Say goodbye to high energy bills and hello to renewable energy with solar rebates in SA. The government offers a range of incentives and rebates to help you install solar panels, making it easier and more affordable for a brighter and more sustainable future. Explore the exciting rebates available in South Australia and check who is eligible for solar rebate in South Australia.
What are Solar Rebates in SA?
South Australia offers several solar rebates and incentives to encourage households and businesses to switch to solar energy. Look into the following solar rebates in SA for a stress-free lifestyle. These include:
1. Home Battery Scheme
The Home Battery Scheme (HBS) is a South Australian Government initiative that provides rebates of up to $6,000 to eligible South Australian households for the installation of home battery storage systems. The program intends to promote solar and battery storage system uptake as well as the development of the state’s renewable energy sector. The HBS is an ongoing scheme, and applications can be submitted at any time. However, the rebate amount may vary depending on the demand for the scheme and available funding.
In addition to further lowering power costs, it also lowers the state’s energy consumption. Connecting the home battery system has the additional benefit of providing electricity during a blackout. Only South Australians are permitted access to the program.
2. Feed-In Tariffs
In South Australia, the Feed-In tariff (FIT) is a solar rebate program that pays solar system owners for the excess electricity their system generates and feeds back into the grid. The FIT is a rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) that is paid by electricity retailers for excess solar energy that is exported to the grid. The standard FIT rate is 9.8 cents per kWh. This rate, however, may change based on the retailer and the type of metering installation. Some retailers may offer higher FIT rates or other incentives for solar system owners.
3. Free Technical Assessment Pilot Program
The Free Technical Assessment Pilot Program in South Australia is a government initiative that provides eligible households with a free assessment of their energy usage and recommendations on how to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity bills. The assessment will consider a range of factors, including the property’s energy consumption, roof orientation, shading, and other technical requirements.
The pilot program is offered through a select group of accredited solar and battery storage installers in South Australia. The rebate amount goes up to $5,000.
Also Read: How to Claim Solar Rebate in WA
What are SA Solar Incentives?
Let us learn about some SA solar incentives that the government offers its citizens.
1. Small-Scale Technology Certificate
Small-scale technology certificates (STCs) are a form of government incentive in Australia designed to encourage the installation of small-scale renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. STC system is managed by the Clean Energy Regulator. When you install a new solar PV system, you are entitled to a certain number of STCs based on the system’s size, location, and other factors. You can then sell these STCs to electricity retailers or other market participants, who are required to buy a certain number of certificates to meet their renewable energy obligations under the federal government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme.
The price of STCs can fluctuate depending on supply and demand and is typically reflected in the upfront cost of a solar PV system. In some cases, solar installers may offer to discount the cost of a new system in exchange for the STCs, which they can then sell on the market.
2. Sustainability Incentives Scheme (the City of Adelaide only)
The Sustainability Incentives Scheme (SIS) is a program initiated by the City of Adelaide in South Australia to encourage and support sustainable practices and behaviors among its residents and businesses. The program provides financial assistance in the form of rebates of up to $200 for home energy with a residential efficiency scorecard and up to $1,000 for water-saving devices. The rebates cover a portion of the cost of eligible upgrades and improvements, and the amount of the rebate depends on the type and size of the project.
This scheme consists of rebates for:
- Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Solar PV
- Energy Monitoring Systems
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
- Water-Saving Equipment
- Home Energy Assessments and many more.
The citizens can make use of these offers and contribute to a better future. This will also save a lot of money and help combat the energy crisis too. Another interesting thing to note is that the government also provides a rebate on solar batteries. Let us see what is the solar battery rebate in SA in the next pointer.
Also Read: What are Solar Rebates in Victoria?
What is the Solar Battery Rebate in SA?
To gather information about solar rebates in SA, we need to understand what is the solar battery rebate in SA first.
Here, the solar battery rebate in SA refers to the Home Battery Scheme of South Australia. The South Australian government’s Home Battery Scheme offers financial incentives to qualified homes that install energy storage devices, such as house batteries. When the scheme was launched it offered a higher rebate, but currently, it offers:
- $200 for kWh
- For energy concession holder – $300 kWh
- $3,000 maximum per installation’
To calculate the rebate value, you need to multiply the capacity of the solar system (in kWh) by $200 for a non-concession holder and by $300 for concession holders. It is designed to encourage the uptake of home battery systems, which can help to reduce electricity bills and provide backup power during blackouts.
Also See: What are Solar Rebates QLD?
Who is Eligible for Solar Rebate in South Australia?
To access the solar rebates in SA, you need to know the eligibility criteria for the same. Let us see who is eligible for solar rebate in South Australia.
The eligibility criterion is divided into multiple categories.
1. South Australian Resident
The scheme is available to South Australian homeowners, landlords, and tenants who have permission from their landlord to install a battery system.
2. Customer
Only one subsidy is permitted on one property.
3. Site
The property must be a residence. It must be, authorised under the Electricity Act 1996, connected to a distribution network that forms part of the interconnected national electricity system.
4. Concession Status
The concession holders are eligible for a higher subsidy than the non-concession holders. It is based on the amount per kWh of battery capacity installed.
5. Battery System
The battery system must meet certain technical requirements. It must be installed by a qualified and accredited installer who is registered with the Clean Energy Council.
6. Ownership
To install a battery system, the applicant must be the property’s owner or have the owner’s permission. Households must have a valid electricity account in their name, with a minimum of 12 months of billing history.
There are additional eligibility criteria for low-income households and community groups, which provide higher rebate amounts. These households must also meet certain income and property value criteria to be eligible for the higher rebate.
Whether you are looking to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, or increase your energy independence, solar rebates in SA can help you achieve your goals. With a range of SA solar incentives available, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to renewable energy. So, let’s take a step towards a greener tomorrow and embrace the power of the sun.
Recommended: How to Get Free Solar Panels in NJ
