Exciting news for New South Wales homeowners! From 1st November, new battery incentives will become available, and it’s all part of the NSW Government’s Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS). If you’ve been considering adding a battery to your solar system or are looking to invest in both solar and battery storage, now might be the perfect time to take action.
Here’s everything you need to know about the PDRS and how it could help you save on your energy bills.
What is the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)?
The PDRS is a government initiative designed to help reduce the pressure on the electricity grid in NSW, especially during peak times—those moments when everyone’s running their air conditioning or heating. To tackle this, the scheme offers incentives to encourage households and businesses to reduce their electricity demand during peak periods.
But how does this work for homeowners like you?
By offering incentives for batteries, the scheme encourages you to reduce your reliance on the grid by storing the solar energy you generate during the day. You can then use this stored energy in the evening or during peak demand periods when electricity is often more expensive.
What are the battery incentives being offered under the PDRS?
There are two main battery incentives under the PDRS:
- Upfront Discount: You can get $1,600 to $2,400 off the upfront cost of adding a battery, depending on its size.
- Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Connection: You can also receive $250 to $400 for connecting your household (or business) battery to a VPP. This incentive is available twice, a minimum of three years apart. Connecting your battery to a VPP allows it to help support the grid during peak times, providing further value beyond your personal energy savings.
How does the Upfront Discount work?
Under the PDRS, Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) can offer discounts to households and businesses when they install technologies like battery storage systems. In return, these providers receive the right to create certificates called Peak Reduction Certificates (PRCs) from the activity—certificates they can later sell. These savings can then be passed on to you in the form of lower installation costs for your battery system. This process is similar to how Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) work when you install solar at your home, where the installer passes on the rebate by selling the certificates created from your solar system.
Who Can Install My Battery?
While the incentives are provided to Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs), the installers themselves don’t need to be ACPs. Instead, to benefit from these rebates, you’ll need to choose installers who hold Grid-Connected Battery Storage ‘Design and Install’ or ‘Install only’ accreditation from Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA).
SAA approved installers will collaborate with an existing ACP who will create Peak Reduction Certificates (PRCs) on their behalf. ACPs are accountable for ensuring that their installers comply with the scheme’s requirements, ensuring high-quality installations and adherence to PDRS standards.
So, whether you’re looking for a solar system with battery storage or just a battery to add to your existing solar setup, it’s important to work with qualified professionals to ensure your system is installed to the highest standards.
For the Latest Battery Rebates Across Australia
For the most up-to-date information on battery rebates available in NSW and across Australia, visit our dedicated battery rebate pages here. We keep you informed of all the current incentives and options to help you make the best choice for your home and budget.
Ready to Get Started?
At Solar Market, we’re here to help make the process of finding the right installer easier. We work with qualified SAA approved installers to ensure you get the best advice and the most competitive quotes. If you’re ready to explore your options for solar and battery storage, head over to our site, and we’ll connect you with local installers who can help you take advantage of the current rebates and incentives available in your state or territory.
Now’s the time to make the switch to solar and battery storage, not just for the environment, but for your wallet too!
Interested in getting quotes for your battery or solar system? Visit Solar Market today and receive your 3 free quotes from SAA approved installers local to you and start saving sooner!
