THE HON CHRIS BOWEN MP
Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Member for McMahon
ALISON BYRNES MP
Member for Cunningham
FIONA PHILLIPS MP
Member for Gilmore
Carol Berry MP
Member for Whitlam
The Federal Government is helping households, small businesses and community groups bring down their energy bills with the roll out of the Cheaper Home Batteries program.
One in three Australian households have rooftop solar – but only one in 40 have a solar battery.
The Albanese Labor Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program is addressing this by providing all Australians with significant support - covering 30% of the cost of a home battery.
Across the Illawarra and South Coast, there have been nearly 85,000 solar installations generating nearly 500 megawatts of solar power – making the region a solar powerhouse, and creating significant local interest in solar batteries.
The program’s subsidy is scaled to the size of the battery installed, allowing households to choose an option that suits both their needs and budget. For an average 11.5-kilowatt hour battery, which typically costs around $14,000, the subsidy covers about 30% - saving households roughly $4,000.
Smaller batteries benefit too: a 5-kilowatt hour battery, which usually costs about half as much, will be discounted by around $1,800 under the scheme.
With a solar battery, households can store that solar power from the middle of the day and use the power during peak usage times. Those installing a new solar and battery system could save up to $2,300 a year – which will be up to 90 per cent of a typical family electricity bill.
Australia is already a world leader in rooftop solar. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is expected to drive over 1 million new battery installations and will further strengthen our international position in the race to decarbonize.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY CHRIS BOWEN:
“Australia is a solar nation – with the highest rate of rooftop solar anywhere in the world. Household batteries are the next step in building on this success.
“This will be a game changer for energy bills - slashing up to 90 per cent off your energy bill from day one. And with those savings on bills people will be able to pay down the cost of their battery faster.
“Batteries are good for bills and good for the grid because it means getting more cheap, fast, safe solar energy available in our homes night or day, when and where it’s needed.”
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM, ALISON BYRNES MP
“I know that local people across the Illawarra are wanting to embrace cleaner, cheaper energy, and one of the best ways to do this is through solar and battery investment.”
“Batteries have been out of reach for so many people because of high prices, so this program will help make owning a battery a reality for so many people - driving down energy bills, increasing energy security and reducing emissions across our region.”
“I am absolutely thrilled that the Albanese Government is providing this critical cost of living relief.”
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MEMBER FOR GILMORE, FIONA PHILLIPS MP
“A cheaper home battery means you can store your cheap solar power for when you need it, slashing your bills for good, and helping to push down peak demand, benefitting the whole community.”
“Solar batteries will help households reduce their reliance on the grid – and take back control of their power bills.”
“This is great news for local households struggling with the cost of living, great news for local businesses – and great news for our environment.”
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MEMBER FOR WHITLAM, CAROL BERRY MP
“Rooftop solar has a major role to play in our transition to a clean energy future. Solar batteries can make a real difference in bringing down household energy bills.”
“I am proud that the Federal Government is delivering this initiative and hope many households in the Whitlam electorate will benefit.”
