The first round of applications for the Queensland State Government’s highly successful solar battery scheme closes on June 30, 2019. That’s only a handful of days away.
State Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham says potential applicants should check their eligibility now, then get a quote from an approved solar retailer before the Sunday deadline.
There are three separate packages to help Queenslanders ‘go solar’ using interest-free loans and grants. These different offers apply to solar panels, solar batteries and combined solar battery systems.
Solar battery scheme popular in Toowoomba
Dr Lynham visited Toowoomba last week, where residents are enjoying a solar and battery surge thanks to the program.
Lynham says 144 residents have already taken up the program in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley. Of these, 69 solar and battery systems have been installed. The rest will be installed within six months of being approved.
The solar battery loans and grants scheme kicked off in November last year. It offers interest-free loans up to $10,000 for rooftop solar panels and batteries like the Tesla Powerwall 2 or Enphase modules.
It also offers $3,000 battery grants to eligible applicants.
According to Lynham, the scheme helps recipients save up to $600 net per year on energy bills. This also allows for loan repayments.
Toowoomba among top Australian solar postcodes
Toowoomba already ranks fifth in the nation’s solar energy uptake. In fact, Queensland captures four of the top five solar slots with Bundaberg (first), Hervey Bay (third) and Caloundra (fourth).
Western Australia’s Mandurah is the only top-five city outside Queensland.
The Queensland Palaszczuk Government will invest a total of $21 million into the solar and battery grant scheme. It includes $4.8 million of this in the state’s 2019-20 budget.
Queensland’s Affordable Energy Plan aims to make solar panels and battery systems cheaper and more accessible for around 4,000 families and small businesses state-wide.
Apply before June 30 to avoid missing out
The government wants residents to apply before June 30 to enjoy the solar battery program opportunity. It is important to:
- Check full eligibility requirements.
- Get a quote from an eligible supplier for an eligible system.
- Apply online via the website.
- Once approved (not before), contact your supplier and arrange for installation.
- Go online to get the approved dollar amount paid to your supplier.
- Installation must take place within six months of approval date.
Queensland has some of the greatest numbers of sunny days in Australia. As a result, the state has the highest proportion of households with rooftop solar in the nation.
Find out more about Queensland no interest solar loans here.
