NSW EMPOWERING HOMES
NSW Empowering Homes Program NSW plans to unlock up to $3.2 billion in clean energy investment and add 3,000 MWh of storage.
• The NSW Empowering Homes Program is being developed to support the installation of up to 300,000 solar-battery systems across the state over the next 10 years. • The program will provide interest-free loans of up to $9,000 for a battery system or up to $14,000 for a solar-battery system to eligible NSW residents with household incomes under $180,000. • All being well, the first battery or solar-battery systems will be available for installation during the summer months. The Smart Energy Council, which has participated in meetings with NSW departmental staff to discuss the Empowering Homes sounding paper, describes the program as ‘all positive’. “Structured properly this incentive will boost the uptake of battery storage in NSW and drive jobs and investment in the sector,” Government Relations Manager Wayne Smith said. “Victoria’s Solar Homes program has many parallels with the NSW proposal and we have successfully ironed out many of the issues that were plaguing the industry and causing job losses. This demonstrates the importance of extensive consultation with industry – and all signs so far suggest the fundamental elements are in place to deliver the optimum outcome in NSW. “If the scheme is executed as planned, benefits will include reduced energy prices for all users, due to a reduction in peak demand and, down the track, less need for network upgrades and all the costs that brings.
Nathan Dunn, CEO APAC of sonnen
30 SPRING 2019
“Importantly, it sends a message of confidence to the community that solar PV with battery storage is a real and viable option.”
sonnen steps up Smart Energy asked sonnen’s Nathan Dunn what characteristics underpin a successful scheme, given sonnen’s extensive experience in several state subsidy programs. “My impressions of the NSW scheme are favourable, given the amount of consultation taking place which is in contrast with other programs rolled out that have slowed things down,” he said. Lessons have been learnt from Victoria’s Solar Homes schemes and “There needs to be a degree of fluidity in the numbers being touted to allow NSW consumers to understand the offer and allow the market to take advantage without restricting the business processes of any of the industry.” “Clearly we need to avoid a situation of first-acrossthe-line in 90-minutes.” Turning to market demand – what are the chances of seeing enough applications for loans of $9000 to $14,000? “We are optimistic but see it as a process of education. Not everyone understands the benefits, there is still a mountain load of education and information to pass on about what to look out for. “Some of the difficulties in schemes implemented during the past 24 months highlight why education is important.” Using South Australia’s scheme as an example he said the focus is on getting 40,000 homes to take on any energy storage device, but the lowest common denominator, and major factor, then becomes price as consumers don’t fully understand how to maximise their energy portfolio. “We need to steer customers to full information on all products to enable comparisons and the best choice, with an emphasis on full disclosure: product performance, technical data and power levels which could be supplied. “Detailed third party validation should be readily available and form part of the qualification to participate in schemes,” Nathan stated. Overall, renewable energy incentive programs initiated by the states are great if they are executed properly, educate consumers on the benefits, help raise awareness and are managed correctly. “It’s about time the NSW government started to look into these sorts of incentives and programs for the benefits of the state. “They represent a huge opportunity to drive the community toward energy storage.” https://energy.nsw.gov.au/media/1766/download
