LNP Pushed On Promised Solar Scheme, New Battery Subsidies

The Queensland Conservation Council is urging the new-ish QLD government to make good on a commitment to providing solar subsidies for rental properties –  and to reintroduce a battery subsidy.

Among the LNP’s pre-election commitments was  the “Supercharged Solar for Renters” scheme. The program was to provide grants of up to $3,500 toward the installation of solar panels on rental properties.

“The Supercharged Solar for Renters program is a win-win, it’s good for the environment and good for the hip pocket of renters,” said LNP leader (and now QLD Premier) David Crisafulli in March last year. “Our plan will deliver practical, long-term cost of living relief to Queensland renters, while charging-up our solar power capabilities.”

The 2024 Queensland state election was held on 26 October and the LNP was swept to power. It’s still fairly early days, but I haven’t seen any mention of the program since.

“We’d like to see this program implemented as soon as possible alongside other schemes to help more Queenslanders access battery storage,” said Queensland Conservation Council’s Stephanie Gray last week.

2019-20 Solar For Renters Trial Results

This wouldn’t be the first scheme of its nature in the Sunshine State. A solar for renters trial was run in 2019-20 by the then-Labor Government, but went no further.

Under the trial, rebates of up to $3,500 were offered to landlords for installing solar systems on their rental properties, and landlords could also take advantage of the nationwide solar rebate (which is still available today).  In return for a reduction in their electricity bills (which included feed-in tariff credits), tenants agreed to pay a fair rent increase that could not be more than the savings generated by the system.

670 systems were installed during the trial in Bundaberg, Gladstone and Townsville; with a collective capacity of 4 megawatts – so an average of 6kW. Tenants of homes participating in the trial were reportedly $600 a year better off on average, and that takes into account an average rent increase of $11 per week.

Call For Return Of Battery Subsidies

Rebates of up to $4,000 were available to eligible Queenslanders to install home battery systems connected to new or existing rooftop solar power systems starting in February last year. The program was to end once the initial allocated funding was exhausted, but funding was topped up in April. The extra cash didn’t last long and the program closed to new applications in May 2024. The program, says the QCC, could be easily extended.

“More locally-generated clean energy is good news for our power bills and environment, and it gives Queenslanders the opportunity to take the power back from big energy corporations,” says the QCC. “But right now renters and social housing tenants face barriers to accessing the full benefits of clean technology, and many home owners can’t afford the upfront cost of battery storage.”

LNP And Renewable Energy Generally

The Palaszczuk government set targets of 70% renewable energy in Queensland by 2032 and 80% by 2035. While the LNP says it supports a national goal of net zero by 2050, it’s not keen on those state targets. They are very keen on a continuing role for coal and gas. So, while the LNP may implement the Supercharged Solar for Renters scheme as promised (in some form) with a bit more prodding to remind them of their commitment, new battery subsidies may be a hard sell – but only time will tell.