Regional Queenslanders are jumping on board the next wave of renewable energy, with solar and battery installation grants disappearing quickly.
There are over 2150 applications on the State Government’s books already, the clock is ticking on the scheme, which offers grants of $3000 and interest-free loans of up to $6000 for batteries, and $10,000 for combined solar-battery installations.
The scheme offers loans and grants for households and local businesses installing panels and batteries. Solar power is used to charge the batteries, which then can be used during peak electricity periods to reduce electricity costs.
BACKGROUND
To apply for solar, battery or solar and battery package:
• Get a quote from an eligible battery supplier for an eligible battery system. You can find a list of eligible suppliers and batteries online at www.qld.gov.au/batteryloans
• Apply online at www.qld.gov.au/batteryloans
• Get approved
• Tell your supplier you’re approved and get your system installed. (You cannot get it installed before approval, or you’re not eligible.)
• Get back online to have your approved dollar amount paid to your supplier
• You have six months from approval to get your system installed
COMMENTS
Sorry, based on the information provided you are not eligible. The interest-free loans for solar program is only available to households that receive Family Tax Benefit Part B.
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Hi @steve-noosa,
Thank you for your comment. Brett here from Sandy’s office. Yes as you explore the eligibility criteria there are some differences in the programs. In short, if you are after the interest free loan for solar, then you must receive the Family Tax Benefit Part B. If you are seeking a Solar & Battery combined package, there is a rebate of $3,000 available and also a $10,000 interest free loan which is not means tested. Please refer to https://www.qld.gov.au/about/newsroom/grants-and-interest-free-loans-for-solar for more information, or contact our office if need be. Many thanks again for you feedback.
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And if you have exisiting solar panels, you are not eligible for a battery loan. I feel the ads for these grants are misleading. Why should we not be eligible for a grant to further help the environment?
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Thankyou @drjang
for your comment. Brett here from Sandy’s office. You make a valid point here and we will be making an enquiry to the Minister’s Department around the eligibility criteria, to see if it is staged or what the longer term rollout plans may be to the wider community cross-section. we will update here on 360 as soon as we receive a reply. Many thanks.
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Thanks Brett. It doesn’t make sense to me – they have a panel and battery grant package and a battery grant. So if you don’t have panels why would you want a battery…And if you do, then apply for the joint grant.
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Hi @drjang
Brett here again. I have referred to the following link regarding to applying for a loan and grant for a battery, it appears it is available now if you are a home owner and as long as you don’t get the 44 cent feed in tariff. You can’t use the scheme to replace existing solar panels but certainly to get a battery. Here is the link and let us know how you go… https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/qld/community/cost-of-living-support/eligibility-checker Regards
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Thanks Brett. So if we get the 44cent tariff, meaning we have been helping the environment for quite a number of years, we don’t get a grant. Bit tough when solar panels were way more expensive when we had them installed than they are now. I think the Government is being a bit penny pinching here ☹️