Close to a third of Queensland homeowners are keen to install battery storage over the next decade, a survey finds.
The annual Queensland Household Energy Survey found 30 per cent of households want to install energy storage to complement their solar panel systems.
The Queensland Government’s home battery grants scheme is encouraging more households to consider solar batteries. The survey also shows Queensland solar panel and battery markets growing at a steady rate.
State scheme helps householders install battery storage
According to Queensland Energy Minister Anthony Lynham, more than 2,500 households have been approved under the state battery scheme so far.
They will then receive interest-free loans and grants to install rooftop solar power and battery storage systems.
The battery scheme is part of the Government’s Affordable Energy Plan.
The survey also showed that 81 per cent of Queenlanders are very concerned (39%) or quite concerned (42%) about rising electricity prices. Yet many are missing out on available discounts and rebates.
Meanwhile, solar battery storage units like Tesla Powerwall 2 or Enphase are proven ways to slash energy bills. The Powerwall topped the survey, in fact. It was closest to the ideal balance between cost and capacity.
Key survey findings: Battery cost and bills main concern
The survey shows two main motivations for installing solar batteries – immediately reducing electricity bills (47%) and storing electricity to use later (46%).
Householders (69%) will also be far more likely to install battery storage when solar battery systems cost $10,000 or less, the survey finds. Other findings include:
- Solar panel and battery installations continue to grow.
- 26% of Queensland households have solar installations.
- 14% have battery storage (close to double since December 2018).
- Regional Queenslanders most likely to install solar panels and batteries.
- In the Outback, 22% plan to install solar panels and 15% want batteries.
- Solar PV is now widely accepted technology across all groups.
Interest growing in electric vehicles across Queensland
According to the survey, electric vehicle (EV) registrations continue to grow. Car buyers are increasingly considering EVs as models become more affordable and driving range is no longer a sever limitation.
Still, electric cars now on the market do not have large enough range, according to respondents. Most surveyed want a model priced around $50,000 with a range of 500 kilometres.
The survey showed EV adoption will really speed up when public fast-charging station infrastructure is installed.
