NSW government to subsidise solar batteries in renewables initiative

Solar batteries will become more accessible for NSW residents as the state launches a subsidised battery initiative.

Households and businesses that already have solar panels on their roofs are eligible to buy cheaper, subsidised batteries to store solar energy.

Under the new incentive, the state government will subsidise between $1600 and $2400 of the upfront installation cost for the battery for homes with solar panels.

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It will be a one-off payment.

For homes without any solar panels, the initiative will be considered in the quote for solar and battery installation.

A $250 to $400 incentive will also be offered for connecting to a virtual power plant, and can be claimed a second time three years later.

Virtual power plants connect homes and businesses to a shared energy grid.

The incentive starts on November 1 and can be accessed through approved solar suppliers, which will become accredited over the coming months.

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Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said the initiative will help the state's transition to renewable energy and families save on electricity bills.

"More than one million NSW households have solar panels on their roofs and adding a battery will see them benefit around the clock, not just when the sun is shining," Sharpe said.

"We are bringing down the upfront cost of batteries for households and businesses to make them more accessible.

"This is a targeted action to support those with solar to take the next step to lowering their bills by using renewable energy."

It comes after a report found that Australia was not ready for the proposed renewable energy transition.

More information about the battery subsidies can be found on the NSW government website.