- CG Electrical, Solahart, Solar4Life, Solargain, Solarhub and Sunstak have joined the program
- Over 1,600 battery installations have occurred
- $825 rebate for each kW of sustained peak output
Next Gen – one of the largest rollouts of batteries in the world – started in the ACT in 2016. It seeks to stimulate the rollout of distributed solar energy storage in the Territory.
So far, rebates have been provided for over 1,600 battery installations.
The fifth round of the Next Gen program has resulted in six new eligible battery installers which the ACT Government says gives consumers more choice.
The six new installers are ECG Electrical, Solahart, Solar4Life, Solargain, Solarhub and Sunstak.
In the last round, there were only two new installers, suggesting the Government is keen to accelerate the program.
Shane Rattenbury, the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, says the Next Gen program is an example of how the ACT Government is committed to being a global centre for renewable energy innovation and investment.
“Allowing more installers into the program gives households and businesses greater choice when selecting battery storage and will also promote greater competition, which in turn will drive down prices,” said Mr Rattenbury.
“Battery storage is a great way for households and businesses to save on energy bills and contribute to maintaining our 100% renewable electricity supply”.
Under the current program, homes and businesses that install a battery will receive up to $825 for each kilowatt (kW) of sustained peak output – resulting in a $4,000 average rebate.
To date, the rebates have provided 7.3 megawatts of storage output, providing households and businesses with savings on energy whilst committing to the ACT’s 100% renewable electricity supply goal.
Mr Rattenbury added the increased interest in the Sustainable Household Scheme will remove up-front costs which will allow households to access cheaper forms of energy, such as rooftop solar, through zero-interest loans.
However, work on how batteries will be featured within the scheme is still being explored, he says.
“There is also more opportunity for installers of energy storage systems to become program providers with another submission period opening next month.
“I encourage installers to apply to the program and I look forward to seeing the results of the next applicants as we work together to increase renewable energy in Canberra,” he said.
