Extra $2.8m for Home and Business Battery Scheme in 2021-22 Territory budget

The NT government will pour an extra $2.8 million into putting more solar and battery installations in Territory homes, when it unveils its budget on Tuesday.

EXCLUSIVE: ALMOST 500 more Territory homes and businesses will be eligible for up to $6000 in grants to help install solar panels or batteries.

The NT government will pour an extra $2.8 million to extend the Home and Business Battery Scheme in Tuesday’s budget, the NT News can reveal.

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The expansion will allow an additional 460 grants to be provided to homes and businesses.

That’s in addition to the 510 approved applications worth $3 million since the scheme was announced in April 2020.

Successful applicants get a $6000 grant to help buy and install a solar photovoltaic system with a battery or inverter, or to buy and install a battery or inverter for an existing solar panel system.

Renewables and energy minister Eva Lawler said this year’s budget, to be unveiled by Chief Minister Michael Gunner on Tuesday, would focus on renewables.

More than 700 homes and businesses have so far applied. Picture: AAP Image/Raoul Wega

“We want Territorians to have access to the latest and best technology as we build a stronger and more resilient power system for Territory households and businesses,” Ms Lawler said.

“Extending the Home and Business Battery scheme is one way this government is creating stability in our grid and creating more jobs for Territorians,” she said.

Ms Lawler said the scheme had so far generated over $10 million in solar panel installations, since it was unveiled in last year’s budget.

“(This year’s budget) sees the Territory focus on renewables – supporting our grid, and reaching our 50 per cent target by 2030,” she said.

“ We want clean and affordable power for all Territorians.”

“Local businesses and local families are benefiting from this scheme – whether it’s receiving the work now to install the PV and Battery system, or saving on their electricity bill in the future – this is a win-win for the Territory.”

The NT government also said it would spend anther $2 million in the Renewable Remote Power Program, half of which would go toward remote hydrogen, as part of a push to get 70 per cent of remote communities onto renewable energy.

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