Federal and WA Labor agree to stack their respective home battery incentive schemes – but not in the way many might have hoped, and with a VPP twist. State pricing regulator achieves rare feat of setting benchmark solar feed-in tariff higher, and not lower, than the year before. Down south, it's a zero sum game. Clean Energy Regulator warns there will be zero tolerance of home battery rebate cowboys, as the industry readies for one of the biggest boom-times it's ever seen. New data reveals just how few solar and battery households are opting in to virtual power plants. Can government incentives change consumers' minds? Australian electricity and gas retailer offers customers cash-back reward for investing in solar and/or battery solutions, through a new partnership. RedEarth CEO Marc Sheldon on the evolution of home batteries, the company's new "Microgrid in a Box" offering, and why he's not a fan of VPPs. Plus news of the week. New home battery designed and engineered "from the ground up" in Australia launches on local market in time for the federal rebate launch. Government announces an extra $400 rebate for households who opt for an Australian-made heat pump hot water system through state subsidy scheme. Rooftop solar slump continues into fifth month, as the calm before the home battery rebate storm keeps a dampener on new PV installations. A two-pronged state and federal home battery incentive promises to roughly double the discounts available to solar households – including for joining a VPP. Clean Energy Regulator has permanently suspended the operations of a solar installation company over electrical licence misuse. New data shows the climate-friendly heating technology was installed in record number of new homes in 2024. Despite the majority of Australians thinking energy efficiency matters, complexity, confusion and cost concerns continue to stall the clean energy revolution in the home. Federal and WA Labor agree to stack their respective home battery incentive schemes – but not in the way many might have hoped, and with a VPP twist. State pricing regulator achieves rare feat of setting benchmark solar feed-in tariff higher, and not lower, than the year before. Down south, it's a zero sum game. Batteries are becoming the new norm in Australian solar schools, with more than 130 facilities adopting storage solutions. Here's what's driving the trend.
Homepage
Federal and state battery rebates combine to reach five times as many households
“Sun tax” state bucks trend and raises solar feed-in tariff, Victoria sets floor at zero
Regulator warns battery cowboys on dodgy sales tactics and rebate rule breaking
Can cheaper home batteries crack the VPP nut? Data shows consumers still “not interested”
Energy retailer offers cash-back deal to customers who add solar, batteries
Solar Insiders Podcast: Home battery storage with the lot
New Aussie-made home battery joins rebate scrum with “software so intelligent it’s patented”
State dangles extra $400 discount for heat pump hot water systems made in Australia
Rooftop solar slump continues as consumers hold out for cheaper batteries
State opts to “double” home battery discounts in merger with federal rebate scheme
Solar installer slapped with permanent ban following criminal conviction
Heat pumps have become the norm in Germany’s new homes
SwitchedOn podcast: Energy efficiency – why is doing more with less so difficult?
Federal and state battery rebates combine to reach five times as many households
“Sun tax” state bucks trend and raises solar feed-in tariff, Victoria sets floor at zero
How solar schools are powering up with battery storage