What is the NT Home and Business Battery Scheme?
The Northern Territory Government announced the Home and Business Battery Scheme (HBSS) as part of the Jobs Rescue & Recovery Plan to protect the NT from the deep economic impacts of the coronavirus.
The Home & Business Battery Scheme will deliver a $6,000 grant for households and businesses to install a battery storage unit of at least 7kWh to help reduce the amount of power they need to purchase from the grid.
For households and businesses already considering solar, the grant made battery storage more accessible by reducing the upfront cost. It also encouraged more Territorians to think about energy resilience, evening power use and long-term electricity savings.
Why solar batteries matter in the Northern Territory
Solar panels combined with batteries significantly reduce overheads for households and businesses by reducing the amount of power that has to be purchased from the grid. They also improve grid stability and reduce the need for dirty coal-fired power by replacing demand for gas-fired generation during evening peaks with solar energy generated during the day.
That evening peak matters because solar panels produce during daylight hours, while many households use a large share of their electricity after work and school. A battery can store some of the solar energy generated during the day and make it available later.
What the battery grant can be used for
You can use the Home & Business Battery Scheme to:
- Purchase and install solar panels with an eligible battery and inverter, or
- Purchase and install an eligible battery and inverter only, if you already have solar panels installed.
This means the scheme can support both new solar-and-battery projects and battery upgrades for properties that already have rooftop solar. The right option depends on your existing system, electricity usage and whether your current inverter is suitable for battery storage.
Battery size, funding and application dates
The minimum capacity for eligible solar batteries is 7kWh
An initial allocation of $800,000 will be provided for the scheme, funding grants for about 130 solar batteries. Applications for the $6,000 grants under the scheme will open on Tuesday 14 April 2020 .
Because funding was limited, timing mattered. Households and businesses needed to understand the eligibility rules, compare quotes and avoid starting works before the application had been approved.
Minister Wakefield said in her announcement , “We want Territorians to have access to the latest and best technology as we build a stronger and more resilient power system for Territory households and businesses.”
“Solar and battery storage is one of the best bang for buck investments for governments looking to boost skilled jobs in the regions,” said Clean Energy Council (CEC) Chief Executive, Kane Thornton. “Solar and storage reduces electricity costs, employs locals, improves reliability and helps make remote areas more resilient during natural disasters.”
"Our new $6000 solar and battery grants will see even more Territorians choose the sun and lower power prices – and create more jobs. I’m backing Territorians, solar and lower prices to get it done – we have a bright future if we all stick together.” (Chief Minister, Michael Gunner)
Who is eligible for the NT battery grant?
Businesses and homeowners can submit one application per property and per homeowner (property can be owner-occupied or used as an investment)
To apply to receive a home battery grant, you must be:
- a registered owner of residential property in the NT
- or a registered NT business
- a not-for-profit or community organisation operating in the NT in either owned or leased premises.
Homeowners that also own a business can apply for one grant for their home and one for their business.
Accessing the Home and Business Battery Scheme does not affect your ability to access eligible works under the Home Improvement Scheme, Business Improvement Grants, or Immediate Work Grants.
How to compare solar battery quotes
Before applying, it is worth comparing more than one quote. Battery projects can vary significantly in system size, battery brand, inverter type, backup capability, warranty terms and expected savings.
A good quote should explain whether the battery is compatible with your current solar system, how much usable capacity you will have, whether backup power is included, and what savings assumptions are being used.
How to apply for the Home and Business Battery Scheme
- Check your eligibility. Read the 'Am I eligible' section above and confirm your eligibility to receive a solar battery grant.
- Obtain Quotes Click Get Quotes to obtain obligation free quotes from the Northern Territory's highest rated solar companies and select your chosen quote.
- Apply. After selecting your preferred quote, apply online to receive a unique voucher through the Smartygrants website.
Important timing before works begin
Please note that eligible works must only commence after an application has been approved and must be completed within three calendar months of the date of issue of the voucher.
That timing requirement is important. Starting work too early could affect eligibility, so confirm your approval and voucher details before booking installation.
