In Blog, Inverters, Micro Inverters & Optimisers

Ever-evolving technologies are reshaping the landscape of solar energy, making it not only environmentally conscious but also financially appealing. With the recent announcement of a generous $4000 rebate through the QLD Government Solar Battery Rebate, the dynamics of solar batteries are undergoing a significant shift. This incentive has sparked considerable interest, leading many to view it as an opportune moment to embrace solar batteries in QLD.

The QLD Government’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices is evident in this rebate program, aiming to empower households and propel the state towards a greener, more energy-efficient future. As we explore the possibilities this rebate brings, it becomes clear that now is a compelling time to consider if integrating solar batteries into your energy strategy would be in your best interest.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the various aspects of this rebate, shedding light on its potential to enhance your energy independence and the possibility of long-term financial savings.

Tesla

FROM AN ENVIRONMENTAL STANDPOINT

At its core, the Queensland Solar Battery Rebate Program 2024 encourages the widespread adoption of solar technology, heralding a significant shift towards cleaner, greener energy solutions. The QLD solar battery rebate encourages the adoption of solar technology, which harnesses energy from the sun, a renewable and virtually limitless resource. 

How exactly does a solar battery fit into your solar power system? Any power you generate during daytime through your solar power system and don’t use (excess power), is stored in a solar battery. At night, when solar generation has stopped, the battery kicks in to provide the household with that excess power. This maximises your use of self-generated solar energy, reducing reliance on the grid. This also means you significantly lower your carbon footprint and become a contributor to a more sustainable future.

You can learn more about solar batteries by checking the following links:

By transitioning to solar energy, QLD households reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, which are finite resources and major contributors to air and water pollution. Solar technology generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which are major drivers of climate change. 

Therefore, increased adoption of solar technology facilitated by the QLD solar battery rebate can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. By promoting a cleaner energy future, the rebate contributes to environmental sustainability, preserving ecosystems, and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

Newly installed solar panel

FROM AN ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE

Beyond its environmental benefits, the rebate presents compelling economic incentives for QLD homeowners. The scheme provides rebates of up to $4,000 to qualified homeowners in Queensland, supported by a combined investment of $24 million from both federal and state governments. This ambitious endeavour aims to benefit approximately 4,000 households in QLD. 

By investing in solar battery systems, Queenslanders can effectively harness solar energy to power their homes, reducing dependence on traditional grid electricity thereby potentially lowering electricity bills over time. The possible long-term financial benefits of solar energy, coupled with the rebate, make it an attractive investment for QLD homeowners seeking to lower their energy costs.

While the rebate offers numerous benefits, its effectiveness may vary depending on individual circumstances such as household energy consumption patterns, solar system size, and eligibility criteria.

Factors such as location, orientation of the property, available sunlight, and regulatory requirements may also influence the feasibility and impact of installing solar battery systems.

Therefore, it’s essential for Queenslanders to carefully evaluate their specific situation, conduct a cost-benefit analysis, and consider factors such as upfront costs, long-term savings, and environmental impact before deciding to participate in the QLD solar battery rebate program.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE QLD SOLAR BATTERY REBATE PROGRAM?

To be eligible for this initiative, there are specific criteria that households have to adhere to. Here’s what we know about it so far.

Minimum Requirements for the Queensland Solar Battery Rebate Program 2024:

  1. Annual household taxable income must not exceed $180,000.
  2. The rebate amount varies based on income:
    • Below $66,667: Eligible for a $4,000 rebate.
    • $66,667 to $180,000: Eligible for a $3,000 rebate.
  3. Purchase of the solar battery must occur during the program period and after conditional approval.
  4. Solar battery must have a minimum size of 6 kWh from an approved list.
  5. Minimum requirement of a 5 kW solar PV system installed.
  6. Installation must be carried out by an approved installer.
Queensland Battery Rebate Program Banner

CLOSING THOUGHTS

In summary, the QLD Solar Battery Rebate Program offers a remarkable chance for Queenslanders to embrace sustainable energy solutions and potentially secure long-term savings. By advocating for the adoption of solar technology, the initiative aims to diminish reliance on finite fossil fuels and curtail greenhouse gas emissions, thereby paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.

From an economic standpoint, the rebate provides tangible financial incentives, including up to $4000 in government assistance for eligible households and the potential for reduced electricity bills, empowering Queenslanders to take charge of their energy usage and allocate funds more flexibly.

However, it’s crucial for QLD households to meticulously assess their individual circumstances, considering factors such as energy consumption patterns and eligibility criteria, before engaging in the program. By making an informed decision, Queenslanders can determine whether participating in the rebate aligns with their individual goals and is in their best interest.

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27 Comments on THE QLD SOLAR BATTERY REBATE 2024 – ARE BATTERIES WORTH IT NOW?

Rodney Willis said :Guest Report 2 months ago

We are interested in the solar battery and we are pensioners.

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Robert Broome said :Guest Report 2 years ago

This is a fantastic oped. Thank you. Have you updated, the article since 2018? Electricity costs are considerably higher now.

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Mark C said :administrator Report 3 years ago

Hi T. Nesbitt. Yes. You'd need to decide how much you are actually feeding back to the grid. If you are only sending back $20/qtr, and your bill is still over $300/qtr then it may be worth upgrading and losing your feed in.

    Nevill J Fox said :Guest Report 3 years ago

    Thank you for such a considered piece.

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    T Nesbitt-Foster said :Guest Report 3 years ago

    System was installed November 2010, 8 panels 1.5 inverter (re-furbished 2017). Is $0.44c stopped if solar system is increased?

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    Mark C said :administrator Report 4 years ago

    Hi Stephen, sorry for the delayed reply. No, if you add another system or a battery you will lose your 54c feed-in tariff. How much are you selling back to the grid each quarter? If you only feed in $100 or less a quarter and you still have a $300 power bill or more, then maybe it's worth considering upgrading your solar anyway.

      Steve Brown said :Guest Report 4 years ago

      With a 3 phase supply and existing 3kw solar on a separate phase at 54 cent feed-in, the possibility of installing a second pv system with a battery to offset our residual bill of $500/qtr is of interest. In our case, power cost is somewhere between the 25c grid tariff and the 54c feed-in so the numbers might be different?? This assumes that we can install a second system on the house phase without compromising the 54c contract. Any comments welcome.

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      Shane Lee said :Guest Report 5 years ago

      thanks Mark. good to know if i choose that inverter. started initial discussions with companies down here in melbourne.

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      Mark C said :administrator Report 5 years ago

      Hi Shane, we've been meaning to do a review on Solar Analytics. It's definitely the best monitoring on the AC side of your inverter. It doesn't monitor the DC side which is why we still use our Fronius inverter monitoring, and for simplicity of using 1 platform, we also install the Fronius Smart Meter for the AC consumption monitoring. A lot of faults can be picked up with DC data and SA just can't give you that. But like Taco girl says: why can't we have both :)

        Shane Lee said :Guest Report 5 years ago

        thanks Ben Ive been doing a good bit of research recently. https://www.solarquotes.com.au/solar101.html is a great place to start aswell. I think he mentions that those inverters will work with batteries in the future. Do you have on the blog reviews of monitoring? Im a sofware engineer so Im very keen on looking at data and nice graphs!! Finn does mention solar analytics. Thanks, Shane.

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        Ben Neville said :administrator Report 5 years ago

        Hi Shane. You don't need a hybrid solution for a future AC coupled option. It's only if you were looking to get DC coupled batteries in that future that you'd need a hybrid solution. However, a hybrid inverter now has no guarantee it will work with future DC batteries, so it does seem a bit pointless to fork out extra for no guarantees. LG is a high quality panel. SMA and Fronius are high quality inverters, with Fronius having the current edge in this regard. SolarEdge comes across as high end, but in reality has some significant reliability concerns surrounding it - I'd recommend reading Mark's blog on the topic and the comments at the bottom from others in the industry / public to get more of an idea here.

          Shane Lee said :Guest Report 5 years ago

          Thanks for the update Ben. I think I will wait and see what happens in that space. I am looking to get solar panels soon in Melbourne. Do I need to ask for a hybrid solution to handle a battery potentially in the future? Also I have seen some people recommend LG panels and (Fronius, SMA and Solaredge) inverters. Whats your take? Thanks, Shane.

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          Shane said :Guest Report 5 years ago

          Hi Ben, I am thinking of getting a battery with solar panels. I take your argument. But I'll play the devil's advocate here! Let's say with all these rebates, that feed in tariff prices go down. Not only that with solar surge into the grid discussed recently, that you may not be even able to feed back in at different stages due to legacy infrastructure. And in the future I owned an electric car. Would it make sense then? Thanks, Shane.

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          Tony Williams said :Guest Report 5 years ago

          hi I cannot get a proper price on batteries I prefer sonnen or power wall but there is too many conflicting prices and info. I am prepared to pay $10k for a decent battery but I cannot understand why it costs so much to install when in my case the switch box is behind the wall and it only a matter of connecting at most six wires as I am using micro inverters.

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          Kenneth said :Guest Report 5 years ago

          Reading in on this article from the Netherlands, I can only agree on the economics of batteries for solar. I am guessing that before batteries may become economically viable for solar it will be caught up by smart grid technologies using our by then widely available car batteries to offload excess solar power.

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          Ben Neville said :administrator Report 5 years ago

          Appreciate the kind words Shaun :)

            Shaun Casey said :Guest Report 5 years ago

            Best article Best research on Home Batteries for Queenslanders ever. I have read hundreds of stories over the last 2 years while waiting to purchase a battery to complete my solar system of 40 Solar panels. Thanks Ben. I have now subscribed to your news letter.

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            Mark said :Guest Report 5 years ago

            Hi Ben - I'm still trying to come to terms on what to do. I have received approval for the grant/loan. I have received two quotes both offering Phono Mono Cells (6.5KW) and a Fronius inverter. However one offer is for a large battery (LG Chem 7 KWh) whilst the other is for a much smaller battery (Solar Watt 2.4KWh). The supplier selling the smaller battery is saying that the battery is a 'necessary evil' in getting the grant + loan. And that I shouldn't focus on the battery at all rather selling power back into the grid and benefiting from EA's (or another retailers) feed in tariff. I ultimately need to pay around $300 to get the full package whereas the more expensive battery see me outlaying an additional $5k. Seems that the cheaper battery option makes more sense.

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            Lawrence Coomber said :Guest Report 5 years ago

            Hi Ben thanks for your transparent and objective advice. I have several solar customers in SE Qld still on the 44 cents Qld Solar Scheme FIT who want to change to a BESS System. Have you any advice for them on this subject regarding both the commercial viability and in particular if their eligibility for the 44 cents FIT would remain intact by the change over to a BESS system.

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            Niki said :Guest Report 5 years ago

            Hi David I can see that you but a lot of work into the maths for this. However, I have a simpler viewpoint. I have applied for the loan and grant. I will be paying back the loan over 10 years interest free for the solar panels - so they are what is costing me. The quote I have at this time is an out of pocket amount of $1000. Therefore the battery is costing me $1000. Going by previous electricity accounts, that amount will be absorbed in less than a year of decreased grid electricity usage. I can't be more exact than that as I have changed from a 5 person household to a 2 person household and don't know exactly what my energy usage will be. Even taking into account that the battery will not be the highest quality and may only last 5 years, that is still a significant saving to my husband and I. So for people who have been eager to get into solar for many years, this is a great way to get us set up with solar and batteries. We are willing to take the risk at this time because we know that there is a lot of work going into improving battery technology and the government scheme allows us to wait and save up for the best battery system when they become available.

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            Blake said :Guest Report 5 years ago

            Hi Ben, you make a good point when using the Powerwall as the benchmark, if you looked at it from the perspective of a say an LG 3.3 at just around the 3.5k mark your essentially getting a battery for very little in a combined battery and solar panel setup and the entire system on a 10 year interest free loan with no upfront cost to the consumer. the battery performance is largely irrelevant as the consumer no longer has to come up with the $7000ish for an entire system upfront.

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            Aaron Lal said :Guest Report 5 years ago

            Thanks for sharing! You have very nicely explained the role gravity played in electricity. These are all interesting electricity facts. All the best!

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            Nigel Morris said :Guest Report 6 years ago

            Excellent analysis guys. I agree batteries are a marginal investment at best and that the bulk of the savings are going to come from the solar. Having said that, I do think there is a market for people who aren't focused exclusively on the economics and might want to go ahead anyway.

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            Ben Neville said :administrator Report 6 years ago

            Thanks Peter. AGL used to offer 10.6c, but they recently announced their 20c FiT offer.

              Peter said :Guest Report 6 years ago

              There is a mistake on the feed in tariff table AGL feed in tariff is 10c/kwh keep up the good work Peter

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              Ben Neville said :administrator Report 6 years ago

              Thanks for the feedback Keiran. Like you say even without taking additional detrimental factors into account the financials for batteries don't work, so we won't worry about them yet. I also prefer SA's policy idea as it's still important to get the "battery ball" rolling.

                David said :Guest Report 6 years ago

                What about the price of electricity in the next say 5 years, has that been taken into account?

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