES) can help eligible South Australian households and businesses with a range of special offers and incentives to save energy. These are available from energy retailers and their contractors.

Benefits

Households and businesses may be able to receive free or discounted energy efficiency activities from energy retailers participating in the REES.Typical activities include installing energy efficient lighting, or installing water efficient shower heads, helping to save water heating costs.

Key eligibility

All South Australian households and businesses may be eligible to participate.

Residents in concession or low income groups could be eligible for a free energy audit.

Other conditions may apply.

Check your eligibility and apply at: https://www.escosa.sa.gov.au/industry/rees/overview/rees-overview

Renewable power incentives

Overview

THouseholds and small businesses across Australia that install a small scale renewable energy system (solar, wind or hydro) or eligible hot water system may be able to receive a benefit under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to help with the purchase cost.

Benefits

Installing an eligible system allows the creation of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) with a value that can be redeemed by selling or assigning them. The number of STCs created is based on:

the amount of renewable electricity the system produces or the amount of electricity consumption it reduces

the climate region where it's installed

Key eligibility

Small-scale renewable systems which may be eligible for certificates include:

a. solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

b. wind turbines

c. hydro systems

e. solar water heaters, and

Owners have 2 options for receiving benefit for their STCs:

1. assigning them to an agent, usually the system installer, in exchange for a discount or delayed cash payment, or

2. selling the certificates themselves

There are 2 options for selling the certificates:

1. through the open STCs market with pricing subject to market forces, or

2. through the STCs Clearing House with the price fixed at $40 per STC, excluding GST

Check your eligibility and apply at: http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/About-the-Renewable-Energy-Target/How-the-scheme-works/Small-scale-Renewable-Energy-Scheme

Solar home battery assistance

Overview

The South Australian Home Battery Scheme assists households to access state government subsidies and loans of up to $6000 to pay for the installation of home battery systems.

The subsidy is available to all South Australians, however energy concession holders can access a higher subsidy, ensuring low-income households are supported to access the scheme.

While the subsidy applies to the battery only, households can apply for finance through the Australian Government's Clean Energy Finance Corporation to purchase new or additional solar panels as well as the battery system.

Benefits

a. lower energy prices

b. increased stability to the grid

c. protection during a grid outage

d. reduce the use of fossil fuels

Key eligibility

You need to live in a home in South Australia.

Check your eligibility and apply at: https://homebatteryscheme.sa.gov.au

Solar PV and battery assistance

Overview

The Virtual Power Plant initiative is now open for South Australians to register their interest. A virtual power plant is created by a network of home solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems all working together to generate, store and feed energy back into the grid.

Energy from the home solar PV and battery systems installed will provide electricity for your house. Any excess energy generated by the system will be automatically dispatched to the grid, providing additional energy to the rest of the state when it's required.

Benefits

a. lower energy prices

b. provide increased stability to the grid

c. provide protection during a grid outage

d. increase customer's visibility of their energy use via a real-time app

e. reduce the use of fossil fuels

Key eligibility

You need to live in a home in South Australia.

Check your eligibility and apply at: https://virtualpowerplant.sa.gov.au