Bundaberg tops Australia for solar uptake

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Bundaberg Region solar uptake
Bundaberg Region residents can take advantage of a State Government scheme offering grants of $3000 for batteries and interest-free loans of up to $10,000 for rooftop solar panels and batteries.

Bundaberg is recognised as first in the nation for solar uptake and the State Government is encouraging more residents to join the charge with interest-free loans and grants.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham was promoting the program and said installing a solar battery system could save up to $600 a year, even after loan repayments.

“It’s a great opportunity to cut your power bill and your emissions, by being able to store excess solar energy generated during the day to use at night,” Dr Lynham said.

He encouraged residents to take advantage of the Queensland Government’s scheme, which closes on Sunday, 30 June.

“Queensland has four of the top five places with Bundaberg first, Hervey Bay third, and Caloundra fourth,” he said.

“Mandurah in Western Australia ranks second and is the only non-Queensland city in the top five.”

The scheme offers grants of $3000 for batteries and interest-free loans of up to $10,000 for rooftop solar panels and batteries.

Dr Lynham said the Palaszczuk Government was investing $21 million into the scheme, including $4.8m in the 2019-20 Budget, as part of Queensland’s Affordable Energy Plan, to help make solar and battery systems more affordable for around 4000 families and small businesses across Queensland. 

“The clock is ticking on the scheme, so, check your eligibility, get a quote from an approved supplier and apply before it’s too late.”

Three assistance packages are available for: solar systems; battery systems; and combined solar and battery systems.

How Bundaberg Region residents can apply

  • Get a quote from an eligible supplier for an eligible system.
  • Apply online www.qld.gov.au/batteryloans
  • Once approved, contact your supplier and get your system installed. (You cannot get it installed before approval or you’re not eligible.)
  • Get back online to have your approved dollar amount paid to your supplier.
  • You have six months from approval to get your system installed.