There are over 7,000 small-scale solar installations in Ballarat, Victoria (VIC) with a total capacity of 45,375kW. This makes up around 9% of households in Ballarat with home solar systems which allows homeowners to save over $800 per year on their energy bills with a solar system.
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Ballarat solar statistics
Ballarat boasts ideal sun exposure for great solar output throughout the year. Let’s take a look at some of the important factors that impact solar production in Ballarat.
Data: Weather2Travel, Elders Weather
| Month | Average Solar Hours (Peak Sun Hours) | Average High Temp (°C) | Average Low Temp (°C) | Average Cloud Cover (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7 | 25 | 11 | ~30 |
| Feb | 6.5 | 25 | 12 | ~35 |
| Mar | 5.5 | 22 | 10 | ~40 |
| Apr | 4.5 | 18 | 8 | ~50 |
| May | 3.5 | 14 | 6 | ~60 |
| June | 3 | 11 | 4 | ~70 |
| July | 3 | 10 | 3 | ~75 |
| Aug | 3.5 | 12 | 4 | ~70 |
| Sept | 4 | 15 | 5 | ~60 |
| Oct | 5 | 17 | 7 | ~50 |
| Nov | 6 | 20 | 9 | ~40 |
| Dec | 6.5 | 23 | 10 | ~35 |
- Average Solar Hours: Ballarat experiences its highest solar irradiance during the summer months, with peak sun hours averaging about 6.5 to 7 hours in January and December. In winter, solar hours drop to around 3 to 3.5 hours per day due to shorter daylight and higher cloud cover.
- Temperature Ranges: Ballarat has mild summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures peak around 25°C in January and February, while winter months (June and July) see lows of around 3°C and highs between 10-12°C.
- Cloud Cover: Cloud cover in Ballarat is lowest in summer, averaging around 30-35% in January and February, allowing for more sunlight. It increases during winter, with cloud cover reaching around 70-75% in June and July, which reduces direct sunlight hours.
Ballarat homes with a solar system
30,013
Ballarat homes with battery storage
Unknown
Victoria EV ownership
Unknown
Figures updated 2024
Why Solar and Battery Storage are essential for Ballarat homes and businesses
Solar panels and battery storage are becoming increasingly essential for homes and businesses in Ballarat, VIC, for several reasons. The region, known for its relatively high energy needs and variable climate, is perfectly positioned to benefit from renewable energy solutions. Below are why solar and battery storage make so much sense for Ballarat residents and businesses:
- Energy cost savings: Electricity prices in VIC have been on a steady rise, and solar power provides a way to mitigate these costs. With Ballarat’s ample sunlight hours, residents and business owners can generate a significant portion of their energy needs from solar panels, which reduces grid reliance and cuts down on energy bills. Pairing solar panels with battery storage can store excess energy stored during sunny hours and peak periods or at night, which enhances savings by minimising energy drawn from the grid during costly times.
- Grid reliability and reliance: Ballarat is subject to occasional power outages, which can disrupt homes and businesses. A battery storage system creates a backup power source, enhancing energy security and resilience. This is particularly valuable for businesses that rely on constant power for operations and want to avoid downtime. Homes can also benefit from increased reliability to keep essential appliances and systems running during outages.
- Incentives and rebates: Both the Victorian and federal governments offer incentives and rebates to encourage the adoption of solar panels and battery systems. These initiatives make it more affordable for homes and businesses in Ballarat to install solar systems and storage, lowering the initial costs and increasing the long-term return on investment. Programs like the Solar Homes Program and Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme provide financial support that helps make renewable energy solutions accessible to a broader population.
City of Ballarat suburbs
The following suburbs can enjoy the benefits of solar and battery storage. Contact your council to find out if your home has any restrictions or heritage overlays that may impact the installation of solar on your home or business.
- Alfredton – 3350
- Bakery Hill – 3350
- Ballarat Central – 3350
- Ballarat East – 3350
- Ballarat North – 3350
- Black Hill – 3350
- Bo Peep – 3351
- Bonshaw – 3352
- Brown Hill – 3350
- Bunkers Hill – 3352
- Canadian – 3350
- Cardigan – 3352
- Cardigan Village – 3352
- Chapel Flat – 3352
- Delacombe – 3356
- Durham Lead – 3352
- Eureka – 3350
- Glen Park – 3352
- Glendaruel – 3363
- Glen Donald – 3364
- Golden Point – 3350
- Gong Gong – 3352
- Invermay – 3350
- Invermay Park – 3350
- Lake Gardens – 3355
- Lake Wendouree – 3350
- Lucas – 3350
- Magpie – 3352
- Miners Rest – 3352
- Mitchell Park – 3355
- Mount Clear – 3350
- Mount Helen – 3350
- Mount Pleasant – 3350
- Nerrina – 3350
- Newington – 3350
- Redan – 3350
- Sebastopol – 3356
- Soldiers Hill – 3350
- Sulky – 3352
- Warrenheip – 3352
- Wendouree – 3355
- Wintrer Valley – 3358
Rebates and Incentives for Solar, Batteries, and more in Ballarat
Victorian Solar Homes Program
The Victoria Solar Homes Program aims to equip one million homes with rooftop solar panels over ten years. Those homeowners who qualify for this incentive can lower their expenses dramatically by:
- Solar panels: $1,400
- Solar batteries: Up to $2,950
- Solar water heaters: Up to $1,000
Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
STCs are awarded to Australians who mount solar panels on their rooftops. The majority of the initial installation expenses are covered by these incentives. The number of STCs required depends on the expected lifetime output of the system.
Feed-in Tariff (FiT)
Energy retailers provide FiTs when homeowners export excess energy into the grid. There are two types of FiTs in Victoria:
- Single-rate FiT: Applies one rate for all energy produced
- Time-varying FiT: Applies different rates at different times of the day
To get the most out of your FiTs, you must be mindful of peak times, usually between 3 pm and 9 pm on weekdays.
How much can I save with solar in Ballarat
In Ballarat, the savings from installing a solar system depend on its size and your energy consumption. Here’s a breakdown of potential savings for different system sizes:
- 5 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Approximately 6,643 kWh.
- Savings: Based on an average electricity cost of around 30 cents per kWh, you could save about $1,993 annually by self-consuming the majority of your solar power, assuming you use around 80% of the generated power.
- 6.6 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Roughly 8,831 kWh.
- Savings: Estimated annual savings could reach about $2,649, assuming similar self-consumption rates.
- 8 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Approximately 10,950 kWh.
- Savings: You could save around $3,285 per year if you consume most of this power.
- 10 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Around 13,250 kWh.
- Savings: With this system size, potential annual savings could be about $3,975.
Key points to consider
- Feed-in Tariffs: Any excess power fed back into the grid is typically compensated at rates between 3 to 12 cents per kWh, which can affect overall savings.
- Government incentives: The federal government offers incentives through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which can cover up to 30% of installation costs.
- Payback period: The average payback period for solar installations in Ballarat ranges from 3.4 to 3.9 years
Energy Matters’ solar and battery installation services in Ballarat
Energy Matters proudly serves Ballarat by connecting homes and businesses with local and trusted installers. Our network of solar companies provides high-quality solar and battery installations, ensuring that residents and businesses can benefit from solar technology tailored to Ballarat’s unique environment.
- Solar panel installation: With extensive knowledge of solar panel installation Ballarat, Energy Matters connects you with installers who will provide expert consultations to identify the most effective systems, allowing customers to benefit from Ballarat’s abundant sunlight and achieve maximum energy savings.
- Battery storage solutions: Offering advanced storage solutions from a range of quality manufacturers, Our installers help our customers enhance their solar installation Ballarat setup with reliable backup options.
- Ongoing support and maintenance: Support and maintenance services ensure that solar system installation Ballarat customers can rely on their systems year-round, optimising efficiency and performance.
- Financing options and incentives: Our network of installers offers flexible financing and guides home and business owners through local rebate options, making solar installations Ballarat accessible to more residents.
Energy Matters is here to help you find the best solar system installation company in Ballarat.
Energy efficient upgrades
Saving on your energy bills goes deeper than just solar and battery storage. Upgrading your home appliances can see significant reductions in your bills and your environmental impact. Here are just some of the energy efficiency upgrades you can make in your home and business:
- Hot water system: Solar hot water systems and heat pumps
- Energy and water-efficient appliances: Dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and air conditioners
- Electronics: LED lighting and smart home monitoring
- EV chargers: Installing EV chargers at home or work provides convenient charging and reduces reliance on grid power, especially when paired with solar.
