The price of solar battery storage is becoming more affordable for the average homeowner
Rebates, cash back deals and solar credits can make the purchase even more affordable
Federal initiative encourages small businesses to install battery systems by offering a tax deduction
Adelaide is offering a rebate of up to $5,000 for installing battery-based solar power storage (and $5,000 to install solar panels).
Home energy storage has been available for a number of years but price of batteries and other components have been high, making them unaffordable for the average customer. A rapid price drop and new technology is changing this, allowing customers to make the most of their solar power energy and giving the option of being connected to the mains grid for back-up or having total energy independence.
The slight catch with battery storage systems is that they aren’t subsidised in Australia like PV solar systems are. But rebates and cash back deals are often available on leading brands including Tesla, SMA and Enphase through companies such as Energy Matters, that can make the purchase more affordable.
Solar credits can also knock down the price if customers purchase a solar + energy storage solution. Although the credits only apply to PV solar panel systems, it can still be a sizeable rebate, depending on where you live and the size of the system purchased.
Small businesses can enjoy a 100% tax deduction on battery systems up to $20,000, thanks to the Federal Government’s solar incentive outlined in the 2015 budget. As well as substantial annual savings on electricity, small businesses also benefit by having a visible signal of sustainability efforts, something that is favourably perceived by many existing and potential customers.
As one of the likeliest regions for power outages during summer, there is a strong push for more people to use solar power in South Australia. In Adelaide, residents, schools, businesses and community groups in the CBD are offered a rebate of up to $5,000 to install battery energy storage. The incentive, run by the Adelaide City Council, encourages investment in solar PV and battery energy storage.
According to the council’s website: If you install a PV system, you can receive a rebate of 20%, up to a max of $5,000, of the installation costs, and for a battery 50% of the installed system cost, up to a max of $5,000.
