The Canberra Times of Australia advises that the nation’s leading political parties have received a call for more household batteries. The goals of the energy lobby are threefold. The first two objectives are to lower household battery prices, and cut electricity bills. The third would be to reduce pressure on the national grid, in a nation where most domestic solar systems do not use batteries.
Why The Call for More Household Batteries Now?
The Australian energy lobby, and sympathetic academics, are asking both major political parties to support their cause. The logic behind the call for more household batteries, is that more batteries could be as effective as solar rebates.
The next Australian federal election is due to take place on May 1, 2025. The people-powered Solar Citizens movement with millions of supporters, seems to have chosen the moment to galvanize the political parties.
“Already, people with solar save AU$1,200 a year,” the Solar Citizens CEO told Australian Associated Press. “But when you add solar batteries onto that, it’s the AU$1,200 again. That’s because they’re not using power in those peak demand periods when it’s most expensive.”
Funding Home Solar Batteries With Tax Rebates
Affording solar batteries can can be a challenge for some Australian families. Residential solar batteries typically cost between AU$10,000 and AU$15,000, and then there’s the cost of installation too. Although some Australian states and territories do offer rebates and interest free loans.
“Having a federal battery rebate will make as much difference as a rooftop solar rebate,” the Solar Citizens CEO insists. “We need bipartisan support for cost-of-living initiatives that secure our utility grid,” she appeals to the two parties.“ And create energy independence while we do.”
If sufficient Australians join the home-solar battery movement, then they could provide meaningful peak support during high demand. This could save on the capital cost of new grid infrastructures. The financial benefits could outweigh the cost of a one-off federal tax rebate.
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Uninterrupted Solar Battery Power Project
