Solar and battery installation grants are disappearing quickly in regional Queensland, triggering a new renewable energy wave.
Pride Group confirmed the solar and battery grant scheme has helped the business expand and help residents to store solar power.
“This scheme has been a real boon for business on the Sunshine Coast, as we have been swamped with enquires from local residents wishing to install a system,” Pride Group general manager Dave Gartner said. “Our forward schedule is looking good.”
The scheme offers loans and grants for households and local businesses installing panels and batteries. Solar power is used to charge the batteries, which then can be used during peak electricity periods to reduce electricity costs.
About 140 Sunshine Coast locals have had their applications for interest-free loans or grants approved, and a further 70 are being assessed since the scheme opened late 2019.
The Queensland Government estimates regional households and small businesses comprise of about a third of the 2150 loan and grant applications to date for installing rooftop solar panels and battery systems.
“With savings of up to $400 a year, even after taking into account interest-free loan repayments, regional Queenslanders know a good deal when they see one,” State Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said. “This is a great opportunity to cut your power bills and your emissions, saving money and doing your bit for climate change.”
Lynham said the scheme also aimed to support high-quality installers like the Pride Group to help kick start the battery storage industry and new jobs.
“With more than 500,000 rooftop solar systems in Queensland we have one of the highest penetrations of rooftop solar in the world,” he said. “The next wave is to be a world leader in battery storage.”
With 2150 applications on the State Government’s books already, the clock is ticking on the scheme that offers grants of $3000 and interest-free loans of up to $6000 for batteries plus $10,000 for combined solar-battery installations.
“There are limited places still available for grants and loans and I encourage anyone interested to get online before it’s too late,” Lynham said. “For those who have had their applications approved, book in an appointment with your installer and start saving.”
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