Queensland Government Announces Plan Toward Making Rooftop Solar and Battery Storage Technology Accessible

Following the announcement earlier in the week of the Federal Government’s hoped initiative to decrease residential and commercial electricity bills for Australians, the Queensland Government have taken a step further. Increased resources ensure that not only are they encouraging the adoption of state-of-the-art solar technology but also taking the step to make it accessible to households and businesses alike. 

The Palaszczuk Government have announced a $2 billion Affordable Energy Plan created with the customer-interest in mind, with a special focus in removing barriers to regional Queensland customers choosing to switch energy retailers; giving customers more control and choice of their energy retailer.

As part of this plan to make new technology more accessible, from March 2018 households and businesses will be able to apply for a no-interest loan to install solar PV systems and solar battery storage. Covering the accumulated up-front costs will ensure that customers have the opportunity, no matter their financial position to generate their own electricity and be less reliant on the grid. As electricity prices have increased over the past decade to breaking point for most households, this will ease the electricity burden on Queensland customers.  

On average, it is estimated that households will save up to $700 per year on their electricity bills by installing solar PV systems with battery storage for their home through this no-interest loan scheme.

To test relative efficiency and usability in rental properties, which has been a hurdle for landlords and tenants, the Queensland Government will also be conducting a 1000-property solar trial in which financial incentives will be introduced to landlords to install solar systems and pass on the associated savings to their tenants.

As part of this trial, tenants could see a saving of up to 10 per cent or $150 off of their annual electricity account whilst landlords can see a rebate of up to $520 per year. This initiative will see savings passed onto tenants and ease the burden of electricity costs on both landlord and tenant.

To further encourage energy-efficiency in the home and business, rebates of up to $300 will also be passed onto customers for purchases of energy-efficient refrigerators, washing machines or air conditioners.

We are very fortunate to have one of the best-suited locations in the world to generate solar electricity. We look forward to assisting our Queensland customers to install solar PV systems with solar battery storage on their homes and businesses.