The West Australian solar battery rebate and interest-free loan proposed by the Cook government will present an appealing opportunity for customers should Labor be re-elected on March 8. With a capped $328 million package, how are you more likely to secure your position for a share of $5000 off the cost of an energy storage solution?
Contents
- Use existing solar rebates to be battery 'rebate ready' on July 1, 2025
- Buy solar now with a 'hybrid' inverter, order battery in advance to be stock ready.
- Proposed offer factors 20,000 out of 900,000 dwellings in Western Australia.
Homeowners with existing solar energy systems are in the best position to take advantage of the proposed Labor government solar battery rebate. Should the election results continue as the polls are leaning, a buying surge will occur on July 1, when the proposed solar battery rebate would come into play.
But with $328 million budgeted for the state: the Synergy network ($5000 per household), the Horizon network ($7,500 per household), and a means-tested $10,000 per household interest-free loan component, the allocated money is likely to evaporate with strong demand. A consideration that, with foresight, will ensure your allocation of the West Australian solar battery rebate.
The $328 million allocated will service an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 of approximately 900,000 dwellings in Western Australia. Using alternative state-based solar battery rebate schemes around Australia as a guide, these state-incentivised schemes evaporate fast. In these scenarios, choreographed actions can ensure candidates are best-prepared households for the proposed West Australian solar rebate.
Battery rebate allocation and stock availability will be first-in-first-served. Here are a few considerations to ensure you have time to adequately research providers and technology with system/ordering readiness in place.
- DC-coupled battery approvals through an existing hybrid inverter experience fewer delays with Western Power for grid connection.
To be physically prepared, add a solar-only system with a hybrid inverter. Hybrid inverters refer to the hybrid power input they can receive. In this instance, a hybrid solar inverter can accommodate a solar generation input and a [nominated] DC-connected energy storage option (separate from the grid) while delivering usable AC output power for your home. Hybrid inverters can also accommodate AC-coupled batteries if you choose (connected to the inverter via the home’s power supply).
Hybrid inverters act as a central component of its combined energy system. With DC separation, DC-coupled battery approvals through Synergy and Western Power are more straightforward, as application delays occur with AC-coupled devices considered additional grid ‘load’.
- A pre-ordered battery ensures your product is allocated, approved and ready to use in the WA solar battery rebate race.
To be physically prepared, add a solar-only system with a hybrid inverter. Hybrid inverters refer to the hybrid power input they can receive. In this instance, a hybrid solar inverter can accommodate a solar generation input and [nominated] DC-connected energy storage options while delivering usable AC output power for your home.
The hybrid inverter acts as a central component for the combined energy function of the entire system. DC-coupled batteries now become more straightforward as most grid connection approval delays occur due to additional inverter capacity for the grid.
Perth Solar Warehouse can assist through an express quote ›
- Cost-per-kWh assists in normalising energy density values between products and ensures a value-added WA solar battery rebate.
Solar rebate-eligible battery options will be plentiful, so it’s essential to syphon through the jargon. In conjunction with a one-off $5000 rebate is the means-tested option of a 10-year interest-free loan component to bridge any surplus cost gap for those less likely to afford a subsidised battery system. However, getting lost in the numbers is easy when receiving a product with no upfront costs. A good way to compare solar battery value is on a cost-per-kWh level to better understand energy density value. Example:
- A 5kW/ 5 kWh battery costs $7,500 under the proposed WA solar battery rebate. The energy density value is $1500 per kWh. ☹️
- A 5kW/ 10 kWh battery costs $5,000 under the propsed WA solar battery rebate. The energy density value is $500 per kWh 🙂
Caution point: Varying battery performance warranties shift energy density value through degrading factors and manufacturer bankability. An installation company serves as your overall system warranty holder. For a more assured system warranty, focus on locally proven qualities and a business reputation aligned with the warranted period.
- Considering a locally proven installer is an improved consideration for aftercare and system warranty assurance.
The solar and battery system company providing the system remains integral to significant ongoing system functions—they’re a purchaser’s first call should assistance be required. A locally proven provider facilitates availability within the same time zone and is a direct point of contact for manufacturers in an aftercare scenario.
In a sea of national solar companies gravitating towards incentivised state-based schemes as they arise, Perth has a solid list of high-ranking local solar companies to consider as proven home energy system facilitators. The linked article below provides in-depth guidance on a balance of business refining factors and a shortlist of local solar companies with a reputable track record for the proposed WA solar battery rebate.
Local edition: Top 10 solar companies in Perth
The details remain thin other than a few defining factors. A subsidised home solar battery opportunity is promising for homeowners looking to maximise their solar energy savings and the Synergy and Horizon Power electricity networks. Here’s what we know:
- $387 million total package for eligible customers connected to the Synergy and Horizon Power electricity network.
- 20-30,000 households from 900,000 state dwellings will be able to access the battery rebate from the budget allocated and an average rebate/loan value.
- Framework similar to successful existing Australian state-based rebate models.
- Up to $5000 off the battery cost on the Synergy network [capacity and approved product/installer defined]. No further information is currently available.
- Up to $7500 off the battery cost on the Horizon Power network [capacity and approved product/installer defined]. No further information is currently available.
- A $10,000 mean-tested interest-free loan will be available for low to middle-income households to assist in bridging the adoption cost gap beyond the rebate amount. No further information is currently available.
- High-income households will be excluded from the interest-free loan component.
Image: WA Labor social media advertisement for the WA solar battery rebate/Residential Battery Scheme.
