Australia is the perfect location for harnessing solar energy. Sunlight is abundant in Australia, making it easier to opt for solar energy. Many Australian households wish to go solar to increase monthly savings on energy bills. However, the upfront payment for installing solar panels can be expensive. The government supports this cause by providing rebates and incentives to Australian households. This article will teach you how to speed up your solar energy plans and use this technology.
Are you taking the first step in renewable energy? Do you wish to decrease your reliance on traditional energy? No matter your situation, the Australian government has many rebate options suitable for your needs.
Rebates and Incentives Available to Australian Households
In Australia, the federal government offers the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). These schemes allow homeowners and small businesses to earn Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). You can sell these STCs to help cover installation costs. The STCs are given based on the energy production of your solar systems.
New South Wales (NSW)
In New South Wales, low- to middle-income households and concession card holders can benefit from Solar for Low-Income Households. The Solar rebate in NSW also offers interest-free loans for solar battery systems through the Empowering Homes Program. Australians can get up to $14,000 for a full system or $9,000 for adding a battery to an existing setup.
Victoria( VIC)
In 2023, Victoria's Solar Homes Program will give rebates for solar panels, hot water, and batteries. This scheme benefits homeowners and rental properties, regardless of financial situation. Additionally, you'll get the best solar feed-in tariff in VIC, making solar energy easily accessible.
Queensland(QLD)
In Queensland, there aren't specific state programs for solar energy. However, homeowners can still get help from the federal STC program. The state also gives a feed-in tariff for extra energy back into the grid. This is beneficial for solar users in saving money in the long run.
South Australia(SA)
The Home Battery Scheme in South Australia offers discounts for getting home battery systems, but all discounts are reallocated. However, the South Australian government has no current local discounts for South Australia. Luckily, the people in South Australia can still join the national Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Western Australia(WA)
Right now, Western Australia doesn't have any special solar rebate programs from the state. However, homeowners can still get help from the federal STC program and the state's feed-in tariff. This is available for extra energy they share back to the grid.
Tasmania(TAS)
In Tasmania, you'll get paid through a feed-in tariff if you have extra solar energy to share with the grid. Although the state doesn't offer special solar rebates, Tasmanian homeowners can still benefit from the federal STC program
Australian Capital Territory (AST)
In the ACT, the Next Generation Energy Storage program gives discounts for installing solar batteries. It's meant to help put up to 36 MW of battery storage in homes and businesses across the ACT.
Northern Territory(NT)
In the Northern Territory, the Home and Business Battery Scheme gives money to households and businesses. This helps set up solar battery systems. The goal is to use less fossil fuels and help the solar industry in the area.
Solar Plans and Providers in Australia
Choosing a solar energy provider in Australia is a tough job. It requires consideration of many factors. Australians must consider the provider's reputation, reviews, incentives and safety ratings. If you're considering going solar, it's essential to understand the various solar plans and providers available in the country.
Solar Plans in Australia
Solar plans involve installing solar panels for your property to harness sunlight and convert it into electricity. Providers in Australia offer several types of solar plans. Let's see the plans available to Australians from solar providers.
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PPA
In a power purchase agreement, you agree to lease the panels or purchase the power they generate at a fixed rate over a set period. This option can benefit those needing more capital to invest in solar panels outright.
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Solar Loan
You can easily find providers that offer solar loans. These loans allow you to purchase and install solar panels through affordable monthly payments. Once the loan is paid off, you own the solar panels and can enjoy free electricity from the sun.
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Feed-in -Tariff
This is a very popular plan used by many Australians. Feed-in tariffs allow solar panel owners to earn credits or cash for excess electricity. Extra solar energy is sent back into the grid, which helps restore the traditional energy. This can offset the cost of your electricity bill.
Best Solar Providers in Australia
Multiple brands provide solar services. We have compiled a list of the best solar providers in Australia based on plans, customer reviews, reputation, and product offerings.
BLUETTI
BLUETTI is a trusted company focused on clean energy solutions. It offers portable power stations, backup stations, and whole-house battery systems. Its solar panels make solar energy simple and accessible, helping reduce reliance on the grid.
BLUETTI uses Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries for safety and durability. Their products generate clean electricity without emissions or noise. From portable AC60 to solar panels PV350, BLUETTI offers a diverse range to meet your needs.
The BLUETTI PV350 solar panel harnesses sun power to charge devices like laptops, drones, and fridges at home or on the go. Made with advanced laminated technology and durable ETFE material, it's scratch-resistant and easy to clean for added protection.
BLUETTI units can be charged with low-cost AC power. This is beneficial for homeowners during peak hours when electricity prices are high. This peak load-shifting strategy helps save on energy costs. The user-friendly BLUETTI App allows easy customisation for optimal savings.
Red Energy
Red Energy has received top ratings, five stars, for its customer service and overall satisfaction. In other areas of research, they scored four stars. They offer fair electricity rates and decent feed-in tariffs. They have a special solar plan in New South Wales and good rates for solar energy in other states.
Red Energy's renewable assets don't produce many emissions, which is good for the environment. They also offer GreenPower at a lower cost than other companies. However, they often give discounts for paying bills on time and sometimes offer rewards like Qantas Points.
Lumo Energy
Lumo Energy is an energy company in Victoria and South Australia. Customers gave it four stars for satisfaction, customer service, sign-up, and online tools. It got five stars for value and clear bills and three stars for its solar feed-in tariff. Lumo Energy provides good rates for solar power in their energy plans.
Lumo also has a rewards program, offering discounts at stores, restaurants, and cinemas, giving customers extra savings. Lumo Energy offers different plans, such as eDeal, Advantage, and Advantage Premium, each with flexible payment options. They also offer a Movers plan for frequent movers in Victoria. GreenPower plans use renewable energy. Paying on time gets you a bonus discount on your whole bill.
Origin Energy
Origin Energy received four stars for satisfaction, clear bills, sign-up, and online help. However, its solar tariff rate received only two stars. In other areas, like research, it received three stars. Origin Energy is the biggest energy company in Australia, serving millions of customers in various states. Origin Energy also offers eco-friendly options like GreenPower and solar panels. It offers many electricity plans, like 'Solar Boost' and 'Solar Boost Plus'. To get the best feed-in tariff, buy a solar system from them. They offer good rates for solar power.
Dodo Solar
Dodo Solar sells solar energy for residential and commercial areas. They operate in most eastern states, offering consistent feed-in tariffs. Dodo Solar is known for its high-quality solar panels and great customer service in Australia. They offer no lock-in contracts and provide flexible billing options to customers of solar energy. They estimate quarterly electricity bills and spread the cost weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. The payment is made using credit cards or bank accounts.
In conclusion, if you opt to switch your energy provider, it is important to understand your requirements. Solar energy can significantly reduce your energy bill and assist you in getting government rebates. Every Australian household can benefit from these schemes, no matter their budget. This article helped to speed up your solar energy plans. Make a smart decision and go solar today!
FAQs
Is it good to have a high Feed-in tariff?
While a high feed-in tariff is great, you should check for hidden costs. Sometimes, high tariffs come with higher usage charges. You might pay more if your solar system doesn't generate enough power.
How much is the cost of the solar Feed-in tariff?
It's normal to wonder if you are a solar energy user in Australia, but FiT rates vary by location. Some areas have set rates, while others let energy retailers decide.
Is consuming the excess energy better or selling it?
You can choose what to do with extra solar power: Use it, store it with batteries, or sell it back to the grid for credit. You decide to find what works best for you.
How can I register for government rebates to get a solar plan?
To register for government rebates for a solar plan in Australia, visit the official website of the Clean Energy Regulator. You can also speak with accredited solar installers who can guide you through the process.
