Queensland Government offers millions in grants and loans to boost renewable energy use

Queenslanders will today gain access to millions of dollars in grants and loans as the Palaszczuk Government ramps up efforts to encourage households to embrace ­renewable energy.

QUEENSLANDERS will today gain access to millions of dollars in grants and loans as the Palaszczuk Government ramps up efforts to encourage households to embrace ­renewable energy.

The Sunday Mail can reveal 1500 households and small businesses will be able to apply for grants of up to $3000 and interest-free loans for solar and battery systems of up to $10,000 from today.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the grants and loans – flagged in the June Budget – were the “next wave” of the Government’s renewable energy push, allowing more householders to store energy for use when the sun goes down.

“Our renewable energy generation has increased from 8 per cent in 2015 and is well on track to exceed 20 per cent next year,” she said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the grants and loans were the “next wave” of the Government’s renewable energy push.

Energy Minister Anthony Lynham said the aim of the measure, flagged in the June Budget, was to add another 1500 to the 2500 battery storage systems already in place around the state.

He said a “high energy-using household” that contributes $2000 to $3000 towards the upfront cost of their solar and battery system could save $400 a year.

“Queensland’s small businesses can also apply for up to a $3000 grant,” Dr Lynham said. “Just as we have one of the highest penetrations of rooftop solar in the world, we are aspiring to be a world leader in battery storage.”

Applicants for the grants and loans must use a supplier from an approved list.

Dr Lynham said the grants and loans were on top of the interest-free loans of up to $4500 being offered for solar systems.

Consumer advocates say government incentives could be a game-changer in boosting the uptake of battery storage.

“For a lot of people it doesn’t make economic sense yet, but there is a lot of appetite to install them,” spokesman for consumer advocate CHOICE, Chris Barnes, said.

“The upfront cost of a battery and installation means the payback time is likely to be the same or more as its warranty period. That’s not something you want with any product.

“But if people are at the point of seriously considering getting a battery, incentives could tip them over.”

Mr Barnes said, depending on electricity usage and how much solar power they generated, a household would need a battery storage size of about five to 12 kilowatt-hours. That would cost between $8000 and $12,000.

The State Government will today also launch a campaign to encourage eligible Queenslanders such as concession card holders to get in touch with their energy providers to access the $340 electricity bill rebate, with about 99,000 people yet to cash in.