On 1 November 2024, new battery incentives will be available to NSW residents via the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS). The PDRS in NSW provides financial incentives for households and businesses to reduce energy consumption during peak hours, targeting devices like residential batteries, air conditioners, and pool pumps.
Changes to the PDRS, effective from August and November 2024, include revised activities and new incentives for installing and operating residential batteries, aiming to lower electricity costs, reduce power outage risks, and support NSW’s emission reduction targets.
The incentives will be available from November 2024 to solidify the Scheme Administration (IPART) compliance processes, accredit the approved suppliers, and engage and train staff for audits.
What you’ll get
For eligible homeowners and business owners, you can get between $1600 to $2400 off the upfront installation battery costs with existing solar. However, this will depend on the battery size. The eligibility is limited only to batteries between 2 and 28kWh in capacity to ensure consistency with schemes in other AU states.
You can also get between $250 to $400 when you connect your home or business to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). This incentive is available twice with a minimum of three years apart.
Those with no solar yet can still take advantage of the new battery incentives. The incentive can be priced into a quote for a new solar and battery system installation.
On the other hand, the VPP participation incentive is only available for already-installed batteries and the battery has been signed onto a VPP with at least six years of the manufacturers’ warranty remaining and meets the equipment requirements.
Keep in mind that the incentive doesn’t apply to off-grid batteries as they can’t help reduce the load.
Are you eligible?
Here are the eligibility requirements:
- You are a resident or business owner in NSW with an existing rooftop solar system
- Your solar system complies with relevant standards and regulations
How to access the NSW battery rebate
- Verify your eligibility.
- Choose an accredited supplier known as Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs). The approved suppliers by IPART will be listed from 1 November 2024.
- Get a quote and ensure it includes the rebate.
- Complete the installation and confirm that it meets all safety and technical requirements.
- If you want to take advantage of the VPP rebate, you can connect to a VPP with the help of your solar installer.
