How To Get NSW’s Solar Battery “Rebate”
Last Updated: 18th Nov 2024
If you’re an existing solar power system owner or considering having panels installed, you could save thousands on adding a home battery under the New South Wales State Government’s new incentive program.
The subsidy launched on November 1, 2024 – here’s what you need to know (and do) to take advantage of it.
The short version: If you get quotes for batteries, we will only connect you with installers in our network who can provide the rebate.
How Does The Incentive Work?
The initiative ties in with the state’s Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS). It involves installing approved equipment under the oversight of approved companies, who then create approved certificates, which are the incentive’s basis.
Approved companies are called Accredited Certificate Suppliers (ACPs), with whom installers will need to work. The PDRS certificates (PRCs) are tradeable, with values changing according to market conditions. After any administration fees, the total value of these certificates is offered as an up-front discount to the battery purchaser. So, while technically not a rebate, the term has stuck.
Extra certificates will be issued when the battery is connected to an approved Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
How Much Is The Battery Rebate?
The incentive will vary based on several elements:
- As mentioned, PRC value – which has ranged from around $1 – $2.45 in the past year:
- The useable capacity of the battery.
- Who your distributed network service provider (DNSP) is.
- Whether the battery will be connected to a VPP, which is optional.
PRC prices have been going up steadily. You can track PRC prices on Demand Manager.
Calculating the potential rebate value manually requires some mental gymnastics, but SolarQuotes has made it super-easy with our new NSW solar battery rebate calculator. Just enter your postcode, select the battery you’re considering, and you’re set.
Here’s an example of results, using the calculator.
When installed in postcode 2000, a Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh usable capacity) is eligible for 1,077 PRCs. Based on $2.00 per PRC and the full value going to the purchaser, the base rebate amount is $2,154. But if the battery is also connected to a Virtual Power Plant, it attracts an additional 163 PRCs, boosting the subsidy by $326 to $2,480 in total.
Note:
- If you already have a battery, you are not eligible for any “retrospective” PRCs, but may be eligible for VPP PRCs if you join a virtual power plant program (see below).
- If you have an existing battery and want to buy a new one, you are also not eligible for any PRCs for the new battery purchase. But you should be eligible for PRCs for the VPP for the first battery only.
- If you buy several new batteries where the collective capacity is 28 kWh or less, you are entitled to both the purchase PRCs and the VPP PRCs.
- If you go over 28 kWh total capacity, you get neither the purchase PRCs nor the VPP PRCs.
Which Home Batteries Are Eligible?
As well as being on the Clean Energy Council’s approved battery list, batteries must also meet the following criteria:
- Usable capacity of 2-28kWh (as noted by the CEC).
- Warranty of at least 10 years, with at least 70% of the battery’s usable capacity remaining at year 10.
- The system must be installed at the site.
- Minimum warranted ambient temperature range of -10 °C to 50 °C.
- Minimum warranted cumulative energy throughput equivalent to 2.8 MWh per kWh of useable capacity.
- Be internet connectable and controllable by a Demand Response Aggregator (e.g. a VPP operator).
Again, that could take some time to figure out, so SolarQuotes has made it very simple by adding a row to our solar battery comparison table. Scroll to the bottom, and the third last row will let you know if the battery you are considering is currently eligible.
On the third last row of our battery comparison table, you will find which batteries are eligible for the NSW battery rebate.
The VPP incentive
Batteries with storage capacities of between 2 and 28 kWh are eligible for the VPP incentive.
This incentive can be claimed twice, but there must be at least 3 years between claims. If joining a VPP with an existing battery, it must have a minimum of 6 years remaining on the warranty and meet certain other requirements.
For owners of existing batteries, they’ll need to use an ACP to assess eligibility and perform the sign up to a Virtual Power Plant. But if the company that installed the system works with an ACP, they may be able to assist there.
Depending on the nature of the VPP arrangement, the incentive may be passed on in full, in instalments, as a discount on a battery installation – or in the case of your VPP operator being your electricity retailer, off your bill.
Next Steps – Start Now
Given the long lead-up to the subsidy’s launch, there is plenty of pent-up demand. It’s best to act sooner rather than later, as there will be a rush. We’ve been working closely with our pre-vetted installers and consulting with the NSW Government to make the process as seamless and simple as possible.
Simply request a battery quote, or you can also get a quote via the calculator results page. We’ll then match you to up to 3 trusted installers servicing your area who will provide you with a detailed obligation-free quote for a system that best suits your needs and circumstances – or based on the battery you’ve selected – along with rebate details.
Note: Wherever you get quotes from, be sure to ask the installer if they are registered with an ACP. We’ve already asked our installers to confirm this information.
If you need more information to determine if a home energy storage is right for you, check out our detailed guides to understanding, buying and owning a solar battery, and also our guide to Virtual Power Plants.