Government promises thousands of dollars in savings as part of its bold battery scheme
ONE of the world’s most ambitious Government funded home battery schemes is poised for launch, offering South Australians subsidies of up to $6000.
- Tesla’s new SA centre for batteries, cars
- Batteries plan to start for summer, to protect against blackouts
- Solar panels and Tesla batteries installed on 100 homes
- Sonnen battery manufacturer to set up production plant in SA
- Electioneering: Liberals propose $100m home battery plan
READ BELOW: What you need to know
ONE of the world’s most ambitious Government funded home battery schemes will kick off next month offering South Australians subsidies of up to $6,000.
The scheme, that is expected to get batteries on to 40,000 South Australian homes, will be scaled so that residents who apply early for a battery will get the greatest value.
The subsidy will be scaled in line with the size of the battery.
Households who because of low incomes are eligible for an energy concessions discount card will get an additional 20 per cent subsidy.
The deal means a large battery providing 10kWh of storage could receive a $5000 subsidy or a $6000 for concession holders, per household.
A small battery with 5kWh of storage per household could receive a $2500 subsidy or a $3000 subsidy for concession holders.
Currently selling for around $10,000 each, home batteries allow both backup during times of blackouts or load-shedding as well as the ability to store energy and sell it back to the grid.
The program will launch during the middle of October when a dedicated website will assist homeowners to work out if a home battery is suitable for them and choose between the approved batteries and approved providers.
Premier Steven Marshall said the $100 million project is a central plank of the government’s plans to cut the price of electricity for South Australian households and businesses.
“Households will enjoy savings of thousands of dollars on their electricity bills over the life of the battery,” Premier Marshall said.
“Adding batteries at home can be a great way to reduce energy bills but they’re currently out of reach of many households,” Mr Marshall said.
All batteries will have to be safe, reliable and capable of being recruited into a virtual power plant.
Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the scheme $100 million investment will enshrine South Australia as a world leader in the effective management of solar energy.
“The $100 million investment will reduce individual household bills and reduce peak grid demand pressure which then reduces for all South Australian households and businesses,” said Minister van Holst Pellekaan.
Mr van Holst Pellekaan said the government will monitor the rollout of the program and adjust the subsidies as required, including to ensure that means-testing for concession holders is appropriate.
The subsidy levels and the subsidy cap will reduce over time as competition in the market increases and the cost of home battery systems goes down to meet the target of 40,000 households.
A set of minimum technical requirements for battery systems has been developed to ensure the batteries are safe, reliable and capable of being recruited into a virtual power plant.
Installers will be required to be accredited by the Clean Energy Council, to ensure safety as systems as rolled out.
To supply and install eligible home battery systems under the Scheme, industry providers will be required to first qualify as a system provider.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Am I eligible?
All South Australian households will be eligible for the scheme.
South Australian Energy Concession Holders will be able to access a higher subsidy.
How much will my subsidy be?
The average subsidy is expected to be about $2,500.
However, the program is means-tested, so that concessions will receive 20% more subsidy than other households.
The subsidy will be scaled in line with the size of the battery being installed, calculated on the kilowatt hour capacity of the battery system purchased and capped a $6000.
How many batteries will be available?
It is estimated 40,000 household will benefit from the scheme.
Can I buy any battery I want?
Yes, so long as it meets the technical and safety standards to ensure that it is safe and smart.
What does it mean for my feed-in tariff?
For those on the premium feed-in tariff, they would lose their feed in tariff if they get a battery so it may not suit them. For others, they would retain their feed-in tariff for the solar they export, although by storing it they would avoid greater costs.
Do I need to already own solar panels?
No.
Do I have to own my home?
No, but it is likely that homeowners will be the first to take it up. The Government is looking at how to approve access to solar and batteries for renters.
I am a Housing Trust tenant. Can I get a battery?
The State Government is rolling out 1,100 batteries on housing trust homes as part of the Tesla virtual power plant program.
The rest of that program will roll out to more homes subject to the success of the project.
How much will it save me?
Thousands over the life of the battery.
Who runs the scheme?
The State Government will run the online portal and has met with a range of companies and providers, some of whom have indicated a potential interest in locating more of their business here or selling batteries made in South Australia.