Over the weekend the Queensland Government launched its Interest-Free Loan and Grant Scheme for solar and battery storage. This is an extension to the current scheme where the Queensland Government has been offering interest-free solar loan packages of up to $4,500 for up to 3,500 households.
Three packages are now available to households or small businesses, however, applicants will only be eligible to apply for one.
Available Packages:
- Interest-Free Solar Loan Packages of up to $4,500 (only for households, 3,500 available)
- Battery Assistance offering grants of $3,000 and interest-free loans of up to $6,000 (500 available)
- Combined Solar and Battery System Assistance, offering grants of $3,000 and interest-free loans of up to $10,000 (1,000 available)
Households may apply for the loan and grant, or just the grant. Small businesses are eligible for grants only.
Who’s Eligible and Whats The Process?
All three packages in the Interest-Free Loan & Grant Scheme have low eligibility criteria making them accessible to the average household and small business. If eligible the application process requires applicants to provide a quote from an approved solar or battery provider, dependent on which package is being applied for.
Interest-Free Solar Loan Packages (Households only)
Eligibility;
- On the Family Tax Benefit B
- Own your home with a mortgage
- Home electricity costs of more than $1,000 over the past 6 months or more than $2,000 over the past 12 months
- Don’t have a solar system
Step 1- Get a quote from an eligible supplier
Step 2- Apply for a loan here whilst providing the below documentation;
- a quote from an eligible solar supplier
- your most recent council rates notice
- either 6 or 12 months of electricity bills
- a Centrelink statement confirming you receive Family Tax Benefit Part B
- proof of income to assess your ability to repay the loan.
As part of your application, you will need to agree to a credit check.
Battery Assistance 
Eligibility;
- A homeowner and you’re not receiving the Solar Bonus Scheme (44 cent feed-in tariff) or;
- Small Business
- With fewer than the equivalent of 20 fulltime employees
- Are a small electricity user (less than 100,000-kilowatt hours of electricity per year)
- Not receiving the Solar Bonus Scheme (44 cent feed-in tariff)
Step 1- Get a quote from an eligible battery supplier
Step 2- Apply for a grant and/or interest-free loan here whilst providing the below documentation
- a quote from an eligible battery supplier
- your most recent council rates notice
- a copy of your electricity bill
- proof of income to assess your ability to repay the loan (if applying for a loan)
As part of your application, you will need to agree to a credit check (if applying for a loan).
Combined Solar and Battery System Assistance
Eligibility;
- Homeowner, that is not receiving the Solar Bonus Scheme (44 cent feed-in tariff) or;
- Small Business
- With fewer than the equivalent of 20 fulltime employees
- Are a small electricity user (less than 100,000-kilowatt hours of electricity per year)
- Not receiving the Solar Bonus Scheme (44 cent feed-in tariff)
Step 1- Get a quote from an eligible supplier
Step 2- Apply for a loan and/or grant here whilst providing the below documentation
- a quote from an eligible battery supplier
- your most recent council rates notice
- a copy of your electricity bill
- proof of income to assess your ability to repay the loan (if applying for a loan).
As part of your application, you will need to agree to a credit check (if applying for a loan).
What Does This Mean For Eligible Applicants?
“This is about helping Queenslanders reduce their power bills, reduce our emissions as we make the transition to a renewable future.” Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham
Homes and small businesses being able to access solar and battery storage will mean not only reduced power bills but the ability to store excess energy generated by the solar system to use at night when the sun is down, and electricity rates are high.
“A high energy-using household that contributes $2000 to $3000 towards the upfront cost of their solar and battery system may save $400 a year, even after taking into account their interest-free loan repayments.” Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham
Find out if you’re eligible for the Interest-Free Loan & Grant Scheme on the Queensland Government website here and whilst you’re waiting to hear, why not check out your potential savings with our Solar Savings Calculator!
